The swords in use at this time were a heavy tapering "Viking longsword' and a single handed broadsword with straight parallel edges. These swords were designed primarily for cutting and slashing, not thrusting. With an average length of 37 inches these swords had a double edged blade with fullers running along the center to lighten the weight. The swords had either a D shaped pommel or a three lobed pommel and short straight guards or guards with a slightly downward curve. The grips were made of bone, horn or ivory. If made from wood,(pinewood was commonly used) the grips would be bound with leather. The practice of binding the grip with wire did not appear till a later period. Securing religious relics to the pommel was a common practice at this time and may have been the reason for the development of the three lobed pommel.