Viking Weapon Test Cuts

We used sharp replica Viking-age weapons against an animal carcass to judge the effects of these weapons on flesh and bone, and to assess the protective ability of mail defenses. We documented the results with video, still photographs, and slow-motion video.

There are several obvious differences between our modern tests and combat situations in the Viking age. A freshly slaughtered pig is not a living human being. Replica weapons and defenses may not perfectly simulate historical arms and armor. Our techniques today may not match the weapons techniques used in the Viking age.

Regardless, the tests yielded some surprising results that provided us with additional information that we are using in our research and practice of Viking-age combat at Hurstwic.

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