Viking Era Swords - Why weren't they more pointed for armour penetration?

Recent questions

• How did plate armor impact sword design?

  Plate armor led to the development of pointy blades for better penetration. The rise of plate armor in the late 14th to early 15th centuries necessitated specialized weapons with tapered pointy blades to effectively combat armored opponents. These pointy weapons were designed to pierce through the gaps in armor, targeting areas not covered by the plate. This shift in armor technology influenced the design of swords, emphasizing the need for blades that could penetrate the protective plate armor.

• What were the primary weapons in early medieval warfare?

  Spears were the primary weapons in early medieval warfare, designed for piercing through armor like mail. They were effective in combat situations where armor was prevalent, allowing soldiers to engage opponents from a distance and penetrate their defenses. Swords, on the other hand, were typically used after spears were expended, either in the midst of melee combat or when pursuing fleeing enemies. This strategic use of weapons highlights the importance of spears in early medieval warfare.

• How effective were Viking swords in combat?

  Viking swords were highly effective chopping weapons, capable of severing limbs and heads with ease. These broad cutting blades with a point of balance far from the hand were used alongside shields, allowing Viking warriors to deliver powerful and precise strikes in battle. The design of Viking swords made them particularly suited for close combat situations, where their chopping capabilities could inflict devastating damage on opponents.

• What armor was prevalent among common soldiers during the Viking era?

  The prevalence of mail armor among common soldiers during the Viking era was uncertain, making large chopping swords effective against unprotected areas like limbs and the sword arm. While the exact extent of mail armor usage among common soldiers remains unclear, the effectiveness of large chopping swords in targeting vulnerable areas suggests that there may have been gaps in armor coverage. This uncertainty surrounding the armor worn by common soldiers underscores the importance of weapons capable of exploiting potential weaknesses in enemy defenses.

• How did Roman era swords combat opponents in heavy armor?

  Roman era swords were designed to combat opponents in heavy armor, with thrusting swords being crucial due to the prevalence of large shields like the Scouten. In this context, a long cleaving sword was effective for targeting unprotected areas like arms and legs, while a spear could be used to penetrate armor if necessary. The strategic use of different types of swords and spears allowed Roman soldiers to adapt to various combat scenarios, emphasizing the importance of versatile weaponry in engaging opponents with different types of armor.