Vikings and the Dark Ages
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
The period known as the Dark Ages was greatly due to the Norse and their pagan beliefs, even though this period was not as dark as its given credit for. It was also a time of great exploration and blending of cultures. Some feel the Vikings simply disappeared after 1066, but the fact is they were still strong in their native lands and successfully assimilated into the other nations they had contact with....
Forging Swords
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
Every sword Windlass® makes is proudly hand forged by master bladesmiths from a single ingot of high carbon steel. Windlass chooses the designations 1065, 1075, 1085, or 1095 depending on the application. After the ingot is heated and hammered (sometimes by as many as 3 smiths alternating different sized hammers!) into its general shape a highly experienced grinder gives it its final shape and the blade is polished.Tempering takes place to relie...
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Medieval Armor
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
The image of the medieval fighter that springs to mind is of a man covered from head to toe in mail armour and with a close helm with a nasal extension. This image is mainly correct; as far as a knight was concerned, they were indeed covered total with mail. The reason for this is because the whole body was a fair target, from head to toe, if there was an opening, they would make the blow.
The mail was important (300170), but just as...
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