Tools: The Viking Workbench

Tool development, refinement, and use indicates "human" (I know of documentation of animal use of tools as well) and tools are an important aspect of a material culture. From a stiff stick to the computer I'm typing this on tools are our interface to the world.

l-r: shave, saw, scissors, shears, spoon auger, hammer, fid, pliers/tongs, file/rasp, awl.

The past few years I've collected non-martial tools to expand both my demonstration kit as well as my own skill and knowledge. From needles and thread to hammers to stone net weights. What I will show in today's blog post is my collection of "work bench" tools.

This is a work in progress and what I am posting today is a start and I am sure I need much more. I use these tools as often as I can, especially when I craft or repair my kit. Some of my tools are not pictured here as I plan to post those up in different areas like "axes" and "fishing gear". These are tools I personally categorize as "work bench" tools.

First we have a small hammer and 1/2 inch spoon auger. The spoon auger is based off the #48 auger found in the Mastermyr find. John Kronberg of Hallowcreek Forge and Society Authenticity Officer of Vikings North America made it. I've used it a few times and it works, just needs more skill and finesse on my part. Time in will do that.

The hammer is "historically adequate" and the one I use now. It's close to some finds but I will replace it down the line with a more representative copy.

A couple of my favorite tools, a small saw and a file/rasp. Both made my Kronberg (I have a few things by him) and both based of Mastermyr finds. I use both a lot compared to some of my other tools. I've cut wood, bone, soapstone, and non ferrous metals with these tools. Not pictured is the larger saw that Kronberg made as well.

Kronberg did not make any of these and, frankly, I'm not sure who made them or who I got them from. I'm going to gamble and say Etsy is where you will find these for sale. l-r Small shears are based of many finds and pictured are Danish. Pliers are based off many finds, picture is  Mastermyr finds. Scissors look close to the Birka grave 750 find - frankly, not my favorite tool in the box.

Next up in my collection are a shave made, again, by Kronberg and based off the Mastermyr find. I wasn't quite sure how much I'd use this and found it to be an invaluable tool for all kinds of wood work. I use a strop to hone the edge and that has been fine so far.  Below that is an awl, square shank. It is pretty handy and good at boring small holes. I got the awl from Viking/Jelling Dragon, the unfinished antler handle is "iffy" in provenance. I have 3 other awls, all dedicated to different "kits" (leather, et al.).

Above the shave is my antler fid. I use it for many things - embossing leather, reaming leather and wool, marlin spike seamanship (messing with ropes and knots). I cut it off a larger antler piece I have using the above pictured saw. Sorry it blends in so well with the birch bark I used as a background. 

I plan to collect more tools as I figure out what I need to use for the developing crafts I am interested in. One thing I know for sure is I plan to make a few chests this winter, one for my bench tools.

Some of these are not perfect and I know that. I'm always looking to improve and, obviously, when I'm actually crafting something I'm using modern tools when appropriate (which is 80% of the time). I have a family of 3 and we live in a small urban apartment and buying a house in the country with land for a shop and fires and stuff just is not happening soon. I make due with what I've got.