Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The English Broken Back Seax, is a type of single-edged, knife or Langseax Which could be considered a short sword. Which was prevalent during the Migration Period and early medieval period in England. The name "seax" itself comes from Old English, referring to the Saxons, The people of the knife.
The distinguishing feature of the Broken Back Seax is its distinctive shape, characterised by a slightly curved blade that curves slightly upward toward the tip, resembling a slight "broken back" or angle in the blade. This design is believed to have been highly functional, providing both cutting and thrusting capabilities. The length of the blade could vary, but typically it was around
(3, to 12 to 20, to 30 inches) long.
Historically, the Broken Back Seax was a common weapon among the Germanic peoples, including the Saxons, Angles, and Frisians. It was used both as a tool for everyday tasks and as a weapon in combat. Broken Back Seaxes have been found in archaeological excavations across England, particularly associated with Anglo-Saxon burials.
These seaxes were often worn at the waist, suspended from a belt, with the edge up, and served as a status symbol for their owners. They were sometimes decorated with elaborate designs on the hilt and scabbard, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.
Today, replicas of Broken Back Seaxes are often made for historical reenactments, living history displays, and Martial Arts, also collectors interested in early medieval weaponry and culture.
The English Broken Back Seax, is a type of single-edged, knife or Langseax Which could be considered a short sword. Which was prevalent during the Migration Period and early medieval period in England. The name "seax" itself comes from Old English, referring to the Saxons, The people of the knife.
The distinguishing feature of the Broken Back Seax is its distinctive shape, characterised by a slightly curved blade that curves slightly upward toward the tip, resembling a slight "broken back" or angle in the blade. This design is believed to have been highly functional, providing both cutting and thrusting capabilities. The length of the blade could vary, but typically it was around
(3, to 12 to 20, to 30 inches) long.
Historically, the Broken Back Seax was a common weapon among the Germanic peoples, including the Saxons, Angles, and Frisians. It was used both as a tool for everyday tasks and as a weapon in combat. Broken Back Seaxes have been found in archaeological excavations across England, particularly associated with Anglo-Saxon burials.
These seaxes were often worn at the waist, suspended from a belt, with the edge up, and served as a status symbol for their owners. They were sometimes decorated with elaborate designs on the hilt and scabbard, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.
Today, replicas of Broken Back Seaxes are often made for historical reenactments, living history displays, and Martial Arts, also collectors interested in early medieval weaponry and culture.
