@@HnZ88. I didn't mean anything by it dude. No need to be rude. It's just how I relate man, I was stoked to see him rocking and learning the poleaxe. Damn man.
To the guard: I was once sparring with some padded polearms. My opponent made a strike that was slightly C-shaped, trying to knock my polearm to the side as it curved to come in to hit me, using the resistance of my weapon as it was knocked aside to help redirect the strike towards my head/torso. Unfortunately, as the same moment I shifted my guard very slightly and instead of hitting my weapon and curving into my body and instead, hit my weapon and slid, full-power down the shaft into my hand, the shaft serving as a guide to help it slide right into my thumb. Dispite reasonably good hand protection, my thumb nail partly disconnect from the nail bed. A guard at any point along the length of the shaft his blow slid down would have saved my thumb from the blow. I don't think the guard needs to be right against the hand to be effective for the type of blow it was designed to protect against. It just needs to be _somewhere_ between the impact point where you opponent's weapon would hit and stard sliding down your shaft toward your hand and your hand, and the blows which spend the longest sliding down your weapon will often be the ones which hit with the most force. Moving the guard up would then be a compromise to preserve the protection against that with the ability to move the hands around. It may also be for the power of trying to punch through plate instead of finding the gaps. Likewise, it may also be largely a battlefield option, as there may be less range of motion available and you may want to stop a blow rather than just knock it aside if you have a friend there. Together, these would fit with them existing, but being less used by masters in dueling context where the ability to have unrestricted movement of your hands would be of greater importance.
Well thought out. I was thinking even a smaller disk, or even rounded triangular in profile, guard would allow for protection of the unarmored parts of a closed gauntlet with the ability to "skip" over it when slipping the hand up and down. Just need deflection, not a right-angle stop.
This makes all kinds of sense to me. Especially since we know that the sources we have are focused on dueling. An added point: In a battlefield situation, weapon retention becomes more important. The chaos of battle makes it far more likely to lose control of your weapon. So the added point of contact could be added value in indexing your hand position on the shaft as well as strengthening the grip on the weapon in an armored gauntlet. Similar to the large disk pommel and guard on a rondel dagger.
Not a HEMA participant, but from a physics/ergonomics perspective, can the hand guard be used to generate more force in the thrust, with either end? I can see it helpful against an armored opponent.
It is very unlikely to make a massive difference. The places where you're going to realistically penetrate to begin with, aren't typically strong enough that you need that difference. The types of places the spiky bits go into are places where a dagger thrust is enough, let alone a polearm wielded in two hands with a giant weight on the end of it. Ultimately, the mass of the head is going to be much more of the deciding factor in that hypothetical. The weakspots are weak enough that you don't need to worry about power, and the strong spots are so strong that power can never become (reliably) enough anyway. If you're using your point, it's because you have a gap to aim at. If you can't access that gap, you should be trying to smack them with the hammer bit instead.
That rondel seems to be quite useful for delivering powerful thrusts with either end by stopping the hand from slipping (depending on where you put your hand relative to the rondel).
I was going to ask if that might be a reason for having it, to facilitate thrusting. It seems like when stabbing someone in armor, you're going to want all the advantage you can get.
Would you be interested in doing a little bit of research on the Chinese dagger-axe (Ge) and/or Chinese Halberd (Ji). I suspect they're both closer to a western Halberd than a poleaxe in terms of length, but I'm curious to see if there are any lessons/techniques you might be able to transfer by comparing them.
I've recently started getting into the idea of poleweapons after my indoctrination through popular fantasy has become broken. You mentioned you are using wooden poleaxes, where are you getting them from or what should you look out for when getting them?
@scholagladiatoria In the event that the shaft breaks, do you think the hand guard could serve more as a handstop if what is left of the poleaxe is wielded more like a warhammer? Not sure if any sources depict such a technique.
That's an interesting question. If that were part of the thinking, wouldn't there be descriptions or artwork of it? I'm not saying you're wrong, just thinking aloud. Is it more likely that the fighter would resort to a sword if the pollaxe broke? Of course it could be done but maybe there were other, better options.
Hi Matt! Long time subscriber here. would I be able to request a video? I know you have talked before about musketeers how they fought and what weapons they used but would you be able to compile all of that into a video explaining musketeers a little more in depth please? I would like to know their motivations weapons sidearms and their overall adeptness in combat. I would appreciate it. thank you
Agreggate Polls ahow that the Polish Poles are polling higher than Poles that are not Polish and the Polish Poles are maintaining Pole Position. Sorry but I have an axe to grind about this topic. 😎
Wow I was surprised to find out they break a lot. As for the skirt protecting from grappling that makes sense. It would be hard to do a double leg if the skirt was long and hard enough...uh...ah...you know what I mean. The disc hand shield made me think of another weapon. The awl pike. I would love to see a video on that. :) Anyways great video Matt. :)
Your enthusiasm for the topic is very evident. I feel it's one of your most original, insightful videos. The hard work you have put into preparation and training has clearly paid dividends.
I’d imagine if a fight devolved into wrestling, a knight could drop their pole axe and draw their rondel dagger. Something tells me if they’re that well equipped, they’d have a sidearm.
I swear there's an earlier video where Matt describes fully-armoured fighting as "wrestling with large knives". Maybe it was the fight analysis of the Arthur vs. Lancelot fight from EXCALIBUR?
I am of the opinion the "guard" was less of a guard, and more a force multiplier for the thrust, much like the rondels on a dagger. I have no proof, but it makes little sense to me otherwise.
thats actually pretty interesting. Yea, if youre thrusting with a weapon like that, the guard would prevent your hand sliding on the weapon and reducing the force behind a strike
I just love these depictions of Saint George slaying the dragon. -”Behold, for I have slain the mighty dragon terrorising the land far and near!!” -” That's all nice and well, but has anyone seen my mutt? His names Steve, he's a bit ugly but luv him to bits I do.”
Keep in mind that the top and bottom of the axe are also good at penetrating between gaps in armor, especially the bottom part of the axe when doing techniques like the knieryssen (knee ripping) or the Halryssen, as the tip of the axe will stab into any gaps in the back of the knee armor in particular, but also in the back of the torso/neck area. I'd say that is probably the most beneficial part of the axe design vs an armored opponent.
I wonder if a polypropylene staff would be good for a more durable pollaxe trainer. Though I don't know if polypropylene is actually more durable than wood, or if that's just manufacturer hyperbole.
Yes, we have been talking about synthetic materials for the shafts. Though conversely, the fact that even well made pollaxes break is a good reminder than striking with full force can bite you in the ass in the end 🙂
@@scholagladiatoria True, but HEMA is expensive enough a hobby as it it lol. I'd rather have a longer lasting trainer that won't need replacing as often.
Could it be that the axe bit being more "light infantery" oriented it is popular on battlefields but treaties focus on the armored vs armored duel and so favor the spike/martel combinaison?
What’s the difference between a poleaxe and a halberd? Possibly the halberd has a hook and the poleaxe has a hammer ? Or just a rear spike is the only difference.
Curiously, Pietro Monte favored a rather long pollaxe, with total length beyond what a person can reach above their head. & certain late-16th-century English halberds, intended for fighting in armor in formation, could be quite short: 5-6ft according to Sir John Smythe & George Silver.
Thank you for doing these videos on polearms. They are my favorite weapons, but you don't see nearly as many videos done on them as you do with swords and axes.
I made a halberd last winter and when I went to test it, it shattered near the head. Thanks for confirming that they need heavy reinforcement and that they break often :P
Question about the length of the pollaxe. Yours is roughly your height. People have been getting taller as medicine and food have improved. Is the length of a pollaxe normally the height of its user, or is the size of historical versions which were designed for shorter people?
Pollaxes can vary from about chest height, to well over head height. Average height of modern people has increased in England by around 2.5 inches since the 15th century, but remember that there was more variation between regions and social classes/occupations in the middle ages, due to smaller population and lower mobility. Selective breeding and child nutrition difference is still a thing, but it was a much bigger thing then, so plenty of 15th century armours are for people of modern average height.
Not much, you are that this weapon is a weapon of the upper classes. These people ate well , exercised allot, and had (crude, still medieval times) following them around. I honestly would expect work gear and swords of this time period given that swords become quite affordable at the time of Poleaxe to be more shrimpy for modern person's size.
Say, Matt! You practice HEMA? Then, does that mean you're a HEMAtologist? I mean, you DO practice HEMAtology, right? And does that mean any injuries incurred while practicing HEMA are called a HEMAtoma?
Fastest comment I've ever prepared to write: loved that opening. Literally laughing. Good work Matt. Normally come here for the serious discussion, so humour really caught me off-guard. :)
Hi Matt, as always I immensely enjoyed this episode; as I , while being Dutch, also have the pleasure of living in France, I included a link which might come in handy for you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4NHLSbiVkHg.html. Greetz from the Netherlands!!!
Hey I’ve played Raid, it’s a polished turd, the most tedious and boring “gameplay” you can imagine with pretty little sprites, Matt just needs the sponsorship cuz patrion isn’t making the bills, so please please PLEASE! Support him on patrion so he can stop shilling for this garbage franchise!!!
I don't do HEMA, but I was wondering if the guard was used more for melees, as opposed to duels. In melees with comrades close to you, you would do more overhead strikes (hammer, bec de corbin, or axe) with liberal butt spike and head spike thrusts. There would be less (but far from none) slipping of hands, or not as long. The "guard" (which I do not think is intended to use as a guard) actually acts as a hand stop/brace when thrusting with the head spike.
Just got asked why I'm "laughing at a swords video". Told her I'm watching a guy talking about sliding his had up and down his shaft and exposing himself. Didn't think eyebrows went that high...
Matt, if gunpowder stopped working today would there be alternatives for guns to work? On your mind what armor would people wear? Would modern chain mail be a thing?
I can't pass the fact that he prononce "les jeux" as "les ju" it's weard when you know how to speak french... But a lot of interesting things from this video.
A point on swinging: It's not just reach you get from slipping the hand. You get power. To understand this, get an axe and chop some wood. You'll see pretty soon. The left hand guides, the right hand drives then slides to the left hand. Of course theres more to it with a weapon, but you'll get a good idea of what's happening chopping wood.
I wonder if anyone here can answer my question about wooden mallets. I wonder if they were ever used to a greater extend on the battlefield. We know that clubs were not entirely uncommon and a mallet is basically a more sophisticated club. I think that if you could not afford anything but a club, you'd just make one, or better yet: make a mallet. Now I don't mean an oversized tool to hammer in posts, just a specialised mallet for hitting people. Maybe even with a pointy end (either face or tip) made of wood if nothing else is available to you. If I had to go to war I think I would consider making anything I can myself so I could buy the next piece of kit instead, assuming that you are in a society where there is the need to obtain your equipment yourself. For instance you coud make a mallet so you can use your money to buy a helmet instead. I think a mallet would make sense as an economical option at least. Anyone knows of any sources/evidence?
stupid question: I'm obsessed with pole weapons, and I've had this idea of chopping wood with them for a bit now, but really I just want to play with them. Is the former possible? Should I just get something to swing at tires instead?
So, this might seem ridiculous, but regarding the handguard placement: is it possible that the poleaxe could be used while mounted, like a lance? You could reverse the weapon, couching the head behind your armpit, and using the handguard as a brace. After riding in and lancing the first guy, you dismount and continue using it like a proper polearm.
In the Marines our bayonet training (early 1990’s) was basically pole weapons training I guess. I held the rifle with the blade to the left side of my head/body because the butt of the rifle goes seated in your right shoulder when firing (usually). With almost every video now I keep wondering if there’s going to be another channel that will counter these great points so strongly. Lol
Ok, I got to ask, behind your right shoulder, as we see you, is a ... probably a heater, shield thats black with yellow lion? and stuff? On one side is an axe, that's obvious, but on the other side, hanging off the door latch is ... something made of wood, what is that?
With a person-high axe the butt could be planted on the ground as a fulcrum, so you could lock with the left arm and smash the cross into your opponent that way. Might not be ideal but ...
I wondered why some places have flat blades. curved ones would be better at chopping and would concentrate power of the strike in small area. Does anyone know what benefits flat blades have.
I'm not sure straight spikes are best for striking- When you swing something it generally moves in an arc, so a curved spike can present a more straight point to the target depending on angles.
I imagine that in combat a weapon not glancing is often times more important than the weapon doing as much damage as possible. A straight spike might be less efficient but is it less likely to skip off armour? Maybe
I'd imagine a curved spike is a lot harder to stab with effectively , maybe a tradeoff of power/versatility ? Would explain why weapons like crow's beak have a straight spike (stabbing) and a curved one (striking)
@@edstringer1138 Sure if it's very curved but I think a slight curve would still penetrate in a straight attack but since a full swing with the beak wouldn't be dead straight anyway as the trajectory of swinging anything arcs naturally around your centre. it's rarer that you'd attacy with a trajectory dead perpendicular to the haft (unless you pushing with a high grip) as most attacks curve with the body's natural angular momentum.
I think the axe blade would be great for hooking or pushing into the gap between any overlapping plates, particularly when it expands to allow for a movement, when it’s hooked and set you are pushing or pulling to take the opponents balance, you can twist as the force is forcing th widening blade further between the two plates, to further expand that gap, if you bring them down while keeping that blade wedged in, it gives you a great chance to drop upon them while unsheathing your dagger, while they are out of control and with clear path home for your dagger, or at least a path with less obstacle, I think that’s why the blade tends towards the shape on you’re example, or a quite shallow curve. The broadly curving shape of most fighting axes, are far more optimized towards slicing into and through fleshy, or textile targets, greatly increasing the distance and depth of the resulting injury. A flat faced axe with a shallow blade gives away (or at least minimizes) much of the benefits to using an axe against the lightly armored. I can’t imagine why that flat or nearly flat shape would be (almost) ubiquitous, on axe bladed pole axes, unless it was optimized for other than “normal,” unarmored axe combat.
Because the enemy gets a vote. Just because you want to fight another plate-armoured knight doesn't mean that you won't end up facing Sergeants in gambeson or partial brigandine, or even a crowd of mostly unarmoured levies. In those cases, having a sharp, relatively wide blade will give you a lot more options to deal with them, rather than a hammer or spike. Hyper specialization is a good way to die on a battlefield. Versatility is good.
This might be an odd comment to make, but I reckon your sponsors must be quite pleased with the enthusiasm you present their products with. I hope that they keep sponsoring your channel. Oh, the poleaxe content was good too!
Poll is an old word for your head. There were many short poll-axes as the word had nothing to do with long poles. It was a device for caving your head in 🤪
The guard would probably be more useful on a battlefield than in a duel, due to the limited physical space, both for the wielder and the opponents. You'd potentially be facing a lot of stabbing attacks, mostly from the front, and the more constrained environment would limit the types of attacks the user would be doing anyway.
REALLY enjoyed that. The poleaxe was more of a technical super weapon than I originally thought. A lot of this is by definition as noobies like me think that a poleaxe, Glaive, Bill, Halberd are the same thing. You covered a lot of this in a previous video. I especially enjoyed this one as you are actively training with it.
