The Herleifr (#1908)

This knife is one of our special Urnes Staves Church blades. A 12^th century stave church located in Norway, the Urnes Stave Church is renowned for its many examples of unique iconography including classic examples of Viking knotwork. While a site of Christian worship from the early 11^th to the late 19^th century, many of the thematic elements in the artwork are thought to be of old Norse origin. Certain knives in the Halstein Forge line belong to a special collection inspired by the Urnes Stave Church – knotwork on the handles has been taken from the designs in the church itself. We hope you will be inspired, as we were, to learn more about this special church and its rich history.

Despite the fact that Haistein Forge – and its parent company, Darksword Armory – are known for producing world-class weaponry, knives are not, in fact, primarily weapons. They, like other early weapons such as axes and spears, are tools, and have been so almost since the beginning of humanity. That they are so often pressed into service against one’s fellow human being does not change their essential nature; it simply reflects the state of human nature. Basic knives and basic spearpoints as essentially the same kind of tool; a short, double-edged blade, slightly raised center ridge, tapering to a point – essentially, a tool designed for cutting, slashing, or thrusting. Basic “spearpoint” knives have been around so long that their predecessors were shipped out of stone or volcanic glass – their descendants having changed more in material than in form or function.

The Halstein Forge Herleifr knife is a balance of simplicity and complexity. The straightforward spearpoint blade is wide and flat, with only the hint of a raised center. The handle is straight and long enough to balance the blade, with nothing in the way of complex hilt furniture. However, that is where the simplicity ends. The blade itself is a beautiful Damascus pattern, etched with old Norse runes. And the handle is carved with Norse knotwork, inspired by the similar markings in the Urnes Staves Church. While the basic knife hasn’t changed much in thousands of years, here at Halstein Forge we have tried to give it a suitable update – and the Herleifr is a great example.

Finely crafted Damascus steel Knives by skilled blade smiths, each knife is individually crafted, sculpted assembled and refined by a team of skilled knife makers.

Classic elegance with stunning complexity, each knife presents its own character, geometry, and elegance, combining functionality with artistry, rending each unique collectible knife into a true work of art.

A subdivision of world renowned sword makers, Darksword Armory inc., Halstein Forge individually hand crafts each knife in their shop located in Montreal, Canadian.

The Herleifr, meaning “Warrior’s descendant”, is forged with blend of blend of 1075 and 8670m steel, giving a stunning contrast to the folded steel layering.

Specs:
Total length: 9.5 inches
Grip: 4.7 inches
weight: 4.65 oz