Oakenbone Ravenback™ Norse Seax – Carbon Steel with Walnut & Bone Handle

The Oakenbone Ravenback™ Norse Seax combines an extended 14.5-inch carbon steel blade with a distinctive walnut and bone handle. Its broken-back blade profile, brass fittings, and substantial 22-inch overall length create a historically inspired design with strong traditional character.

The combination of natural wood and bone makes the handle especially distinctive, while the hand-sewn leather scabbard completes the presentation.

Details

The Oakenbone Ravenback™ is a larger Norse Seax built around a 14.5-inch broken-back blade.

Its 1040 carbon steel blade is specified at approximately 58–60 HRC. The handle combines walnut wood and natural bone with brass accents and double-bolster construction.

The longer handle also provides generous gripping space and contributes to the substantial proportions of this historically inspired Viking seax.

For a contrasting straight-back design, explore the Olivecrest Straightback™ Straight Back Seax, which combines an 11-inch carbon steel blade with an olive wood handle.

Blade

The blade measures approximately 14.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide and is made from 1040 carbon steel.

Its defining feature is the broken-back profile. Rather than maintaining a continuous straight spine toward the point, the spine changes angle near the forward section of the blade, producing the recognizable angular silhouette associated with this style of seax.

The blade comes sharpened and has a specified hardness of approximately 58–60 HRC.

Walnut & Bone Handle

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

Brass accents and double bolsters complement the walnut and bone without overpowering their natural appearance.

Because both wood and bone are natural materials, variations in grain, color, tone, and markings are expected. Individual handles may therefore differ slightly from the product photographs.

The wood components are finished with a beeswax and linseed-oil blend.

Historically Inspired Design

Historical seaxes existed in numerous lengths and blade profiles rather than following one standardized pattern.

The Oakenbone Ravenback™ draws inspiration from the longer broken-back form while combining carbon steel with traditional natural handle materials.

Its 22-inch overall length places it among the larger seax designs in the Arham Cutlery range.

For an even longer interpretation, see the Walnut Ravenlong™ Historical Seax, featuring an 18.3-inch carbon steel blade and walnut handle.

Leather Scabbard

The Oakenbone Ravenback™ includes a hand-sewn leather scabbard.

The blade should always be clean and completely dry before being placed inside leather. Leather can retain moisture, so carbon steel should not be stored wet or damp inside the scabbard.

For extended storage, inspect the blade periodically and renew its protective coating of suitable knife-safe oil when necessary.

Care & Use

1040 carbon steel requires regular care to help protect the surface from oxidation.

After 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 moisture and never store the blade wet inside its leather scabbard.

The walnut and natural bone handle should also be kept away from prolonged soaking, excessive heat, and harsh household cleaning chemicals.

Specifications

Product Name: Oakenbone Ravenback™
Style: Norse Seax
Overall Length: Approx. 22 in / 56 cm
Blade Length: Approx. 14.5 in / 37 cm
Blade Width: Approx. 1.5 in / 4 cm
Blade Steel: 1040 Carbon Steel
Hardness: Approx. 58–60 HRC
Blade Profile: Broken Back
Edge: Sharpened
Handle Material: Walnut Wood & Natural Bone
Handle Finish: Beeswax & Linseed-Oil Blend
Fittings: Brass Accents
Bolsters: Double Bolster
Scabbard: Hand-Sewn Leather Scabbard
Design: Historically Inspired Seax

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Norse seax?

A Norse seax generally refers to a seax design associated with or inspired by the single-edged blades found across Northern European historical contexts. Seaxes appeared in different sizes, blade profiles, and construction styles rather than following one universal design.

What did a Viking seax look like?

A Viking seax could vary considerably in size and shape. Historical examples included different blade lengths and profiles, with some having relatively straight spines and others displaying more angular forms. The Oakenbone Ravenback™ uses a distinctive broken-back profile.

What makes the Oakenbone Ravenback™ different from a straight-back seax?

Its broken-back blade has an angular transition in the spine toward the point. A straight-back seax maintains a more continuous spine profile. This difference gives the two designs noticeably different silhouettes.

Is the walnut and bone handle identical on every knife?

No. Walnut and bone are natural materials, so grain, color, tone, and markings can vary between individual pieces. These natural variations are expected.

Does the carbon steel blade require maintenance?

Yes. Keep the blade clean and completely dry after handling or use. A thin coating of suitable knife-safe oil helps protect the carbon steel surface during storage.