Watch the video to see the finished product and learn how to recreate the famous wolf tooth pattern from the original Finnish spearhead from Rovaniemen on display in Helsinki, Finland.
The spear was an important weapon during the Viking age. In fact, it was the most commonly used weapon during that time, due to its versatility and relatively low cost compared to swords. The spear was used for hunting, fishing, and farming, as well as for warfare. Its long range made it an effective weapon for both offense and defense. It was a weapon with a long wooden shaft, usually made from ash, and a pointed tip of metal. To attach the spear point to the wooden shaft, it needs a socket. Since steel was expensive, the socket was usually made from wrought iron. Consequently, it was easier to make than swords and could be constructed from readily available materials.
I am excited to share this completed project with you: Forging the famous Viking Wolf Tooth Spear from Rovaniemen Marikkovaaran. This spearhead is the one featured in the book “Swords of the Viking Age” by Ian Pierce and is considered one of the most iconic spearheads of the Viking era. This spearhead is known for its unique wolf tooth pattern, which was said to be inspired by the fierce and powerful animals of the Nordic forests.
The process of creating this spearhead is quite complicated and requires a lot of skill and patience. The first step is to forge the wrought iron socket. This is done by heating the iron in the forge fire and then shaping it into the desired shape using hammers and anvils. The next step is the pattern-welding. This is where things get really interesting, as it involves combining different types of steel at high temperatures to create the unique pattern of the spearhead. This process is quite delicate and requires a good deal of experience and knowledge.
I have documented the entire process in a series of videos and show you all the steps from start to finish. From heating the iron in the forge fire to shaping the socket, and from pattern-welding to adding the shaft and testing the spear. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in blacksmithing or Viking history to learn more about the art and craft of creating a spearhead like this one. And I can’t wait to reveal the secret of how to create the famous Wolf’s Tooth Pattern.
Creating a spearhead like this one comes with many challenges. Forging the wrought iron socket, attaching the iron core, and all the forge welding operations are delicate and require a lot of experience and knowledge. But, I’ll also be showing you how to approach the whole project with patience and as a learning experience, even if there should be setbacks.
Join me on this exciting journey and learn how to create your own pattern-welded Viking spearhead with a unique Wolf’s Tooth Pattern. It’s going to be a challenging and rewarding project.
Enjoy the video.
