Was the Seax Viking, and were they just for killing?
So everyone attributes the mighty Seax with those pesky Vikings right, a weapon of stabbing and slashing? Well yes, but that isn't their origin or their main use! So lets take a look at a brief history, their significance and see if there is more to this iconic blade than meets the eyes..
Seax Origins
The Seax knife, also known as the Scramasax or Sax, dates back to the early Middle Ages, possibly to around 400AD. In later periods it was a popular weapon among the all of the Germanic tribes, however it doesn't originate with the Norse or Vikings!
The name gives it away. Seax or Sax, originates from the old English word for Knife. It was so iconic to them that outsiders would associate them with the blade, its where the word 'SAXon' comes from. Even the Celtic Tribes that they pushed out of 'England' referred to them in the same way. The Welsh called them SAESneg, and the Scottish called them SASSenach.
It was such a popular and useful blade that other Germanic tribes started to use them too including the Franks and Norse, the latter really took them to their bosoms when they went a Viking 🪓
What Variations Were There?
The Seax knife is characterized by its single-edged blade, which can range from 7 to 30 inches in length. However; When someone mentions the seax what typically springs to mind is the long fighting broken back style with its distinct angular spine designed to separate chain mail! .
There are three main types of Seax knives: the broken-back Seax, the long Seax, and the short Seax.
What Were Seax Used For?
Well obviously stabbing your enemies right? Well yeah, it definitely worked well as a secondary weapon, a back up if your axe was broken or ripped from your grip. Also great for a dispute down a dark alley or around a campfire.
However, steel was VERY expensive so the Seax knife had to be a very versatile tool, used for everything from hunting and fishing to woodworking and food preparation. Its single-edged design allowed for precise cutting and slicing, while the sturdy construction made it suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Craftsmanship & Materials
As mentioned steel was expensive, a sword could easily equate to 3 years wages at the time! One tool that everyone needed was a knife and so as Seax knives were one of the main steel items people owned.
Broken Back Seax - Courtesy of the British Museum
Some suggest that it was such a big deal at the time that they were given as a symbol of a 'coming of age', to all sexes. It was also a sign that the owner was a Freeman and not a Slave, which around 10-20% of the population were either slaves or under some form of Serfdom. A topic for another day!
The steel used in the early periods was of poor quality by todays standards but for these blades the best steel available would be used. The handles were often made from wood, bone, or antler, and sometimes featured intricate carvings or inlays. The Sheaths too would be as highly decorated with bronze, carvings and inlays.
These decorative elements not only showcased the craftsmanship of the maker but also served as a symbol of status and wealth for the owner. These were one of the first pieces of bling a teenager would be given, a little like the designer brand mentality of today.
Modern Day Seax
The Seax knife continues to be a popular choice among knife enthusiasts
and wild campers. Modern-day Seax knives are often made using traditional techniques and materials, paying homage to the rich history of this iconic blade. Some custom knife makers even create their own unique interpretations of the Seax knife, blending historical design elements with modern innovation. Click on image to see more.
My own designs entwine the history of these multi tools with my own experiences as a Viking Reenactor, 26 year Army Veteran and Bushcraft Instructor! You can see my homage to this tool here:
To Sum Up The Seax
Basically a fantastic all round tool! Seaxes originated with the Saxons however were taken up with vigour by the Vikings. They were a symbol of wealth and privilege, carried by almost everybody and used for almost every task from fleshing a skin to cutting corn, eating your meal to dispatching your enemy. A fantastic piece of history that still has a lot of relevance today. These tools were well up their with the huge Viking Axes, well not that big actually! Let's take a look at how unimpressive most of those were next time
Check out some of mine here
References
Underwood, Richard (1999) Anglo-Saxon Weapons and Warfare Stroud, England: Tempus, ISBN 0-7524-1910-2 p70.
Gale, David (1989) The Seax in Weapons and Warfare in Anglo-Saxon England Oxford, England: Oxbow ISBN 0-947816-21-6
