The Academy of Viking Martial Arts does not glamorize weapon use, but we do teach techniques to defend against, disarm and use weapons in life threatening situations.

If you ever find yourself in being attacked by someone with a weapon, the best thing to do is to get away from such a situation as fast as possible. If you can't run away, or believe that you must defend yourself and others, what then? In this situation, self-defense techniques are needed.

Hopefully, you will never be attacked or end up in such a dangerous situation, but there is violent crime in the world and attacks with weapons happen. If you are serious about learning self defense skills, join a reputable martial arts school and start training.

September 19, 2020

WEAPON MAINTENANCE by Tyr Neilsen

September 19, 2020/ AVK

As martial artists, we know that maintaining our weapons is important, in the same way physical training is. Without regular care and attention, techniques and weapons get rusty.

When you have invested in a good Viking sword, making sure that the steel doesn’t get rusty will ensure that it remains in top condition for years to come.

Not all steel is of the same quality, but all steel needs regular maintenance.

The Viking sword was a symbol of strength and status in the Viking Age. Today, as then, anyone working with such weapons, wants them crafted with precision and skill, using the finest materials available. For weapons that are used for training, demonstrations and combat, regular maintenance is a necessity for optimum performance.

Poorly maintained equipment can cause instability and eventually equipment failure. Without regular maintenance, replacing equipment becomes a costly process. The cost of regular maintenance is small compared to the cost of replacement.

The time used on maintenance may feel like a hindrance, but it is nothing compared to downtime and stress caused by problematic equipment.

Before maintenance work

The main purpose of regular maintenance is to ensure that equipment is operating at 100% efficiency at all times, but a priority of time and effort on maintenance, rather than repair, is not only good for the equipment, it’s also good for the person performing the maintainance.

Maintainance work instills dicipline, pride in ourselves and our work, and a greater feeling of ownership. Maintenance work builds competence, confidence and readiness, it heightens our standards, and gives us the opportunity to take responsibility for the standard of the equipment and ourselves.

After maintenance work

There are a few simple and key steps that need to be followed:

Cleaning

After each use, it's essential to clean the Viking sword. Wipe the blade down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any debris or moisture.

If there is any dirt or grime on the blade, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove it. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the blade and hilt.

Cleaned, polished, oiled and ready for use.

Oiling

To prevent rust and corrosion, it's important to oil the Viking sword regularly. Use a high-quality, non-acidic oil such as mineral oil or gun oil.

Apply a small amount of oil to the blade and hilt, and use a clean cloth to spread it evenly. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil, as this can attract dirt and debris.

Storage

When storing your Viking sword, it's important to keep it in a dry, cool place. Avoid storing it in a humid or damp environment, as this can cause rust and corrosion.

If you have a leather scabbard, make sure it's dry before storing your sword inside it. Additionally, avoid storing your sword in direct sunlight, as this can fade the hilt's color and design.

Inspection

Regularly inspect your Viking sword for any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks or chips in the blade, and check the hilt for any loose or damaged components. If you notice any issues, it's best to have them repaired by a professional swordsmith.

The importance of mastering fundamental skills includes good maintenance, and maintenance work is what keeps our skills at a high standard.

A well-maintained sword is not only a valuable tool, but also a beautiful work of art that deserves to be cherished and protected. The techniques in this article can ensure that your Viking sword remains in top condition for years to come.