Gotland Bonecrest™ Gotland Seax – Carbon Steel with Walnut & Bone Handle

The Gotland Bonecrest™ Gotland Seax is a historically inspired design based on seax finds associated with burials on the Swedish island of Gotland. It combines a 12.5-inch 1040 carbon steel blade with a walnut and bone handle, brass accents, and a leather scabbard.

Its straight-back blade shape, natural handle materials, and restrained fittings give this Viking seax a distinctive historical character without claiming to be an exact reproduction of a specific archaeological artifact.

Details

The Gotland Bonecrest™ measures approximately 17.5 inches overall and features a 12.5-inch blade.

The blade is made from 1040 carbon steel and specified at approximately 58–60 HRC. Its straight-back profile creates a clean spine extending toward the point, while the edge comes sharp from the maker.

The walnut and bone handle combines two natural materials with contrasting textures and colors, complemented by brass accents and a brass cap.

For another historically inspired design with walnut and bone construction, explore the Oakenbone Ravenback™ Norse Seax.

Blade

The 12.5-inch blade measures approximately 1.25 inches wide and uses a straight-back profile.

This Viking seax design uses a single cutting edge with a relatively continuous spine rather than the angular transition associated with a broken-back profile.

The blade's 1040 steel construction requires routine maintenance, particularly after handling or exposure to moisture.

Inspired by Gotland Finds

Gotland is an island in the Baltic Sea with an important archaeological record from the Viking Age and surrounding historical periods.

The Gotland Bonecrest™ draws its styling from seax examples associated with burial finds from Gotland. Its combination of an elongated single-edged profile, natural handle materials, and simple metal fittings reflects that historical inspiration.

It should be understood as a modern historically inspired Gotland Seax, rather than an exact archaeological reproduction of one particular artifact.

For another straight-back interpretation, see the Olivecrest Straightback™ Straight Back Seax.

Walnut & Bone Handle

The handle combines natural walnut wood and bone, creating visible contrast between the two materials.

Because both are natural materials, individual pieces can vary slightly in grain, shade, markings, and coloration. These variations are normal and give each handle individual character.

Brass accents and a brass cap complete the handle design.

Leather Scabbard

A leather scabbard is included with the Gotland Bonecrest™.

Before placing the blade inside, make sure it is completely clean and dry. Leather can retain moisture, so a damp blade should never be left inside the scabbard for extended periods.

For longer storage, periodically inspect the blade and renew its protective oil coating when necessary.

Care & Use

1040 carbon steel benefits from regular maintenance to help protect it against oxidation. After handling or use, clean the blade when necessary and dry it thoroughly. Remove fingerprints and moisture before applying a thin layer of suitable knife-safe oil.

Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and do not store the blade wet inside its leather scabbard. The walnut and bone handle should also be protected from prolonged soaking, excessive heat, and harsh household cleaning chemicals.

Specifications

Product Name: Gotland Bonecrest™
Style: Gotland Seax
Overall Length: Approx. 17.5 in
Blade Length: Approx. 12.5 in
Blade Width: Approx. 1.25 in
Blade Steel: 1040 Carbon Steel
Hardness: Approx. 58–60 HRC
Blade Profile: Straight Back
Edge: Sharpened
Handle Material: Walnut Wood & Bone
Fittings: Brass Accents & Cap
Scabbard: Leather Scabbard
Inspiration: Seax finds associated with Gotland burials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gotland Seax?

A Gotland Seax is a modern term used for a seax design associated with or inspired by archaeological examples from Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. The Gotland Bonecrest™ draws inspiration from such historical finds without claiming to reproduce one specific artifact exactly.

What did a Viking seax look like?

Historical seaxes varied considerably in length, width, blade profile, handles, and fittings. Some had relatively straight backs, while others developed more angular profiles. There was no single universal design used across every region and period.

How do I pronounce seax?

“Seax” is commonly pronounced approximately like the English word “sax.”

Is the Gotland Bonecrest™ an exact historical reproduction?

No. It is historically inspired by seax finds associated with Gotland, but it is not presented as an exact reproduction of one specific archaeological artifact.

Does the Gotland Bonecrest™ include a scabbard?

Yes. A leather scabbard is included. Make sure the blade is clean and completely dry before placing it inside.