Viking sword program on NOVA

Almatolmen · 12th October 2012, 08:15 AM

Excellent job, Richard! Brilliant!
During the program we were told that only 170 Ulfberht swords have been identified, with perhaps only a fraction of them being authentic and not period counterfeit knock-offs. It was said that most had been found either in water or among grave goods. My first question is whether, since these were upscale swords, any of those in burials have an identified owner?
Second, The possible origin of the name Ulfberht was discussed and it was identified as Frankish. Do we have any documentary record of ANY Franks in Viking lands during this period. If so, what were they? Slaves, captives, hostages, outlaws, or exiles? One theory could be that the original Ulfberht was a smith in one of those categories, maybe not starting his labour as a volunteer. Eventually he could have put down roots and began a school or dynasty of swordmakers.
And last, I was interested in the part dealing with the interaction of swords and shields. I have a special interest in shields since part of my surname means "shield". I've not found much luck finding information about ancient or medieval Germanic shields compared to other weaponry. I'm also interested in shield myth and folklore since the other part of my name means "fortune" or "good luck". Can anybody recommend sources of information to me?

Rich · 12th October 2012, 05:21 PM

Question for Richard or anyone.

Isn't crucible steel (like the Viking blade) basically the same as wootz?

Thanks
Rich

Rick · 12th October 2012, 06:57 PM

It sure looked like Ric was following your basic wootz recipe there .

Richard Furrer · 12th October 2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

It sure looked like Ric was following your basic wootz recipe there .

Yes and no.
The carbon level on my blades was a tad bit higher than the 1-1.1 of the swords studied, but that was entirely my fault. The ULF blades do not show much if any surface patterns.

Ric

Rick · 13th October 2012, 01:44 AM

Any idea why ?
Only because of less carbon ?
Did anyone ever ascertain if the secret of Crucible Steel was copied in the West from trade examples and knowlege brought from N. India ?

laEspadaAncha · 13th October 2012, 02:05 AM

So I watched this, and I was very pleased...

Great showing, Ric - your demonstration of the process was impressive to say the least, and I have an appreciation I never before had for the effort that went into the inlay process. Wow.

And your sword was stunning. Considering it is one of a kind, I would have to think it is priceless in its own right. Again... wow. How many man hours would you estimate - from the time you first built the oven to the last minute of polishing - went into this sword's creation?

Every forumite here would enjoy this documentary, which focuses on the small group of Ulfberht swords, of which only a relative small minority are thought to be genuine (the others being contemporary copies). It mentions not only the likely origin of the steel, but the (Volga) trade routes that brought the Vikings to the south shore of the Caspian Sea, where they posit the Vikings likely traded for crucible ingots.

So much of the documentary had me thinking of various threads I have read and digested here over the years...

Spunjer · 13th October 2012, 02:23 AM

ric, just wanna say, heck of a show! i have so much more (if that's even possible) respect with my collection. didn't really think what goes through when a particular sword is made. all i can say is wow!!!

12th October 2012, 08:15 AM	#1
Almatolmen Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 1	A Few Questions Excellent job, Richard! Brilliant! During the program we were told that only 170 Ulfberht swords have been identified, with perhaps only a fraction of them being authentic and not period counterfeit knock-offs. It was said that most had been found either in water or among grave goods. My first question is whether, since these were upscale swords, any of those in burials have an identified owner? Second, The possible origin of the name Ulfberht was discussed and it was identified as Frankish. Do we have any documentary record of ANY Franks in Viking lands during this period. If so, what were they? Slaves, captives, hostages, outlaws, or exiles? One theory could be that the original Ulfberht was a smith in one of those categories, maybe not starting his labour as a volunteer. Eventually he could have put down roots and began a school or dynasty of swordmakers. And last, I was interested in the part dealing with the interaction of swords and shields. I have a special interest in shields since part of my surname means "shield". I've not found much luck finding information about ancient or medieval Germanic shields compared to other weaponry. I'm also interested in shield myth and folklore since the other part of my name means "fortune" or "good luck". Can anybody recommend sources of information to me?

12th October 2012, 05:21 PM	#2
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	Question for Richard or anyone. Isn't crucible steel (like the Viking blade) basically the same as wootz? Thanks Rich

12th October 2012, 06:57 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	It sure looked like Ric was following your basic wootz recipe there .

13th October 2012, 01:44 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Any idea why ? Only because of less carbon ? Did anyone ever ascertain if the secret of Crucible Steel was copied in the West from trade examples and knowlege brought from N. India ?

13th October 2012, 02:05 AM	#6
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	So I watched this, and I was very pleased... Great showing, Ric - your demonstration of the process was impressive to say the least, and I have an appreciation I never before had for the effort that went into the inlay process. Wow. And your sword was stunning. Considering it is one of a kind, I would have to think it is priceless in its own right. Again... wow. How many man hours would you estimate - from the time you first built the oven to the last minute of polishing - went into this sword's creation? Every forumite here would enjoy this documentary, which focuses on the small group of Ulfberht swords, of which only a relative small minority are thought to be genuine (the others being contemporary copies). It mentions not only the likely origin of the steel, but the (Volga) trade routes that brought the Vikings to the south shore of the Caspian Sea, where they posit the Vikings likely traded for crucible ingots. So much of the documentary had me thinking of various threads I have read and digested here over the years...

13th October 2012, 02:23 AM	#7
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	ric, just wanna say, heck of a show! i have so much more (if that's even possible) respect with my collection. didn't really think what goes through when a particular sword is made. all i can say is wow!!!