Scramasax Short Sword

The Scramasax, carried by the Saxons and Vikings between the 4th and 10th centuries, was utilised as both a tool and a weapon. Carried horizontally at the back of the belt, the Scramasax provided the spearman with a close-quarters weapon when needed, and its broad blade could handle many day-to-day chores. The ancestry of the Scramasax, which evolved from similar weapons in bronze (and later iron) used by the Celts, is portrayed in the decoration of the guard and pommel.