Ask any Game of Thrones fan to name the Jon Snow sword and the answer comes right away: Longclaw. The white wolf head on the pommel gives it away, and so does the pale, rippled steel.
But there’s more to it than a good-looking prop. Longclaw sat in House Mormont’s hands for five centuries. Then it passed to a young man of the North who had no family name of his own. Jon Snow.
So what is this sword, really? In this guide we’ll cover what kind of sword Longclaw is and whether it’s truly Valyrian steel. We’ll go through its history, that wolf head pommel and a couple of big moments on screen. Near the end, we’ll look at the Longclaw sword replica from Smith’s Blade and how to keep one looking sharp on your wall.
Quick answer: Jon Snow’s sword is Longclaw, a Valyrian steel bastard sword from House Mormont. Its pommel is a white wolf head. In the series, it can shatter a White Walker.
A note on sources: this guide leans mostly on the HBO series Game of Thrones, with background from George R.R. Martin’s novels. When a detail comes only from the show, we say “in the series.”
Long Claw, Longclaw, John Snow: Which Spelling Is Right?
Fans search for this blade in all sorts of ways. Some type long claw sword. Others go with longclaw sword, jon snow’s sword, or even john snow sword. It’s easy to see why, since the name splits into two words so naturally and Jon’s name gets spelled a few different ways.
The proper spellings are Jon for the man and Longclaw, one word, for the sword. Still, every one of those searches leads to the same blade, so use whichever name you like when you shop. You’ll end up in the same place.
What Kind of Sword Is Longclaw?
Longclaw is a bastard sword, which some people call a hand-and-a-half sword. The handle gives you room for one hand, with a bit of extra length if you want to add the second. That places it between two worlds: longer than a one-handed arming sword, but not as big as a two-handed great sword.
The blade runs straight, with two edges and a sharp tip. The crossguard is plain. Down at the end of the grip sits the pommel, a counterweight carved as a wolf’s head. No fancy extras here, just clean lines and a well-balanced feel.
Why a Bastard Sword Fits Jon
The name of this style fits a little too well. In Westeros, a child born outside marriage is called a bastard, and Jon got that label right from his first days at Winterfell. Ned Stark raised him there, but a lot of people in the castle still looked down on him.
So when a bastard sword ends up in his hands, the connection is hard to ignore. It’s as though the story is saying a label can become something to be proud of, depending on how you carry it. Jon carries it well. He keeps the sword’s name and never shows off about it.
Why Collectors Like This Style
A bastard sword looks impressive on a wall without crowding the room. It’s long enough to be the centerpiece, yet it still suits an ordinary living room or den. That balance is a big reason collectors like it.
Is Jon Snow’s Sword Made of Valyrian Steel?
Yes, it is. Longclaw is Valyrian steel, which answers a question fans type into search bars all the time: is Jon Snow’s sword Valyrian steel? The Mormonts protected it for centuries, and the metal is why.
What Valyrian Steel Is
Valyrian steel is a rare metal from the old Valyrian Freehold. Its smiths reportedly forged it with dragonflame and spells nobody can repeat today. Blades made from it are lighter and tougher than ordinary steel, and the edge stays razor sharp for ages. Look closely and you’ll spot a faint ripple in the metal, a little like wind across a pond.
Why It Matters Beyond the Wall
This is the part that hooks people. In the series, Valyrian steel can shatter a White Walker, but ordinary steel can’t. At Hardhome, Jon swings Longclaw at one of the creatures and it breaks apart like glass. That one moment shows everyone this metal is different. Dragonglass can do the same, though it’s much easier to find than Valyrian steel.
Why So Few Blades Remain
The Freehold fell in the Doom of Valyria. The smiths died, and their secrets died with them. Nobody in Westeros has made new Valyrian steel since. The blades that survive get handed down, kept safe, and sometimes melted into something new. A house that owns one holds on to it tightly.
Is Valyrian Steel Real?
No, it’s made up for the story. No real metal can shatter a creature made of ice, and no real smith ever used dragonflame spells. Still, the idea has some real roots. Writers and prop makers often borrow the look of watered steel, like Damascus and wootz, to get that rippled pattern. Modern replica makers use high carbon steel and careful finishing to bring a bit of that feel into the real world, which is the approach behind our Longclaw sword replica.
Jon Snow’s Sword and Other Valyrian Steel Blades
Longclaw isn’t the only Valyrian steel blade in Westeros. It belongs to a small, famous group.
Ice was the great sword of House Stark, carried by Ned. Tywin Lannister later had it melted down and reforged into two swords, Oathkeeper and Widow’s Wail. Oathkeeper went to Brienne of Tarth, and Widow’s Wail went to Joffrey.
Heartsbane belonged to House Tarly. In the series, Samwell Tarly takes it with him when he leaves home. Needle is a different story. Jon gave that slim blade to his half-sister Arya, and it’s a fine sword, but it isn’t Valyrian steel.
Another famous piece is the Catspaw Dagger, a Valyrian steel dagger with a dragonbone hilt. Smith’s Blade has a Catspaw Dagger replica if you’d like a second piece from the same world, and the full Game of Thrones collection has plenty more to browse.
The History of the Longclaw Sword
House Mormont and Bear Island
Longclaw’s story begins on Bear Island, far up in the North. House Mormont rules there, and its sigil is a black bear on a green field. The sword was the family’s prized treasure. Lord after lord carried it and handed it down to his heir, and that went on for five centuries. The first pommel matched the house, a bear’s head at the end of the grip.
The Fall of Jorah
Jeor Mormont had a son named Jorah, who was meant to inherit the sword. It didn’t work out that way. Jorah sold poachers to slavers, and when the truth came out, he fled Bear Island in shame. Longclaw stayed behind. That broke the line of inheritance, and Jeor wasn’t about to give the family sword to a son who had let the house down.
Jeor and the Night’s Watch
Not long after, Jeor took the black and joined the Night’s Watch, the order that guards the great Wall of ice at the northern edge of the kingdom. He rose to Lord Commander and carried Longclaw with him. For a while, no one knew who would hold it next.
The Gift to Jon
Then Jon Snow arrived at the Wall and soon became Jeor’s steward. Jeor saw a loyal, honest young man. In the novels, he had the old bear pommel swapped for a wolf’s head, a nod to Jon’s Stark upbringing, and then gave him the sword. In the series, he simply gives Longclaw to Jon as a sign of trust. Either way, Jon felt he hadn’t earned it. He took it anyway and kept its name.
Jon later became Lord Commander himself, and Longclaw stayed close the whole time.
The Wolf Head Pommel: A Bear Becomes a Wolf
Most people notice the pommel first. It’s a white wolf head with red garnet eyes, and it looks proud and sharp. The wolf is also the sigil of House Stark. Jon was raised by Ned Stark at Winterfell, so for him the wolf means home.
Think about what changed. A bear for the Mormonts, then a wolf for the Starks. The sword now carries both stories, and Jon never tried to hide that. He kept the name Longclaw, a bear’s claw, even with a wolf on the end.
A white wolf with red eyes also makes people think of Ghost, Jon’s pale direwolf. The white and red echo that bond. Plenty of fans say they picture Ghost whenever they see the pommel.
If you’re collecting, check this detail first. A good Longclaw replica has a crisp wolf head with a clear face, ears and eyes. When the pommel looks soft or flat, the whole piece loses its appeal.
Jon Snow Longclaw on Screen: Key Moments
Longclaw appears in some of the series’ best moments. A few really stand out.
The Gift From Jeor Mormont
This is where the sword changes hands, and it’s a quiet scene. A tired old Lord Commander passes his family treasure to a young man he trusts. The message is simple and strong: loyalty can matter more than blood.
Hardhome
At Hardhome, the sword proves itself. A White Walker steps forward, Jon meets it with Longclaw, and the creature shatters. Everyone nearby goes still while Jon looks down at the blade. From that moment, viewers know Valyrian steel can do what ordinary steel can’t. It’s one of the biggest turning points of the series.
Longclaw as a Symbol
Beyond single scenes, Longclaw stands for Jon’s journey. He’s honorable and humble, and he carries a gift he doesn’t think he deserves. You feel that weight every time the sword appears on screen.
The Longclaw Sword Replica From Smith’s Blade
Love the story? You might want a piece of it at home. The Longclaw Sword Jon Snow Valyrian Steel Replica from Smith’s Blade is made for fans and collectors. Here are the numbers.
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Total length: 114 cm (about 44.8 inches)
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Blade length: 89 cm (about 35 inches)
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Grip length: 25 cm (about 9.8 inches)
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Weight: 4.37 lbs (about 1.98 kg)
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Blade thickness at the base: 4 mm (about 0.16 inches)
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Blade material: high carbon steel, with a wolf head pommel
Size and Weight
About 45 inches overall gives this sword real presence. The blade alone is close to 39 inches. The grip is a compact 5.5 inches, which suits a display piece better than a sword meant for handling. At 4.37 pounds (about 1.98 kg), it feels solid. Buyers often say it feels substantial and looks even better in person. A few note that the color looks a bit different from the screen, so keep that in mind before ordering.
Materials and Craft
The blade is high carbon steel, a metal known for strength and for holding a good finish. The wolf head pommel is what makes Longclaw instantly recognizable. The finish is meant to echo Valyrian steel, since the real thing exists only in the story. Every piece is made to order, so allow five to seven business days for forging and finishing before it ships. The listing also mentions a collector’s certificate.
A Display Piece, Not a Tool
Think of this Longclaw as a decorative, collectible display piece. It’s meant for shelves, walls, themed rooms and collections. It isn’t made for cutting or any kind of practice. Treat it like a fine trophy and keep it out of children’s reach.
Price, Shipping, and Returns
At the time of writing, the sword is listed at $219, down from $275. Standard shipping is free. It arrives in a custom presentation case by insured, signature-required courier, usually two to four business days after dispatch within the US. You have 30 days to return an unused piece in its original packaging. Return shipping is paid by the customer, so a trackable service is a smart choice. Prices and offers can change, so check the product page for current details.
How to Display and Care for Your Longclaw Replica
A good display keeps the sword looking sharp for years, and none of it is difficult.
Pick the Right Spot
Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time. Stay away from damp rooms like bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Moisture is the biggest risk for carbon steel.
Use a Strong Mount
A sword this size needs a proper mount. Two wall brackets work well, ideally screwed into a stud. Space them out to match the sword’s length so the weight is shared evenly. Mounting it flat across the wall shows off the whole blade and the wolf head together. A sturdy shelf stand works too.
Keep the Steel Clean
Oils from your skin can leave marks on carbon steel, so hold the sword by the grip whenever you can. Wipe the blade with a soft, dry cloth from time to time. In a humid home, add a very thin coat of mineral oil and wipe away the excess. After that, give it a quick check every few months.
Build a Theme Around It
Longclaw pairs well with other Northern touches. A Stark banner, some wolf art, dark wood and soft lighting make a big difference. With a little planning, one sword grows into a display with a story behind it.
Who Is the Longclaw Replica For?
Game of Thrones fans are the obvious fit, and a Longclaw makes a great centerpiece for a shelf of show collectibles. It’s also a good match for anyone who loves wolf themes or Northern symbols.
It’s a solid gift too. Think birthdays, graduations, housewarmings or a den upgrade. It comes in a presentation case, so it’s ready to give as is. If the person on your list has watched every season twice, this one is hard to beat.
Fans of other blades from film and TV can browse the wider movies collection or the full swords collection.
About Smith’s Blade and This Guide
Smith’s Blade has been crafting collector blades since 2020, with a focus on pieces inspired by film, TV and history. Each piece is made to order and finished by hand. Our team wrote this guide to give fans clear answers about Longclaw, including what our replica is and what it isn’t.
Smith’s Blade is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, or the creators of Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones and Longclaw belong to their respective owners. Our replica is an inspired design made for fans and collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jon Snow’s sword called?
Longclaw. It’s a Valyrian steel bastard sword that once belonged to House Mormont. Some fans type it as long claw sword, but the proper spelling is one word.
Is Jon Snow’s sword Valyrian steel?
Yes. In the story, Longclaw is Valyrian steel, which is why it cuts through normal steel. In the series, it can also shatter a White Walker.
What kind of sword is Longclaw?
It’s a bastard sword, also called a hand-and-a-half sword. The blade is straight with two edges and a pointed tip, and the grip fits one hand or two.
Who owned Longclaw before Jon Snow?
Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. The sword stayed with House Mormont for five centuries, most recently with Jeor.
Why does Longclaw have a wolf head pommel?
The old pommel was a bear’s head, matching House Mormont. In the novels, Jeor had it swapped for a white wolf head to honor Jon’s Stark upbringing.
Is the Longclaw replica made of real Valyrian steel?
No, since Valyrian steel isn’t a real metal. The Smith’s Blade replica is high carbon steel, finished to capture the look of the sword from the series.
How big is the Smith’s Blade Longclaw sword replica?
It measures 114 cm (about 44.8 inches) overall, with a 89 cm (about 35 inches) blade and a 25 cm (about 9.8 inches) grip. It weighs 4.37 lbs (about 1.98 kg).
Is the Longclaw replica a display piece?
Yes. It’s a decorative, collectible piece made for shelves, walls and themed rooms. It isn’t made for cutting or practice.
Does Smith’s Blade ship the Longclaw sword in the USA?
Yes. Standard shipping is free. Each piece is made to order with a five to seven business day processing time, and US delivery usually takes two to four business days. Unused pieces can be returned within 30 days, and return shipping is the customer’s cost.
Does Smith’s Blade ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to over 40 countries. Import duties and taxes, where they apply, are calculated at checkout.
Final Thoughts
The Jon Snow sword is more than a prop from a hit series. Longclaw carries five centuries of Mormont history, a bear that became a wolf, and the story of a young man who learned his worth. It’s also a beautiful thing to own. If you want a piece of that story on your wall, the Longclaw sword replica from Smith’s Blade is ready for its new home.
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