A Guide to Viking Knives
The knife was the one tool nearly every Viking carried, from the small utility blade to the larger seax. Our knives are hand-forged in that tradition, pairing worked steel with carved wooden handles and leather sheaths. Below is everything you need to choose the right one.
Types and styles
The collection spans compact utility and bushcraft knives for camp and outdoor use, larger seax-style blades in the historic Norse pattern, and detailed display and collector's knives with carved handles. Each product page states whether a knife is a working blade or a display piece.
Steel, handles and sheaths
Blades are hand-forged from high-carbon or stainless steel. High-carbon steel takes and holds a keen edge and suits working knives, but needs oiling to prevent rust; stainless resists corrosion and is ideal for display. Handles are carved from hardwood, and most knives arrive with a genuine leather sheath for safe carry and storage.
Norse designs and their meanings
Many handles and blades carry carved runes and Norse knotwork, and some feature wolf or raven motifs from the sagas. To learn what the staves and beasts mean, read our guide to Norse mythology symbols and their meanings.
How to choose
Want a working blade for camp and bushcraft? Choose a high-carbon utility knife. After a historic look? Go for a seax-style blade. Buying to display? A carved collector's knife is ideal. You may also like our hand-forged Viking axes to complete the armory.
Care and safe handling
Keep high-carbon blades dry and lightly oiled to prevent rust, store the knife in its leather sheath away from damp, and occasionally treat the wooden handle and the leather. Handle and store knives responsibly, and always follow your local laws on buying and carrying blades.
Viking Knives - FAQ
What is a Viking knife called?
The everyday Viking knife was the seax, a single-edged blade carried for both utility and defence. Vikings also carried smaller utility knives for daily tasks.
What steel are Viking knives made from?
Our knives are hand-forged from high-carbon or stainless steel. High-carbon holds a keener edge and suits working blades but needs oiling, while stainless resists rust and is ideal for display.
Do Viking knives come with a sheath?
Most of our knives arrive with a genuine leather sheath for safe carry and storage. Check the individual product page to confirm what is included with a specific knife.
Are the knives functional or for display?
Some are working blades for camp and bushcraft, while others are display and collector's pieces. Each product page states which, so you can buy with confidence.
How do I care for a Viking knife?
Keep high-carbon blades dry and lightly oiled to prevent rust, store the knife in its leather sheath away from damp, and occasionally treat the wooden handle and the leather.
Are there laws about buying knives?
Knife laws vary by country and region. Please make sure you meet your local age and carry requirements before ordering, and always handle and store knives responsibly.
Do Viking knives make a good gift?
Yes, for the right person. A hand-forged Norse knife is a meaningful gift for a collector, camper or reenactor, provided the recipient can legally own it where they live.
