VIKING SCRAMASAX 8TH-9TH CENTURY AD

Early example, with form descended directly from the Frankish scramasax. Iron, just over 5 7/8” length with straight back and acutely angled point. Straight edge and of particularly thin section which distinguished these as weapons and not working knives. Designed for slashing, the fighting technique favored by Vikings. As the opponent’s body was largely protected by heavy clothing, the objective was the neck where severing the jugular veins brought near immediate results.