The Gaddhjalt

Specifications

The Gaddhjalt

In the late Viking era this style of hilt was referred to regionally as a "gaddhjalt" (pr. gahd-hyalt) or "spike hilt," due to the distinctive thin quillons on the guard - distinguishing it from the earlier, more "stout" Viking hilt forms.

Hilts with long slim crossguards were categorized as a Type X by Jan Petersen. He dates these to a period spanning from the early 10th to the mid-11th centuries. This type of sword was the precursor of what we refer to today as the "Crusader cruciform hilt."

Petersen describes two variants of this hilt type, from his examination of 49 examples distributed across Norway. The older of the two variants has a taller, slimmer pommel and a thicker guard that may be slightly curved. The latter of the two has a lower, thicker pommel and a thinner, longer cross. We have chosen to reproduce the second variant in a style that shows some continental influence, which, due to the numbers of originals found, appears to have been more common.

Peter Johnsson has designed this sword to be a perfected representative of this type, blending the properties of several originals and their common design elements into a simple, yet dramatically beautiful and dynamic sword of the period.

The blade is classified as a Geibig Type 5 (which also could be described as an Oakeshott Type Xa or XI). The blade blanks are hand-ground from high-carbon steel to a fine satin finish, heat-treated by hand for maximum flexibility and to take a fine edge, to high tolerances in aspects regarding harmonic proportions and mass distribution as observed in original blades of the same type. These swords will be sold sharp, unless otherwise requested by the customer.

A Limited Edition Hand Crafted Collectible Sword

This Viking sword is offered in a limited edition of only 1,000 collectible swords worldwide.

Sword design/specifications ©2003/2007 Peter Johnsson.