Battle Axes - How Underrated Are They? 

I tend to find that axes are actually highly rated. They're like the shotguns of the medieval world. They hit like a mule, have some utility use, and every farmer has at least one.

I would argue any weapon that isn't a sword is underrated.

The genius of a person that liked Spears and Axes and decided to combine and make a damn Poleaxe. God bless their soul.

'An Ax is a backwards sword' So the ax is a sharpened pommel? All strikes may end it rightly, then.

Axes are like the shotgun of the melee weapon world, sure, not a lot of grace and not very fancy but they get the desired results.

Its pretty insane how much skalli's channel has grown. I remember years ago when this was still a small channel and skal hardly knew how to unscrew and throw his pommel properly. This growth and the channel standing the test of time almost brings a tear to my eye. Stay safe in these time of Corona and keep up the good work Skal

You know, there's one set of people, in which 100% of it's members do NOT underrate axes: that set is "People who have been hit with axes". That entire set have great respect for axes.

Seriously missed opportunity to say "axeofrickinlutley" right at the beginning.

When demonstrating, do you ever feel the need to just, hit something? Like chop into a dummy or something.

9:20 Not only would that strike have ruined that person's day on the battlefield, but it also would've probably ruined someone's day that saw that happen

"Wow, the Spartans held off the Persians at Thermopylae with only 300 soldiers" One viking at Stafford bridge: -Hold my mead.

When talking underappreciated weapons I always think of maces and warhammers. Modern series and movies altogether mostly show swords and once in a while there is an axe (all of them cutting through plate armor like it's butter) but when it comes to plated opponents the destructive capabilities of a mace or a hammer should definitely be more appreciated :D

Skallagrim: I'm gonna do a video about axes. *Every dwarf and viking liked that*

Blacksmith: Do you want a bladed weapon or an anti armor weapon? Me: Yes

Makes me wonder if axes were almost more common on battlefields than swords, but were 'common' weapons for most cultures which kept them out of manuscripts during a time when only high class people had any understanding of the written word. Maybe axe fighting was somewhat forgotten as an art because the people who could write had money for swords.

Other severely underrated weapon is the mace/hammer/club category. They were used until the end of WW1 but no one talks much about them.

Not exactly a battle axe but Poleaxes are one of the most versatile and coolest looking weapons in history

I would really appreciate to learn more about hammers, they're even more obscures than axes to me

Ax = more energy commitment for more damage payoff. I saw a duel between two friends of mine, both SCA reenactors. One was using a sword and the other a hefty double-headed battle-ax. An ax is surprisingly effective in the hands of an expert as we learned that day. The 'fight' began with the sword-wielder going for a thrust. The ax was used to parry the sword (with the haft), then take it away (as he twisted it and trapped the blade in the long curved blade). Lesson learned: Never underestimate an expert using their favorite weapon!

Just FYI, that Viking pendant doesn't say anything. Those letters are just the Futhark alphabet in order.

I think another point to mention is the repairs to the different weapons can be vastly different. Breaking an axe handle is nothing compared to fix compared to a bent sword blade. Also, since axe heads are generally smaller, they are also much cheaper to have.

I think the thing with small axes is that (almost) everyone had a lot of experience with axe chopping wood, and it was not a 'strange' equipment like a sword you had to learn to use. I suspect there are not many manuscripts on using flails (the two handed ones used by peasants) either, it is just a tool people were used that was repurposed to kill the enemy and there probably was not much need to explain how to use it. And the more dedicated soldiers used specialised equipment like swords and polearms which they used only for duelling and fighting and there was a need to explain how to use these "new" tools to people who did not have any experience with them.

Sword: You need to study these training manuals and practice for years before you are competent. It may take decades before you master it. Axe: Hit bad guys with it.

One of the flint axes I've made I did a rawhide, sinew and hide glue wrap on the shaft of it and it's made a huge difference in durability. I even used a pretty weak wood, smooth sumac, for it and I'm fairly certain the head will wear out before the shaft does. It's about 10 years old now and still unbelievably solid.

What have we learnt kids: 'An Ax is a backwards sword'

"Englishmen! I am waiting here In my heart I know not an ounce of fear We are waiting here my trusted axe and me Just come at me, I will not flee Death! I know that it awaits Soon I will enter Valhalla's gates!" - The Berseker at Stamford Bridge, by Amon Amarth

Internet rando: axes are useless Skall: *You are nothing but a usurper. A false idol.*

Tremendously underrated without a doubt. Swords have a magical ability to just capture the imagination in a way that all their peer tools don’t.

Throwing axes is more fun than throwing swords.

I've always thought of spears and axes as the rifles and shotguns of the ancient world whilst the swords are the revolvers. My thinking is as follows - the two former weapons do the work, are cheaper to make,maintain and train with and the latter is a weapon for those in charge, who are supposed to lead from the front. If your superior is willing to run at the enemy with his smaller pointy thing (or firearm), you're more likely to follow suit.

If i was an armored knight i believe id fear an axe vastly more than a sword. Imagine getting "hooked" around your leg or an swing that might actually impact my personal fortress. Axes have so many shenanigans going for them.

i really like the idea of a halberd, you get the slashing power from the axe blade but the pokes added to it seems like such an interesting combat style

I arrived faster than a longship does at an English village up river.

A teacher of mine said he once saw a man use a dane axe as a quarter staff. Having the blade in the other end and fighting with the hilt. He then created an opening and inserted the axe head in the arm pit of the opponent using the leverage of the opening. I always liked that story as it show there is more to the 2 handed axe than meets the eye.

Any piece of wood first lightly scorched on it's surface, then thoroughly treated with linseed oil, will have a much more durable surface. I am not sure exactly when linseed oil came onto the scene in historical Europe, but I do know it's 'been around a long time'. The linseed oil, even that which has permeated the wood, takes on a form similar to amber, when it cures. This gives you a surface far more resilient that bare wood alone.

If you've ever tried to drive over Stamford Bridge, you'd understand why he went berserk.

I feel that the ax is underrated because pop culture keeps reinforcing the image of an oversized and unwieldy weapon without an alternative. Of course swords have this treatment but the more realistic blades are still recognised. Rapiers, Arming swords etc are just as well defined as swords as insert X metal surfboard. Ax on the other hand? Almost always some massive and ungainly thing that’s just madly blown out of effective proportion.

You could probably make a veeery long list of underrated historical weapons. My pick would be a lance. A weapon that was used (in different forms) extensively from antiquity right up to the XX century.

"A single Norweigan warrior with a 2 handed axe held off an entire army until he was speared from below." Uesugi Kenshin knows how that goes.

The axe is my favorite weapon in history. I’m particularly interested in its capacity to double as a tool. And also, naturally, the frothing northerner aesthetic, who -isn’t- that true for? As far as I’m concerned the holy trinity are the spear, the axe, and the knife Call me old fashioned, hahah!

Last time i was this early Ottomans were still besieging Vienna.

You know what is even more underrated than axes ? Spears

Excellent video Skal. I love this point in your channel where you've got such a library of footage and experience of cutting to bring to the table. You're a genuine good source of both valuable and entertaining information.

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thank you my friend, axes are a topic near and dear to my heart. Preach mighty Skall, sing the praises of the axe..in all sincerity, you sir are a BORN teacher. Be safe, be strong and, as always best regards, Arthur

Axes and spears are equalizers on the battlefield. Cool helm bro, be a shame if someone smashed it.

Ahh, yes, good ol' "spear in the nuts"

My brother has a friend on xbox who studies HEMA academically and he said the "thrust" with the axe was essentially like the jab in boxing, meaning, the most important move. Blew my mind

Love your channel. Thank you for such awesome content. What you discuss and share is so close to me, i truly love the art of weapons, the history and how it affected humanity. Not only do you explain and truly love what you do, but your passion is inspiring. Thank you for what you do. Best of luck and warm wishes Skall!

An axe is halfway between a mace and a sword. It's more effective on shields and helmets than a sword. However, I think that most of the time people used axes because this is what they got. Axe is a fantastic tool, and a fearsome weapon when needed. There were people who could build ships with an axe. I'm sure they know how to use it effectively in battle.

Love this comparison of axes and other weapons. Would like to see a video on how the axe was used in battle formation? To combat what type of soldier or how to defeat a shield used or formation. How could an axe armed soldier work with others around him armed differently?

I was super excited to see that Nils Øgren Axe! I remember hearing him talk about making that for you!

I did a small amount of HEMA and even with that little amount of time I can say I loved the dane axe and the thrust from it is really underrated. The horns where small but getting stabbed is getting stabbed and mainly I used it as a distance tool to set up for an actual swing or as a distraction. All in all it was my favorite weapon to use.

Axes are truly one of the best weapons. A lot shields can't take a lot of axe hits. Single handed with a shield is one the best combo.

about the video, few parts that i disagree with: -versatility, i would say that axes because of being able to work on the grip are as versatile as swords, but in different way -shaft breaking, medium-well made shaft can be made within few hours, and it will hold through one battle at least, so you can easily repair damaged shaft

Your knowledge of old world weaponry, from around the world I might add, is amazing. Love your channel.

I really needed this for my novel research. Thanks so much!

I've seen a couple of comments referring to axes as 'noob friendly' because someone can pick them up and make devastating attacks with minimal training. While that may be true for cutting practice, I think it'd be more of a handicap in an actual fight or duel. Because axes aren't as nimble and more tiring to attack with, I think it would take more skill and experience to wield an axe in a fight and come through in one piece on the other side, especially for two-handed axes that you can't pair with a shield. So I see things like the Dane axe as being the weapon of a veteran warrior, which lines up with what we know about huscarls in England, Denmark, and the rest of Scandinavia.

I think a big advantage for the Vikings of the axe is that it wasn’t like they had an army, their farmers were their warriors. Having a weapon that could cut down trees, split the wood into planks, and could potentially work as a fire starter would be invaluable.

Hi Skall, excellent video again .. and, finally, a good appreciation of the AXE - a tool and a weapon that deserves respect and attention... thanks! Cheers, Erik

I came looking for info so I could design a better weapon for my dnd barbarian (thinking about how a thing works and its functionality eats at my brain constantly) and ended up learning lots and enjoying every minute :) thank you!

Aragorn : If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword... Legolas : And you have my bow. Gimli : And *my* axe.

axes always get an unfair reputation. They have a much more complicated fighting style than people give credit, they have great maneuverability as you can move up the haft. Also you have a much smaller area of blade, so when your fighting you need to plan 3 or 4 steps ahead of your opponent to get them in the right position to strike

2:22 I immediately had "The Berserker at Stamford Bridge" playing in my head :D

Good videos man very cool stuff. It's really good to know that I'm not the only guy out in his yard with a sword or various other types of melee weapons.

I'd like a Skallagrim look at fighting with wood hatchets. Asking for my role-playing game, after a pandemic.

I guess, axe (especially two handed ones) users played a different role in armies than spear/sword users. Axe users could be useful at the early stage of melee combat or in the flanks, when (or where) they have enough space to use them effectively. Even if they don't injure the opponents, they could ruin their armors, shields, so the spears/swords could pass thorough the ruined armor to do the job. We often forget, a good armor in any given time could stop any individual weapons impact at least once from the same time and place. But the repeated impacts finally could create holes, tears, weakened parts on the armor. Of course, weapons were also damaged, but that is where "secondary" weapon (one handed axes, swords) came into picture: they were in a condition to do the job. We also often forget about manuscripts: they were for duels, and duel techniques could be quite different from battlefield/siege techniques. In duels, you have all the space you need to use your weapon, it wont be struck into your comrades, buildings, etc. In a battlefield, your comrades are on your both sides and behind you, so you need to use techniques that accelerate your weapon on very limited space (especially on your sides and back). So many times the raw power of axes, polearms or spears goes into waste or can be used in a very limited time. But if you can find a way to use them properly in a longer term, then you can have a devastating effect on your enemies.

Like this video to show that we want more videos about axes! Damn there are some gorgeous axes shown... And some designs that I see for the first time. Awesome!

Good video friend Wish you'd go more into the pro's and cons of particular moves

An axe is to a sword as a crossbow is to a bow. Its quicker to become proficient in, and you are generally more dangerous with it than the other.

Polehammer will always be my favorite. Has a lot of destructive power, and with that spike it absolutely destroys armor with a good, heavy swing. Plus, it functions as a spear. It's the multitool of medieval times.

You know I just watched this video to justify my next axe purchase, right? You're such an enabler. Thanks & keep it up! (Oh, & I might be purchasing a spear soon too, so I'll go & check out the spear video you just uploaded a few days ago too.) Oh, & if you were at all worried, my wife (an historian by training & profession) is actually quite entertained by the fact that I'm finally getting into swords, after years of knife & axe collecting. Fortunately you have years' worth of videos to aid in my education on the subject, so in all seriousness, thank you,

Very educational, thanks for the info Skall!

What I learned: in a zombie apocalypse, the ax is the way to go.

I told my wife this when we started dating, "I have been and always will be an axe man".

Im glad to hear more about the axes I've honestly started to grow with a deep appreciation for them and have started to favor them more than the sword in my practice becuase as you said they aren't as versitle but there is so much you can do with them and things that they can do that a sword wouldn't. I also take into regard that the common warrior couldn't always afford the sword and I look into historical records of battles and see how the axe may have been a greater impact than the sword. I honestly and I firmly believe that the sword has become the typical weapon of choice and good reason but I do think that looking into other weapons is also good as well

Really cool plug for your sponsor,, really liked the scroll

I feel like Axes where better for your average warrior they where cheaper to obtain and against an opponent in armor it has to even the playing field a little better. I think if I had a choice my kit would be spear with an axe as a secondary weapon just seems like it would give more bang for your buck

Damn I'm tired af but I must watch this! I love skallagrim

It would be interesting to see a video like this but comparing axes and maces/hammers

This is an awesome video. I wonder what other historical weapons go unappreciated like this?

I'd say they are pretty overrated, but only when they are massive, unwieldy, and double bitted

This one made me want to replay Kingdom Come Deliverance. In my opinion it has the best historical representation of axes in combat in most video games. Also, thank you Skall. You're channel is indefinitely the best.

Great to see you've finally found the lost appendix to the Bayeaux tapestry(2.45).

I think a lot of people under estimate how effective a blade can be. The edge is a force multiplier. The axe combines the efficiency of the edge with the power of a bludgeoning weapon, but you don't need full force to do terrific damage. One of my favorite tools for field dressing and processing game is my CRKT Kangee T-hawk. It was actually terrifying when I first discovered how easily this could cut through anything on a deer's body; a flick of the wrist, absent any driving power from my base, back, or upper arms, cuts through brisket and ribs with frightening ease. Same with cutting open the pelvis or taking the arms off at the elbow. Very little effort, brutishly simple and effective, and yet I can choke up on it and acquire the finesse and precision of a knife for detail work, like skinning. The tomahawk or a small axe is a brilliantly effective one tool option for woodscraft, survival, and defense. Combatively, using little flicks and push cuts, choking up on the handle, and conserving energy until you've created an opening with the opportunity to drive the weapon with power and conviction would be extremely effective. The axe is uniquely dynamic in its combination of speed and power, edge and bludgeoning capability. With the weight of the head behind the edge, very liitle movement or energy is necessary to cause real damage to any exposed squishy parts on the body. You can cut to the bone with a flick of the wrist.

Axes are battlefield weapons, a main weapon along with the spear, polearms etc. Swords are secondary weapons, a backup in case you lose your main weapon.

Make a video like this about warhammers and the diference betwen fictional warhammers and the historical ones

I'd like to see a video about particular interesting axe designs, similar to your older vids about beautifull/ugly helmets, knifes etc.

hell yeah!!!! I love axes. thanks for this videos. make it more like this, please. more about axes and polearms. and I love your speech. It helps me a lot practising my listening english. greetings from México!

Ah yes, the battle of Hastings I recall their last death throes as they tried to peddle the last of their inventory while refusing to budge on price.

My only issue with axes is the small amount of cutting edge compared to swords. I sorta like having more blade that is equal to or geater than the handle, in terms to the handle to blade ratio. Hence why I like Bardiche's.

You know, I'd never been interested in war axes until just recently. Two of my favorite characters from two recent Fire Emblem games specialize in axes, so I've gotten more interested in them recently. So thanks for sharing this! It's the perfect time.

Just want to say that your videos are a big part of why I'm starting HEMA. I've been watching your videos for years, and they've really helped me discover what I want to do. ^^

When standing in the shield wall side to side , it is not practical to swing around , they are essentially a footman weapon , the best movements are a chop down ....a thrust or hooking the edge of the opponent shield and pulling it out so your mate next can chop him by the way axes ( in fact hand axes ) were the first weapon used for more that one million years , then they invented the shaft

They're so underrated some troops still carry them in the age of drones and ballistic missiles lmao inb4 I know they're meant as breaching devices but they're designed like they're meant for fighting smh

Skall, would you please make a video about how to defend strikes with a two hand axe against swords and other times of weapon? I always had this doubt

Great video as usual. Another trick to using an axe for grappling is hooking the beard of the axe on a weapon, shield, or limb.

I would say battle axes as weapons in a modern viewpoint are definitely underrated in uses of fantasy or fiction. Historically the axes had a lot of use and if they were still needed then they probably wouldn't be so underrated

What you call "Battle Axes" I call "Group Conflict Mediation Axes"

Tank You for making this video! (I love all Your videos of course) I made a full size "Swedish axe" long time ago, and paralell with it i also made a hybrid axe wich had that tinner blade as shown in a few of Your examples here wich also was made to similar size as the first one. I sharpened the edge in a similar way as a modern foresters axe, it had been possible to make it sharper, but i was not sure if that was supposed to be applied to those type of axes or if the sharper grinding angle mainly was used for carpenters axex wich acts like a hybrid between a knife and an axe, those are working tools and would very fast be dull in a battle agianst somebody wearing armour was my ataught at the time, I was realy supprised by how fast it was to cut down a small tree with that type of blade compared to a normal foresters axe made for removing brances from logs (wich require a heavier head with a different angle if one want it to last and hawing the desired power with that particular working position, but that is as i notice different from what it takes in order to maximize the blow while standing up and aim at a target in chest height instead of a small , limited space very cloose to the ground as with forester work i was used to) Most of the old finds are obviously axes made for woodworking, like carpentryworks and they had that carracteristic V shaped ridge behind the edge, that thing is made in order to make it possible to gain more control ower the cut if the axe are used for carpentry work, but it will also increase the weight where it will make the axe more efficient i think, but it's also not realy possible to make it razorsharp without compromizing on the brittleness of the cutting edge. on the other side the axehead it self will be significaly stronger for heavy use compared to a even shaped tin head. Later, in the 1800 and forward good quality steel was pretty sheap and easily acessible and the modern, sold body axe was born, the modern solid one pice body axe is a product of the modern industrial needs, it was relativly sheap to make, it was stronger then the old models and it was possible to hawe them factory restore with new types of high carbon steel wich vould practicaly newer break, etc. The old types of axes where very labour intense to make, to be wery honest, they are more fragilöe and prone to split in the joints and the material was inferiour. But We still used to make extra fine hand made axes of that old design with the V edge for the Norvgian export market, and foresters toools for the US market. So, they are still alive, just much rarer to find i new production those days. Personaly i love the old axes for some reason.

woohoo new awesome content! Thank you once again skallagrim, for making my weekend a little less boring and a little more educational xD one thing i wonder about is the idea of strenghtening the wooden handle with brass or steel bands - obviously it did work, otherwise it would not have been done, right? But still, if you wrap steelband around the handle you would have to nail it into the wood. Now i would expect that the nails/bolts driven into the handle to secure the metal wrapping could weaken the wood and produce predetermined breaking points? Maybe this was avoided by predrilling the holes? Or maybe it is equalized by the extrastrenght the metal wrapping brings on to the handle ...