Viking Seax Knife 16" – High Carbon Steel Blade with Wood Handle & Leather Sheath

The seax at its most commanding. This handmade 16-inch high carbon steel Viking seax knife is built for the collector or outdoor enthusiast who wants a seax with real presence — an 11-inch blade that delivers the reach and authority of a historical long seax, mounted on a comfortable wood handle that provides a secure grip for the full range of cutting and outdoor tasks. At 16 inches overall, this is a seax that commands attention in the display case and performs at the highest level in the field.

Specifications

• Overall Length: 16 inches
• Blade Length: 11 inches — long seax proportions
• Handle Length: 5 inches
• Blade Material: High carbon steel — exceptional edge retention and toughness
• Handle Material: Natural wood — comfortable, durable, traditional
• Sheath: Premium leather sheath included

The Long Seax — Historical Context

The seax existed in many sizes throughout the Viking Age and early medieval period — from compact everyday carry knives to long seaxes that approached sword length. The long seax was a serious weapon and tool, carried by warriors and hunters who needed a blade capable of demanding tasks. At 16 inches overall with an 11-inch blade, this knife falls squarely in the long seax tradition — a blade with the reach and authority of a historical warrior's knife.

High Carbon Steel — The Authentic Choice

High carbon steel is the historically authentic blade material for a Viking seax — the same type of steel used by Norse and Germanic bladesmiths for centuries. It takes a sharper edge than most stainless steels, holds that edge longer under field use, and can be resharpened quickly in the field with a simple whetstone. The trade-off is that carbon steel requires more care to prevent oxidation — hand wash, dry immediately, and apply a light coat of oil after each use.

Who This Knife Is For

• Collectors of Viking and historical knives who want a commanding long seax for their collection
• Historical reenactors seeking a period-accurate long seax for living history use
• Outdoor enthusiasts and campers who want a large, capable fixed blade with historical character
• Gift buyers looking for a premium historical knife gift that will make an impression

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash and dry immediately after use — high carbon steel will oxidize if left wet
• Apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil to the blade after each use
• Oil the wood handle periodically to prevent drying and cracking
• Store in the leather sheath in a dry location
• Sharpen with a whetstone to maintain the cutting edge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a long seax?

The long seax is a larger variant of the traditional seax knife, with a blade length that approaches short sword proportions. It was carried by Viking Age warriors and hunters as a serious weapon and tool. At 11 inches, this blade falls in the long seax tradition.

Is high carbon steel rust-resistant?

High carbon steel will oxidize without proper care. Hand wash, dry immediately, and apply a light coat of oil after each use. With proper maintenance, high carbon steel delivers superior edge performance compared to most stainless steels.

Does it come with a sheath?

Yes — a premium leather sheath is included for safe carry and storage.

Is this suitable for historical reenactment?

Yes — the high carbon steel blade and wood handle make this an excellent choice for historical reenactment. Always follow your group's safety guidelines regarding blade use.

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• Full Tang Carbon Steel Viking Seax Knife – Wood Handle
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Each knife is individually handcrafted. Minor variations in the blade finish and wood handle grain make every piece unique.