As per the custom during the Viking era, it is known that all Free Scandinavians were required to own and carry weapons. The mandate to own and bear arms was not only for defensive purposes, but also to verify the social status of the Vikings within their clan. A typical wealthy Viking would have a complete ensemble made for him, consisting of a helmet, sword, shield, and chainmail, as well as various other weaponry. While a man of less stature could only possess a spear and a shield. Since the spear, sword, and shield are the basic armaments of a typical Viking warrior, the art of the blacksmith was especially essential.

Blacksmiths typically worked with iron. The black color that is the final product would come from the incrustation of fire, which is a layer of oxides that forms on the surface of the metal during heating. Blacksmiths made a living by heating pieces of wrought iron or steel until the metal became soft enough to be shaped with hand tools, such as a hammer, anvil, and / or chisel.

The richest Vikings would have used a sword in addition to carrying their spear and shield. Owning a sword during the Viking period was a matter of great prestige. In historical records, it has been mentioned that a sword is valued at half a crown, or is worth the same as sixteen dairy cows.

Today people try to recreate the life of the Vikings by participating in medieval fairs. At these fairs, participants dress up as Viking warlords. Viking swords are included in these costumes. Unfortunately, using a real sword tends to be tricky and this has been strictly regulated. Many trade shows and conventions limit the use of metal weapons for safety reasons. However, there is a solution in which the participant can use a replica sword made of safe material such as latex or foam. But most of the time the sword is unrealistic.