Michael 'Tinker' Pearce has designed a series of swords made by Hanwei in 5160 steel, emphasizing authenticity, functionality and performance.
To meet the sparring and cutting needs of western martial artists, each of the 7 styles is manufactured in live (sharp) and sparring (blunt) versions and each sword has outstanding handling characteristics.
Carefully controlled heat treatment of 5160 steel (Tinker's preferred blade steel) through the marking process produces an excellent combination of toughness and flexibility with a hardness of 50-52 HRC, allowing for superior edge retention on objects sharp, anti burrs and tip. -Flexion of security functions in the blunts.
While not a direct copy of any particular sword, the Viking sword's design was inspired by historical examples from the early 9th century, most notably finds from Trondheim, Norway, where circular notched hilt decoration was popular. . The scabbard is provided with suspension points and a period cape, which gives the scabbarded sword a very attractive look.
The construction of the Viking swords differs from others in the Tinker series as much as they are peened in period fashion reenactment requirements, and the blunt blade is aimed more for reenactment than combat. However, as with the other swords in the series, replacement blades are available to those with the knowledge to undertake the task of removing and replacing stripped blades. The handling characteristics of the sharp and blunt versions are virtually identical.