Once again, I apologize for any readers who are expecting a post about superannuated political figures.
This post is about battle axes as used on the battlefield in the era before gunpowder.
It was inspired by a couple of posts that TB has over on his blog.
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| Rumor has it that the gentleman in the lower-right frame is none-other than Old NFO |
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| Notice how thin and lightly constructed the blade and handle are. |
To a fellow who has experience with an ax used to cut and split wood, the portion of the blade's edge coming back to user's hands seems fanciful and woefully unsupported by the connection to the handle.
Additionally, the risk of getting the blade hung-up in an opponent's rib-cage is a liability on a battlefield with a large number of opponents.
But nearly all battle-axes seem to have that feature and there must be a reason beyond "looks cool".
A possible evolutionary path
Suppose Thog and Yon go into battle and Thog uses an ax designed for cutting wood while Yon uses a much lighter ax with a thinner blade used for butchering game. All other things being equal, who will win the match-up: Brute strength or much faster speed?
Like all things, it depends.
If Thog has the presence of mind to catch the shaft of Yon's ax with his hand, then he can disarm Yon and part him out like a lobster at his leisure. If not, then Yon is more likely to administer a disabling blow more quickly and then prevail over Thog.
So how would one catch the handle of an incoming axe? One would have to catch it near the center of gravity, just below the head of the axe. Can you see where this is going?
That dainty, knifey thing projecting approximately 5" (125mm) back toward the user's hand is not intended to crack skulls or lop through clavicles or chop through the humerus. Nope. All it needs to be able to cut through is the web and bone at the base of your opponent's thumb. If he is grabbing the handle closer to your hands, the head will rotate around his hand and you will still strike his body with enough force to take him out of the fight.
Oh, and if you lop off his thumb but miss his body...your opponent now only has one functioning hand which offers you a distinct advantage.
Interesting.
ReplyDeleteBut could you do that if your thumb was cut off trying to catch a battle axe by the handle? Huh? Couldya?
DeleteThe part coming back off the blade also provides leverage to rip out/ break ribs and more when withdrawing it.
ReplyDeleteThe "hook" was also used for dismounting horse mounted enemies.
ReplyDeleteIn a shield wall, the axe beard would be used to pull the opponent’s shield down far enough to where the man behind you could get a sword or spear into the enemy.
ReplyDeleteHistorically, both the Anglo-Saxon Carls of latter Anglo-Saxon England and the Varangian Guard of Constantinople were known for their use of this sort of axe.
ReplyDelete(On a side note, the thumb is the most important part of the hand for a swordsman. Traditional Japanese samurai hand position is to have the thumb tucked into the index finger to prevent someone sneaking up from behind and cutting the thumb off or to the point it was unable to be used.)
A Marine recommended the Browning MG and M-1 Garand as a suitable method of countering various and sundry mass edged weapon attacks. He had some experience on Guadalcanal. He also had fond words for the USMC Kabar for more personal relationships.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, the axe has one huge benefit for working class types.
It is a familiar tool to the hand. AKA, never get into a hammer fight with a carpenter. (or a paper fight with a lawyer...)
ERJ, are you aware email comments are being 'assessed' by others than yourself?
ReplyDeleteApologies for the misdirection. Just wanted to know if it would publish. The word actually starts with c.
ReplyDeleteFurther: comments (factual, easily verified, non-polemic) here are cnesured.
ReplyDeleteMaking the best of a bad lot. Iron is precious and in short supply, and also heat and tools to work it. Maybe one half decent sword or a couple of dozen axes....factor in effectiveness against armour, the probability of encountering it, and the ease of manufacture, the projected loss rate. See it from several perspectives, as a soldier, a blacksmith, a warlord....and finally a warrior, for whom all the world is filled with weapons, but still seeks the best weapon in case of his ultimate fight.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, never thought about that "possible evolutionary path".
ReplyDeleteAxes are cool, though the 'historical combat enthusiasts' I follow would have me believe the spear outclasses most melee weapons for the majority of historical combat scenarios.
Let's talk about two kinds of historic combat scenarios. One is the organized, set-piece battle where two large groups of soldiers show up upon an agreed-upon field. Because the number of fighters is large, the form two lines, facing each other. The soldiers, for the most part, are packed closely together and present a solid, bristling front. Spears are hands-down the better choice.
DeleteThe second scenario to consider is a small party (two-to-eight travelers) moving through a boulder field or a wooded area or even a road lined with hedges. BOOM! They are ambushed at close-range by muggers. Because of the small number of defenders and the unweildiness of bringing them to order, spears are not the best choice. And, there is always the chance that the first attack is a diversion to get all of the spears pointing AWAY from the true attack. Of the three choices (short sword, battle axe or spear) the first two are preferred to the spear. Also, in this kind of sneak-attack, shields are not likely to be employed by the attackers.
I bet that there were FAR more muggings and small group actions than Braveheart field battles.
Wasn't me...LOL and interesting idea.
ReplyDeleteAlso used as a blade-trap: catch your opponent's blade high-up on the haft, pull your axe away from them and twist, and the blade slides up into the gap between the beard and the haft. The twist then locks it, giving you control of the opponent's weapon. Usually only momentary, as it doesn't take much force to break out, but that is often sufficient.
ReplyDeleteDJBH
The beard is there for very close quarters fighting or grappling. The grip can be loosened so the axe head can drop down to the hand. Gripping the axe right behind the beard gives good control for close in work. The toe can be thrust like a dagger at poorly armored areas of an opponent, like the face, throat, belly, or groin.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, the elongated bit can be used to slash like a knife or cleaver.
The beard also offers some protection to the hand when using the axe in this manner.
It is fast to transition to and from this method. It may be faster to do this than dropping or stowing the axe and switching to a knife or dagger. It also does not require the user to drop the axe, which may be needed later.
I was going to post something very similar to this. I used to fight in armored combat and was a big fan of the Dane axe. I used every technique you described. I've also hooked and trapped a weapon close in and then the used my dagger to finish my opponent.
Delete22 mag pistol. Woody
ReplyDelete