SH2326 - Practical Norman Sword by Cas Hanwei
An important addition to our European practical line is the Practical Norman sword, based on a classic 11th century pattern popular during the Norman Invasion of Britain. The high-carbon deeply-fullered blade is light and well-balanced, with the wide edges required by the re-enactment community. The guard is wider than that of the earlier Viking designs that preceded this pattern and the pommel is of the “tea-cosy” type. The grip is grooved and leather-wrapped and the scabbard is left plain for owner decoration.

THE NORSEMAN IN HISTORY
Feared throughout Northern Europe, the Norseman, or Norman, was the name applied to the Scandinavian population of the period from the late 8th century to the 11th century. Commonly called Vikings in the early medieval period, especially in connection with raids and monastic plundering made by Norsemen in Great Britain and Ireland. During three centuries, Vikings appeared along the coasts and rivers of Europe, as traders generally, but also as raiders when opportunity allowed. The Vikings lived in a time when numerous societies were engaged in many violent acts, and the doings of the Vikings put into context are not as savage as they seem. Others of the time period were much more savage than the Vikings, such as the Frankish king, Charlemagne, who cut off the heads of 4,500 Saxons (Bloody Verdict of Verden) in one day. Most Vikings were traders, although some did plunder, often monasteries around Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, as they had a lot of valuables in gold and silver.