Germanic swords
Germanic Swords: An Overview of the Spatha, Sax and Skramasax
The spatha was the sword with which the Germanic tribes made history – from the battles against Rome to the richly furnished graves of the Merovingian period. Anyone wishing to buy a Germanic sword will find historical reproductions here, ranging from the short Sax to the full-sized exhibition-quality spatha, all crafted by experienced smiths. The range extends from models suitable for exhibition combat at your next re-enactment event to meticulously detailed replicas for collectors and display purposes.
What is a Germanic sword? An overview of types and terms
Today, the term “Germanic sword” is generally used to refer to two distinct types of blade: the spatha and the sax (also known as the scramasax or skramasax). Both define the image of Germanic weaponry, yet differ fundamentally in form and function.
The spatha originated as a Romano-Germanic hybrid sword, shaped in close contact with the Roman military. It is double-edged, with a blade length of approximately 75 to 110 cm, and features a characteristically narrow, flat blade with a rhombic cross-section. In early variants, the crossguard is still poorly defined – a recognisable feature of the early period, which only developed into a clearly defined cross shape during the early Middle Ages. Handles were typically made of wood, bone or leather.
The sax, on the other hand, is a single-edged short to medium-length knife which, depending on the design, ranged from a robust everyday tool to a formidable close-combat weapon. In its short form (Kurzsax), it served as a sidearm, whilst the Langsax and Scramasax could reach blade lengths of over 50 cm. The Franks and Saxons carried it as the characteristic weapon of their warrior class. Vehi Mercatus has a dedicated category for Germanic knives and sax variants, which explores the subject in depth.
Suitability for stage combat: What do SK-B and SK-C mean for Germanic swords?
Anyone looking for a Germanic sword for active use at re-enactment events will quickly come across the classifications SK-B and SK-C. These abbreviations provide information about a sword’s suitability for stage combat.
SK-B stands for medium-weight reenactment combat: the blade is forged from spring steel (often EN45 or equivalent) and hardened to around 48 HRC. It is unsharpened and often features a pronounced fuller, which gives the sword elasticity and lightness at the same time. SK-B swords are permitted for group events and regular re-enactment battles, provided the organiser does not impose stricter rules.
SK-C denotes light exhibition combat: the blade is softer and suitable for beginners, fencing exercises or events without full contact. The Viking sword for light exhibition combat in our range is a typical example of this class.
Decorative blades without exhibition combat approval are intended solely for display and should not be used in combat. The specific classification required for a particular event is determined by the organiser’s rules – if in doubt, enquire before registering. Vehi Mercatus also offers a separate range of training swords without metal blades.
Germanic swords by budget: From beginners to collectors
The most affordable entry point is leather scabbards as individual accessories, such as the black leather scabbard for the Frankish long sword for around €34. Those looking for their first sword suitable for display combat will find SK-C models from approx. €76, such as the Viking sword for light display combat. Ideal for beginners and fencing exercises without full contact.
This is where most SK-B swords suitable for stage combat with scabbards are found: the Norman one-handed sword SK-B for around €109, the Spatha type Straubing-Nydam (3rd century) or the late Roman Spatha, both for around €134, and the Feltwell sword (4th–5th century) with scabbard for around €118. These models feature spring steel blades and leather scabbards, offering good value for money.
For discerning re-enactors and collectors: the Germanic spatha SK-B Ulfberth with scabbard for approx. €151, the Viking longsword with bone hilt (Hugin & Munin) for approx. €109, the short sax made of Damascus steel with a brown leather scabbard for approx. €151, the Saxon skramasax made of carbon steel for approx. €168, or the magnificent 7th-century Sutton Hoo sword for approx. €189. Quality features in this segment: Damascus steel or EN45 spring steel, bone handles, elaborate scabbard decorations.
Historical overview: Germanic swords from the 1st to the 8th century
Contact with Rome – the spatha emerges
In the course of conflicts and trade with the Roman Empire, Germanic warriors adopted the Romano-Celtic spatha, which had replaced the shorter gladii in the Roman cavalry. Early Germanic spathas feature simple, flat blades without pronounced crossguards. Typical grave finds from this period show plain wooden hilts and simple leather scabbards.
The Migration Period – the Straubing-Nydam and Feltwell types
During the Migration Period, the shape of the spatha became more refined. The Straubing-Nydam type is regarded as the typical model of this period, with a slender blade and a guard that is still not very well defined. Grave finds such as the Feltwell sword (4th–5th century) from England show the first signs of regional variation and more elaborate metal fittings on the hilt and scabbard.
The Merovingian period – Snartemo, Sutton Hoo and the heyday of the Saxon sword
The Merovingian period produced magnificent ceremonial swords. The Snartemo type, named after a Norwegian grave find dating from around 550 AD, and the Sutton Hoo sword from the Anglo-Saxon royal grave (7th century) represent richly decorated swords of the elite. At the same time, the Scramasax (also Skramasax) established itself as the characteristic weapon of Frankish and Saxon warriors.
Transition to the Carolingian and Viking periods
Around the 8th and 9th centuries, the Germanic spathas evolved into the classic Carolingian sword form, which also characterised the early Viking Age. Guard bars and pommels became more sculpted, and the hilt construction more robust. The early medieval and Viking swords mark the direct transition of this development.
Spatha, Sax, Scramasax & Co.: A comparison of the most important sword types
- Blade length approx. 75–110 cm, double-edged
- Carbon steel or spring steel EN45
- Suitable for stage combat SK-B (if designed accordingly)
- Leather scabbard with wooden core, often with a scabbard strap
- Models: Straubing-Nydam spatha, late Roman spatha, Sutton Hoo sword, Norman single-handed sword
- Single-edged, variable blade length (short sax to long sax)
- Typical of the Franks and Saxons
- Materials: carbon steel, Damascus steel
- Handles made of bone (e.g. Hugin/Munin motif) or wood
- Models: Short Sax Damascus steel, Saxon Skramasax, Viking Long Sax with bone handle
Materials and craftsmanship: What goes into a Germanic sword?
| Material | Suitability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spring steel EN45 | SK-B Stage combat | Spathas and long swords, hardened to approx. 48 HRC, hollow edge for elasticity |
| Carbon steel | Historical | Saxe and Skramasaxe, robust, for re-enactment and collectors |
| Damascus steel | Historical | Kurzsax and high-quality unique pieces, characteristic damascening |
| Wood / Bone | Historical | Handle material, e.g. Viking longsword with bone handle (Hugin & Munin) |
| Leather | Exhibition fighting & decoration | Sheath cover (brown or black), handle wrapping |
| Iron / Brass | Historical | Guard bars and fittings, early designs flat and simple |
If you wish to put together a complete outfit, you will find matching Germanic belts and Germanic pouches in the Germanic Shop. For protection during re-enactment combat, it is worth taking a look at gambesons and armour vests, as well as early medieval helmets. The sword itself can be secured to the belt using a sword belt holder. Alongside the spatha, it is also interesting to look at Roman swords, which represent the direct precursor form. Care instructions for leather items such as scabbards and belts can be found in our sword accessories section.
Note: Legal considerations when purchasing display swords
Whether for your first re-enactment event or a complete collection: in the Germanic Swords category, you’ll find models for every purpose and every budget – from the simple exhibition combat spatha to the meticulously detailed Sutton Hoo replica. If you have any questions about making the right choice, you can reach our team by phone Mon–Fri on +49 9921 7099288.
Frequently asked questions
The spatha is a double-edged long sword with a blade length of approximately 75 to 110 cm, originally used by the Roman cavalry and later adopted by Germanic warriors. It is considered a typical sword of the Migration Period and the Merovingian era and is the direct predecessor of Carolingian and early Viking long swords. Unlike later swords, the spatha still has a slightly pronounced crossguard and a simple hilt made of wood or bone.
Germanic warriors carried a wide array of weapons: the spatha as a long sword, the sax (scramasax) as a single-edged short to medium-length knife, spears and lances as the main weapons of the common warrior, and wooden shields with iron bosses. In early Germanic culture, swords were status symbols rather than instruments of mass destruction – only wealthy warriors carried them. Axes and throwing axes (Franziska) supplemented the armament, particularly among Frankish tribes.
SK-B stands for ‘medium-level display combat’ and refers to swords approved for group events and re-enactment battles. The blade is made of hardened spring steel (often EN45, approx. 48 HRC), is unsharpened and often features a fuller for greater flexibility. SK-C, on the other hand, refers to light display combat for beginners and exercises without full contact. The specific classification required for an event is determined by the respective organiser in their rules and regulations.
In the Vehi Mercatus range, leather scabbards as accessories start at around €34. Simpler display swords (SK-C) start at approx. €76, whilst the mid-range SK-B spathas, including scabbard, cost between €109 and €155. High-quality models made of Damascus steel or with elaborately decorated handles, such as the Sutton Hoo sword, cost between €150 and €190. The price depends on the type of steel, handle material and scabbard fittings.
Scramasax and Skramasax refer to the same object – a single-edged large knife or short sword of the Germanic peoples, particularly the Franks and Saxons. The different spellings are a matter of transliteration of the Old High German or Old Norse root. The Sax was used in various sizes, ranging from a short knife-like form (Kurzsax) to a long-bladed weapon with a blade length of over 50 cm (Langsax, Scramasax), and served both as a tool and as a close-combat weapon.