Germanic knives
Germanic knives combine millennia-old blacksmithing traditions with the practical everyday life of the Germanic peoples – from simple utility blades to the artistically decorated sax. Whether for re-enactment, medieval markets or your collection: here you’ll find hand-forged replicas made from carbon steel and stainless steel, ranging in price from around 11 to over 600 euros.
What is a sax – the blade of the Germanic peoples
The sax – also known as a scramasax or seax – was a single-edged blade that was widespread across much of Europe from the pre-Roman Iron Age through to the High Middle Ages. The term does not refer to a single blade shape, but to an entire family of knives and short swords that differed in length, cross-section and purpose.
Broadly speaking, three main types can be distinguished: the short sax was a compact utility knife with blade lengths under 20 cm, carried by both men and women. The long sax reached blade lengths of 30 to 50 cm, placing it somewhere between a knife and a short weapon. Finally, the Breitsax – typical of the 7th and 8th centuries – had a broad, often grooved blade with a characteristic bend in the spine near the tip, which clearly distinguishes it from other blade forms.
Original archaeological finds serve as models for modern replicas, such as the famous 9th-century Sax of Beagnoth, whose blade is decorated with runic inscriptions and gold and silver inlays and is now housed in the British Museum. For the Germanic peoples, the knife was far more than a weapon: it was an everyday tool, a cutlery item, a craft tool and – depending on the design – a status symbol that provided information about the wealth and social standing of its bearer.
An overview of Germanic knife types
Neck knife
Compact knife worn around the neck or on a belt. Ideal for everyday use, as cutlery and a simple tool. Available in the range as a hand-forged stainless steel model with a twisted handle.
Scramasax / Skramasax
The characteristic single-edged weapon of the early Middle Ages. Recognisable by the typical bend in the blade spine near the tip. Replicas with bone or wooden handles and carbon steel blades – also available in a version suitable for stage combat.
Ring-pommel knife & Damascus steel
The ring pommel at the end of the handle is a hallmark of high-quality knives. Damascus steel with visible wave-like patterns and twisted metal handles are typical design features for collectors and re-enactment enthusiasts with discerning tastes.
Materials and blade steels: What’s really inside
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel | Reenactment | Can be sharpened to a finer edge, develops an authentic patina, requires regular maintenance with oil |
| Stainless steel | Entry-level | Easier to maintain, slightly softer, more affordable – ideal for market visitors and beginners |
| Damascus steel | Collection | Visible layering created by the folding technique, more labour-intensive, higher price |
| Wooden handle | Universal | Warm feel, historically documented, can be combined in many variations |
| Bone handle (leg) | Reenactment | Historically accurate, natural grain, lightweight, non-slip |
| Leather wrapping / twisted metal | Decor & function | Non-slip, visually striking – a typical feature of hand-forged Germanic knives |
Most models in the range come with a leather sheath, which significantly increases comfort when worn on a belt and protects the blade from mechanical damage. The exception is a few entry-level models without a sheath, which are clearly marked as such.
Reenactment, exhibition combat or decoration – which knife suits which purpose
- Historically documented blade shapes and materials
- Carbon steel or Damascus steel preferred
- Bone or wooden handle for an authentic look
- Leather sheath with belt attachment
- Focus on appearance and historical accuracy
- Blunt blade or spring steel required
- Observe safety requirements for tournaments and events
- Viking sax suitable for exhibition combat available in carbon steel
- Prioritising robustness and freedom of movement
- Check for chips and burrs after every use
For decoration and collections, models with Damascus blades and inlays are the main focus – sharpness is secondary. Anyone wishing to carry their knife at a medieval market in everyday life is well served by a robust carbon steel blade with a leather sheath on their belt. The Early Medieval Knives category and the High Medieval Knives category offer additional period-specific choices.
Legal notice: Knives with fixed blades may generally be owned in Germany. However, carrying them in public is subject to the Weapons Act – if in doubt: store knives in a case or bag; do not carry them openly on your belt, except on fenced-off event grounds with appropriate regulations.
Care and storage of your Germanic knife
Carbon steel is the preferred material for authentic replicas – it can be sharpened to a finer edge than stainless steel and develops a characteristic patina over time. Whilst this naturally protects the blade to a certain extent, it does not replace regular cleaning and oiling after each use. Weapon oil or camellia oil are suitable; both reliably prevent the formation of surface rust.
Stainless steel blades are easier to care for and are more forgiving of occasional neglect – a light oiling every few weeks is usually sufficient. Damascus steel is the most delicate variant: the wavy layers increase the blade’s surface area and thus make it more susceptible to oxidation. Here, regular care is not an option, but a necessity.
The leather scabbard supplied should be treated regularly with leather grease to keep the leather supple and prevent it from cracking. Prolonged storage in damp conditions – for example, in the scabbard in the rain – encourages mould growth and stains on the blade. After use in a display fight, it is advisable to carry out a brief visual inspection of the blade for chips or raised burrs, which could pose a risk of injury during the next use.
The Germanic tribes and their weapons – historical background
The term ‘Germans’ is a collective term for a variety of tribes that settled from the Oder to Scandinavia and from the Rhine to the Vistula. They first appear in historical records from around the 3rd century BC; their heyday and their greatest impact on European history unfolded during the Migration Period from the 1st to the 6th century AD.
The typical weapons of a Germanic warrior included the spear (by far the most common weapon), the shield, the axe and, indeed, the sax. The sword was costly to produce and therefore remained a status symbol of wealthy warriors – comparable to the Germanic sword as a sign of rank and wealth. The knife, on the other hand, was a universal tool: it was used for hunting, cooking, craftsmanship and in combat.
Archaeological grave finds show that high-ranking individuals sometimes possessed elaborately decorated blades – featuring runic inscriptions, inlays of precious metal and artistically designed handles. Ordinary warriors and craftsmen carried simple but functional blades. This range is also reflected in today’s collection: from affordable utility blades to limited-edition collector’s Saxes.
The close cultural and temporal links to the Viking Age are no coincidence – many blade shapes, including the Scramasax, were seamlessly adopted into the Early Middle Ages and can be found in the Viking Knives category as well as here. Those wishing to complete their outfit will find matching accessories in the Germanic clothing and Germanic belts sections.
Price ranges: From entry-level knives to collector’s items
Hand-forged stainless steel knives with twisted handles, including leather sheaths. Ideal for market visitors, costume enthusiasts and anyone looking for their first Germanic knife. Medieval knives are also available in this price range.
Carbon steel blade with bone or wooden handle, Viking Scrama-Sax based on historical models. For re-enactors and market traders who prefer more authentic materials. We also recommend Germanic pouches for the belt.
Skramasax suitable for stage combat with carbon steel and wooden handle (approx. €126), Damascus steel sax with bone/wooden handle (approx. €143) right up to the limited-edition sax from Beagnoth with gold and silver inlays (from €655) for discerning collectors.
From simple forged utility blades to limited-edition collector’s axes with gold inlay – browse our range of Germanic knives and find the perfect piece for your re-enactment, your next medieval market or your collection.
Frequently asked questions
Sax (also Seax or Scramasax) is a collective term for single-edged blades used by the Germanic tribes and early medieval peoples. The Kurzsax was a compact utility knife under 20 cm, whilst the Scramasax was a larger combat blade with a characteristic bend in the spine near the tip. The terms are often used synonymously today, but strictly speaking they refer to different blade sizes and shapes.
Models with a carbon steel blade and historically documented handle materials such as bone or wood are best suited for re-enactment. They offer an authentic look and can be easily resharpened. Make sure the model includes a leather sheath for belt attachment – this is already included with most models in the range.
Knives with fixed blades may generally be owned in Germany. However, carrying them in public is subject to the Weapons Act (§ 42a WaffG): carrying them openly on a belt in public is generally not permitted. Separate regulations often apply at fenced-off event venues such as medieval markets – if in doubt, check with the organiser.
Hand-forged entry-level models made of stainless steel with a twisted handle and leather sheath are available from around 11–30 euros. For historically accurate re-enactment with a carbon steel blade and bone handle, 30–100 euros is a realistic price range. High-quality Damascus steel saxes or stage-combat-ready skramasaxes start at around 100–150 euros; limited-edition collector’s items such as Beagnoth’s sax cost over 600 euros.
Carbon steel rusts without care, but also forms a protective patina. After each use, wipe the blade dry and apply a thin layer of weapon oil or camellia oil. Damascus steel is even more delicate and requires regular care. The leather scabbard supplied should be treated with leather grease and not stored in a permanently damp environment.