Viking Swords. We don't know ow much, and how they were likely used. #history #sword #vikings

[StrikingCrayon]

If the hand sizes of nearly my entire Danish family are anything to go off of, they didn't have to choose between gripping high or low.

[jedstanaland]

There is a historian that said that vikings when fighting without a shield would use a kind of rapid pivoting with the palm and ball of one hand and the primary hand would act as a mix between power and pivot point. The way it was described they suggested that the user was able to increase overall performance, power, accuracy, speed, and prevent the palmel from even touching your wrist or forearm. This what the historian said though I'm unfortunately not able to remember the name of the historian right now.

[killerkirby]

Spartan: I have trained from birth for this moment I shall defend Sparta with my life

Samurai: k have trained my bow for many years I have been given the power to cut all who stand in my way

Viking: IM SO FUCKING HIGH RIGHT NOW

[ardanwin]

If the knob an the bottom was bigger, combined with arm padding, would that function as a stopper? So to not overstretch your wrist.

[rahbee]

Another thing to keep in mind, is that historical viking sword grips were much shorter than what is shown in this short. Matt Easton has made some cool videos on the topic

[humha]

Plot twists: They use the reverse grip

[wesleysmiley]

What if they used it like the Roman gladius and used it primarily to stab?

[Eddythebandkid]

From what I’ve gathered by looking a Viking swords, they tend to have a smaller handle so that there is just enough room for your hand to fit. So that you do have that problem of the pommel digging into your wrist when you use the sword. Essentially leaving no “play” for your hand to slide up and down the sword. I’m sure not all of them were made like that but that’s my theory.

[NPS]

Matt Easton has an entire video on this, the long and short of it is they had shorter grips on their swords than modern reproductions and this wasn't really a problem.

[dorianmartin]

Having tried a few and eventually having made my own, yes. That is exactly how you're supposed to hold it. Modern replicas tend to lengthen the handles to way outside of historical precedence. With an appropriately sized handle it really locks your hand between the guard and pommel and its fairly comfortable.

[m.r.o.]

Idea: maybe solid vambraces are crucial for a higher grip. The pommel might rest against the vambrace giving a more solid grip, one can use max strength and bend in one's wrist, gaining support from the pommel. Granted the angle would be smaller and so less range, but try bending your wrist as far as it can go while holding a sword stretched out and consider how fragile it seems. Then try with a pommel blocker and perhaps the grip will feel more solid and less strenuous.

[epiccthulu]

From Roland Warzecha, I think, he demonstrated how the vikings secured the pommel in the palm when they gripped the hilt

[danielmachulka]

Hema guy here. I primarily use Viking swords. I have over 10 years experience/trial and error with them and heres what i learned: Wrist action is a no go. Hip movement and what I call "chicken winging" is most effective. Basically your wrists don't move much at all. You merely raise, lower and extend your arms as you move your hips in 180 degree swings. This works equally good for blocking... it's a lot like boxing with a sword in your hand actually

[samk]

Could be designed with a stricter hammer grip in mind, like tulwars, but with the ability to shift your grip back in the event that you do want to thrust or throw a tip cut.

[topazserpent]

They probably kept their wrists a lot more square with the blade without pivoting the wrist much if at all, extra momentum was more than likely generated with the shoulder and upper arm for stronger and more accurate singular strikes, this is a very common thing to do with hand hammers and hatchets for wood based construction which was a very big thing for Vikings, so I can see how their fighting style would be reminiscent of that but with more technique being implemented over time as the swordfighter became more attuned to the weapon and how it functioned. Remember that they were craftsmen and builders, not necessarily trained fighters but naturally talented ones.

[grumpymonk]

It’s design most likely would favour the shield wall tactic as a stabbing weapon for those who got through spears then later defaulting to wide swings in combat probably not used much after as they enjoyed axes and bows after the wall broke but this is my theory

[Heidinn]

…actually the handles were smaller to squeeze in tight between the pommel and guard. The style of handle construction also aids in bracing against a shield compared to longer cross guards

[iggiboii]

I think it rather has something to do with the type of grip they use. I believe in this case they used a very strict hammer grip

[Tronworkthegames]

To tell the truth, sword in the video have very long grip for Viking Age sword. It usual length about 8.5-9 centimeters. Some of them even shorter. And it's very hard to hold them like this. And that's why people who are fighting with them usually use their fingers to hold the sword but not the whole fist

[definitely_a_girl]

Id imagine that they just swing with their entire arm