The seax knife through the ages: Saxon vs Viking

Seax and Viking knife? Are you confused by the terms? The seax knife, a single-edged blade, was more than just a weapon for the Viking warriors. It was a constant companion used for everyday tasks and in fierce battles. This blog dives into the world of the seax, exploring its origins, design variations, and the many ways it was used.

Meaning and Etymology of Seax

A Seax knife, also known as a Sax or Scramasax, is a type of knife that was historically used by the Germanic tribes, including the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. The word “Seax” itself means “knife” or “cutting tool” in Old English. It is etymologically related to similar terms in other Germanic languages, indicating its widespread use and significance across different cultures within the Germanic-speaking world.

History and Origin of the Seax Knife

The Seax knife originated as a tool for everyday tasks such as cutting, carving, and preparing food. Over time, it evolved into a weapon used in combat. The Seax was characterized by its single-edged blade, which could vary in length from a small knife to a long sword-like weapon. The blade often had a straight or slightly curved edge and a pointed tip, making it versatile for cutting and thrusting.

Viking Era

During the Viking era, the Seax became particularly prominent. The Vikings adopted and used the Seax knife, not only as a tool but also as a weapon in battle, often carried as a secondary weapon, complementing weapons like swords and axes.

Material and Craftsmanship

The Seax knife was typically forged out of steel. The handle was usually made from wood, bone, or antler. The blade, and/or the handle, could be decorated with intricate carvings or inlays. The craftsmanship of the Seax varied depending on the region and the period.

The Seax was important in the Germanic tribes. It was not only a practical tool but also a symbol of status and identity. The Seax was often buried with its owner, indicating its value. The knife also appears in various historical texts and sagas, highlighting its role in the daily life and warfare of the time.

Image Credit: smith-master.com

Modern Interest

Today, the Seax knife is of interest to historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts of historical weaponry. It is studied for its design, craftsmanship, and role in ancient societies. Reproductions of Seax knives are also popular among collectors and reenactors who seek to preserve this aspect of history.

Different uses and types of seax knife

The Seax knife comes in various types, each with distinct characteristics. Here are the primary types of Seax knives:

Short Seax

• • Length: Typically between 3 to 6 inches. But can be up to 12 inches long.
  • Use: Primarily used as a utility knife for everyday tasks such as cutting food, carving wood, and other domestic chores.
  • Design: Features a straight or slightly curved blade with a single edge and a pointed tip.

Long Seax

1. • Length: Ranges from 12 to 24 inches.
   • Use: Used both as a tool and a weapon. It was effective in combat for slashing and thrusting.
   • Design: The blade is longer and heavier, often with a more pronounced curve. It may have a fuller (a groove running along the blade) to reduce weight.

Broken-Back Seax

1. • Length: Varies, but often around 12 to 18 inches.
   • Use: Commonly used in combat and as a status symbol.
   • Design: Characterized by a straight edge with a sharp angle near the tip, giving it a “broken-back” appearance. This design is particularly associated with Anglo-Saxon and Viking Seaxes.

Broad Seax

1. • Length: Typically between 10 to 20 inches.
   • Use: Used in combat and for heavy-duty tasks.
   • Design: Features a broad, heavy blade that is wider than other types of Seaxes. The blade is usually straight with a single edge and a pointed tip.

Image Credit: Hopkins Forge

Langseax

1. • Length: Over 24 inches, sometimes approaching the length of a short sword.
   • Use: Primarily used as a weapon in battle.
   • Design: The blade is long and straight, with a single edge and a pointed tip. It often has a fuller to reduce weight and improve balance.

Image Credit: BladeGallery.com

Hadseax

1. • Length: Typically around 7 to 13 inches.
   • Use: Used for both utility and combat.
   • Design: Features a straight or slightly curved blade with a single edge. The blade is narrower than the Broad Seax but longer than the Short Seax.

Image Credit: Gavin Archer

The different seax designs made them incredibly useful for many things. This variety is a big reason why the seax was so important for so long. Imagine a skilled craftsperson using a Short Seax for detailed work, or a Viking warrior charging into battle with a Broken-Back Seax. These blades reflected the cleverness and ability to adjust to different situations of the people who used them.

Archeological finds

Here are a mix of notable Viking and Anglo-Saxon archaeological finds, including Seax knives and other significant artifacts:

Viking Finds

1. Viking Woman Burial at Adwick-le-Street: A grave identified as belonging to a Viking woman was discovered at Adwick-le-Street in South Yorkshire. Among the grave goods were fragments of an iron knife, likely a Seax, providing evidence of its use among the Vikings and its inclusion in burial practices.
2. Kærgård, Daugbjerg Settlement: Excavations at Kærgård, about 15 km west of Viborg, revealed evidence of houses and activities dating from the Germanic Iron Age and Viking Age (c. AD 400‑950). Finds included spindle whorls, a whetstone, bronze tweezers, an iron needle, an amber bead, a glass bead, an arrowhead, and an iron knife.

Anglo-Saxon Finds

1. Anglo-Saxon Burial at Brighthampton: An Anglo-Saxon burial at Brighthampton included a Seax knife among the grave goods, highlighting the importance of the Seax in Anglo-Saxon culture and its role as both a tool and a weapon.
2. Inscribed Anglo-Saxon Knife from Kent: An inscribed Anglo-Saxon knife, believed to be a Seax, was found in Kent, further attesting to the use and significance of these knives among the Anglo-Saxons.
3. Middle Anglo-Saxon Site at West Fen Road, Ely: The large Middle Anglo-Saxon site at West Fen Road, Ely, represents one of the most extensively investigated English archaeological sites of the long eighth century. Recent investigations have expanded its known extent, providing insights into the origins, development, and nature of the site.

Combined Viking and Anglo-Saxon Contexts

1. Anglo-Saxon and Viking Ship Burials: Ship burials from both Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts have been studied as indicators of rank and wealth. These burials often included a variety of grave goods, such as weapons, tools, and personal items, reflecting the high status of the individuals buried.
2. Grave Goods from Bornholm: Investigations of early Christian burial sites on the island of Bornholm show that pagan burial customs continued well into the 11th century. The grave goods from these sites, including knives and coins, reflect a blend of Viking and early Christian practices.

These finds illustrate the rich archaeological record of both Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures, highlighting their use of Seax knives and other artifacts in daily life, combat, and burial practices.

The Seax Knife: A Multifunctional Legacy Across the Germanic World

This dive into the world of the seax unveils a compelling narrative of a tool that transcended mere functionality. We have traced its origins with the Anglo-Saxons, and its prominent role among the Vikings. From its practical beginnings to its evolution into a weapon, the seax was a valuable companion in various aspects of life.

The diverse seax types reveal a remarkable degree of specialization. Ranging from the compact Short Seax, ideal for daily tasks, to the imposing Langseax, capable of battlefield dominance, each variation catered to a specific need.

Reproductions serve as reminders of this remarkable tool, while the ongoing study of its design and craftsmanship deepens our understanding of these bygone eras. The seax stands as a testament to the cleverness and resourcefulness of the Germanic peoples, a legacy that continues to inspire.

Authors: Philip Lufolk & Aleks Nemtcev | Connect with me on LinkedIn

References:

Seax The British Museum

Seaxes found at the British Museum

The Viking Seax by Tyr Neilsen

Image Credit: dragonsbreathforge.com

Viking Age Arms and armor wikipedia.org 

Seax wikipedia.org

Short Seax: Vikings Wiki

Seax types: wiki.vikingsonline.org.uk

Authenticity: Seax vikingage.org