Type B viking age sword

[Bjorn Gylfason]

This is a lot earlier type of sword than I usually do but got a commission to make one with the specific request to use medieval wrought for the hilt

 

I have figured out that leaving wrought to simmer in citric acid brings out its character amazingly without deeply etching it as that wouldn't have been comfortable to hold.

 

 

And as usual every part gets peened in place 

 

 

He also wanted as dark of a grip as historically plausible which gave me a reason to make some verdigris and play alchemist. Grip is a piece of European valnut and it actually surprised me just how dark it became 

 

 

At first I thought I was going to be doing pins between the pommel parts bit apparently the type Bs were peened through both parts along with being a lot blockier than for example the type c

 

 

Final result was an 80cm long blade at the upper range being 54mm wide at the base and with a very linear distal taper from 5mm at the base to 2mm at the end of the fuller. Point of balance is 16cm from the guard. And a total weight of 1300grams

 

I have to say I think it feels unwieldy compared to late medieval blades but absolutely scary chopping potential.

 

It did motivate me to continue my billet making for a pattern welded one though I still haven't decided exactly what type I will be going for with it

[Gary LT]

Bjorn, I do like your sword making and WIP posts. I have not done any swords yet.

Might I ask the strength or mix used in the citric acid? How long is the heat?
I like the etch and have tried citrus acid on wrought before but not with these results.

Kind thanks, Gary LT

[Bjorn Gylfason]

42 minutes ago, Gary LT said:

Bjorn, I do like your sword making and WIP posts. I have not done any swords yet.

Might I ask the strength or mix used in the citric acid? How long is the heat?
I like the etch and have tried citrus acid on wrought before but not with these results.

Kind thanks, Gary LT

 

It's never an exact science with me but mostly done by feel 

 

I sanded the parts down to 400 grit and then put them in my vinegar bucket for a few hours, scrubbing them a few times with fine wool until they had matted up uniformly

 

Then mixed about half of this 100% citric acid in roughly 1.5 liters of water and heated to just about starting to boil. It's granulated and meant for cleaning dishwashers 

 

 

Then put the parts in and let it simmer for about ten minutes or so, fish them up and clean them with a plastic sponge under running water. Rinse and repeat until getting the desired look

[Eric Estlund]

The wrought etch looks great. What was the source for it (you mention it being medieval)? 

[Alan Longmire]

I like it!  I am fortunate enough to have held an original type C, and yes, these early ones are pure choppers.  Even the later Viking swords are point-heavy slashing monsters. 

[Bjorn Gylfason]

11 hours ago, Eric Estlund said:

The wrought etch looks great. What was the source for it (you mention it being medieval)? 

 

Came from parts of the original ironworks of a cathedral built in 1150 here in southern Denmark

[Gary LT]

Thank you Bjorn! I can get my hands on something similar to this brand citrus acid and I have nice wrought to try. Soon to try on a another project.

Gary LT

[Brian Dougherty]

It's not the same brand, but powdered citric acid is commonly found near the home canning supplies in the US.  

[Eric Morgan]

Also in the dishwashing section in big box stores. Lemi-shine is one brand I’ve seen before

[Don Abbott]

Great work as usual.

 

On 3/14/2022 at 6:49 PM, Bjorn Gylfason said:

He also wanted as dark of a grip as historically plausible which gave me a reason to make some verdigris and play alchemist. Grip is a piece of European valnut and it actually surprised me just how dark it became

 

Could you give some details on making and applying the verdigris?