[Max in Utah]

Looks like fullering. Swords of that period needed it to reduce weight and improve balance since they had wide, long blades and a one-handed hilt.

Because of the sharper point it appears to be later Viking period, possibly around 1050 AD. Older swords had more rounded points since they were intended for cutting only.

Here is an replica of a similar sword:
http://globalreplicas.com/manufacturer/en/platnerze/miecz-wikingow-x-wiek-typologia-petersena-o-rekojesc-z-brazu-vsw43.html#

[TXnMA]

Max,

Thank you for the enlightenment! The early days of sword making are a big gap in my knowledge base...

Also, thanks for the link to that armorer site; lots of “eye candy” there! ‘-)

FRegards,
TXnMA

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks, both of you!