{"product_id":"olivecrest-straightback-seax","title":"Olivecrest Straightback™ Straight Back Seax – Carbon Steel \u0026 Olive Wood","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlivecrest Straightback™ Straight Back Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e pairs an 11-inch 1040 carbon steel blade with a natural olive wood handle, brass accents, and a hand-sewn leather scabbard. Its straight-back blade profile gives the design a clean, continuous silhouette that clearly distinguishes it from more angular broken-back styles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith an overall length of approximately 16 inches, the Olivecrest Straightback™ offers substantial proportions without reaching the extended dimensions of a long seax.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Olivecrest Straightback™ is built around an 11-inch \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esingle-edged blade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e made from 1040 carbon steel and specified at approximately 58–60 HRC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts defining feature is the straight-back profile. The spine follows a comparatively continuous line rather than using the pronounced angular transition associated with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebroken back seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe natural olive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewooden handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is complemented by brass accents and a brass cap, giving the design a warm traditional appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a compact alternative with a shorter blade and walnut handle, explore the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/arhamcutlery.com\/products\/walnutcrest-shortseax-short-seax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalnutcrest Shortseax™ Short Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe carbon steel blade measures approximately 11 inches long and 1.25 inches wide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts straight-back configuration creates a noticeably different profile from angular broken-back designs. The sharpened \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estraight edge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e follows the lower portion of the blade while the spine maintains the characteristic straight-back appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade is made from 1040 carbon steel with a specified hardness of approximately 58–60 HRC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlive Wood Handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural olive wood gives the handle distinctive grain patterns and warm tonal variation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause olive wood is a natural material, differences in grain, color, and markings are expected between individual pieces. These variations are part of the character of the material rather than manufacturing defects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrass accents and a brass end cap complement the olive wood and provide visual contrast with the carbon steel blade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStraight Back Seax vs Broken Back Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the easiest ways to distinguish common seax-inspired blade styles is by examining the spine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStraight Back Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e maintains a more continuous spine profile, while a broken-back design features a noticeable angular transition toward the point.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor an example of the contrasting profile, see the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/arhamcutlery.com\/products\/ravenback-longcrest-viking-long-seax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRavenback Longcrest™ Long Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which uses an extended broken-back carbon steel blade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese differences in blade geometry are also useful when comparing the varied historical forms associated with seaxes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Inspiration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeaxes are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehistorically seen with Germanic peoples\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e across different regions and periods of Northern European history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical examples varied significantly in dimensions, blade geometry, and construction. For this reason, the Olivecrest Straightback™ is described as a historically inspired seax rather than claiming to be an exact reproduction of a particular archaeological artifact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeather Scabbard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA hand-sewn leather scabbard is included with the Olivecrest Straightback™.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe carbon steel blade should be clean and completely dry before being placed inside the leather. Because leather can retain moisture, avoid leaving a damp blade inside the scabbard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring extended storage, periodically inspect the blade and renew its thin protective coating of suitable knife-safe oil when necessary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1040 carbon steel requires routine maintenance to help protect it from oxidation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter handling or use, clean the blade when necessary and dry it completely. Remove fingerprints and moisture before applying a thin coating of suitable knife-safe oil. Avoid prolonged exposure to damp conditions and never place a wet blade inside the leather scabbard.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe olive wood handle should also be kept away from prolonged soaking, excessive heat, and harsh household cleaning chemicals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Olivecrest Straightback™\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Straight Back Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 16 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 11 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Width:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 1.25 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Steel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1040 Carbon Steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 58–60 HRC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Profile:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Straight Back\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdge:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sharpened\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle Material:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Olive Wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFittings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Brass Accents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnd Cap:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Brass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScabbard:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hand-Sewn Leather Scabbard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesign:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Historically Inspired Seax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does the word “seax” mean?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeax is an Old English term associated with a family of single-edged blades historically found among Germanic peoples. Historical seaxes appeared in numerous sizes and blade profiles rather than one standardized design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is a Germanic seax?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Germanic seax generally refers to the different forms of single-edged blades associated with Germanic cultures across parts of Northern Europe. Their dimensions, construction, and blade shapes varied according to period and region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is the difference between a straight-back and broken-back seax?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA straight-back design has a comparatively continuous spine running toward the point. A broken-back profile features a more obvious angular change in the forward section of the spine, creating a distinctly different silhouette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs the olive wood handle identical on every knife?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. Olive wood naturally varies in grain, color, and pattern. Individual Olivecrest Straightback™ handles can therefore show slight visual differences.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes the carbon steel blade require maintenance?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Keep the blade clean and completely dry and apply a thin coating of suitable knife-safe oil when necessary. This is particularly important before extended storage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arham Cutlery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46159804727475,"sku":null,"price":234.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0433\/9351\/5681\/files\/forged-seax-oak-brass-04-arham-cutlery.webp?v=1791152266","url":"https:\/\/arhamcutlery.com\/es\/products\/olivecrest-straightback-seax","provider":"Arham Cutlery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}