snitteket

Snykke (also spelled snytike or snitsket) refers to a type of short, wide-bladed knife or a small, handheld sword used in the medieval and early modern period, particularly among the Vikings and other Scandinavian cultures.

Characteristics of the snykke include a broad, single-edged blade, typically between 30 and 60 centimeters in length, and a leaf-shaped or diamond-shaped blade profile. The hilt often consisted of a wooden or bone handle, sometimes wrapped with metal strips or wire, and featured a guard or a knucklebow to protect the hand of the user.

Snykker were often used as utility knives, employed for tasks such as hunting, self-defense, and cutting food or animal hides. Some snykker were designed for combat, featuring serrations or being specifically used for thrusting attacks. Archaeological finds and historical texts indicate that snykker were widespread in Northern Europe during the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, with evidence of their use extending from modern-day Scandinavia to the British Isles and Russia.

While some modern re-enactors and collectors have taken an interest in snykker, their historical significance and practical application remain topics of debate among historians. Some researchers suggest that the snykke played a limited role in combat, primarily serving as a tool for everyday use, while others argue that its design and prevalence demonstrate a more central role in Viking warfare.

Consequently, interpretations of the snykke vary among scholars, reflecting ongoing research and a desire for a more comprehensive understanding of this enigmatic and fascinating artifact.