Markland Merchants – Continental Broad Seax

Designed by Markland Merchants to be a historically accurate broad seax for the serious Viking reenactor – it has a blade of tempered EN45 high carbon steel which is tempered to a 56-58 HRc hardness. The grip is Poplar wood which has been intentionally left unfinished so that the reenactor can oil, stain, carve or modify the grip as desired. The Poplar wood is ideal for detailed carving which makes this dagger an ideal project dagger for you to customize to your own liking. The blade tang is durably secured into the hilt and the length of the tang within the grip is slightly longer than half the length of the wood grip.

This light broad seax is reminiscent of weapons that have been found in archaeological digs from Paris to Trondheim. Blades like this were used by the Merovingians/Carolingians and other Iron age/ Viking age cultures. It could have been purchased at a trade center or obtained at no cost as a battlefield pick-up. These blades are very robust with both the edge and the back of the blade curving towards the tip, which is generally located at the centerline of the blade. Many examples have two decorative grooves that meet toward the tip of the blade. Some examples like this one have a heavy broad blade that is designed to defeat mail shirts. This was accomplished by thrusting it into an opponent and forcing apart and breaking the riveted links so that the blade could pass through.