Chieftan's Sax

Every Viking Chieftain was familiar if not an expert with sword, shield, spear and axe. But these are long and heavy and often bulky weapons that were not always within reach so for 24-hour protection they almost universally carried a large Sax. Suspended from the belt in front or back (where it didn’t interfere with other weapons like their sword or hand axe) it was instantly available if suddenly attacked and was often used in tandem with other weapons.

While most Sax blades resemble the profile of our Woodsman’s Sax with a straight edge and sloping point there were popular variations like the broke back Chieftan’s Sax we are introducing here.

Forged out of high carbon steel with a hard spring temper and satin polished it boasts a “broke back” blade profile where the line formed by the spine rises then falls abruptly to the point of giving the illusion of a clip point bowie knife while actually predating the bowie by many centuries! Since the Chieftan’s Sax is meant to be a weapon first and a tool a distant second it comes with a modestly sized brass guard that serves to keep the fingers from sliding forward on to the blade while offering a modicum of protection from opposing weapons. But it is the handle of the Chieftan’s Sax that we are especially proud of. Intricately hand carved in deep relief in link pattern that is visually stunning and compliments the matching brass guard and pommel.

Each Chieftan’s Sax comes with a period correct brown leather scabbard with brass accents, a leather laced seam and period correct leather carrying straps!

Details:
Weight 649 g
Thickness 4.5 mm
Handle: 14.28 cm from Malaysian Sal Wood
Steel / Material: 1055 carbon steel
Total length: 50 cm
Additional feature: leather sheath

This is an item from the Cold Steel program in 2020.