What Makes a Great Medieval Battle Axe?

Many people frequently ask "What makes a Battle(and still is) where it's center of balance is and it's
Axe so great?" I quickly bring up the superiormass. Unlike a sword (usually balanced near the hilt), a
defensive capabilities that many fighters simply cannotgreat axe will balance a couple of inches below the
comprehend until they have fought against a Medievalhead (very useful for the thrown version of these
Battle Axe, or until they have learned to use oneweapons). This allowed an attack to push through
effectively themselves. Rarely do you worry aboutdefensive obstacles. Even today fire fighters use axes
your blade becoming destroyed in battle, as opposedto cut through doors & walls (obstacles) to get to
to a sword, while defending against attacks. Well overtheir targets. A great battle axe, well cared for &
95% of the weapon is able to be used in blockingsharpened before war, would have easily torn apart
sharp edged weapons, with a sword you are limited towood & canvas shields.
the flat of a blade or the cross guard.Another key benefit to many axes (especially the
The battle axe did have a few vulnerabilities, thehalberd, or very large axes) would be what many call
wooden handle (often made of hard woods forthe beard. A bearded axe has a long point at the
strength) could be worn away if a warrior was notbottom of the blade used to pull back into enemies, or
aggressive enough in their fighting style. If they wouldsimply to hook shields and appendages. In reality, many
use the shaft to block attacks against bladedwarriors fought for the best reason. To keep their
weapons too often, they would eventually wittle away.homes, lively hood & families safe! I strongly
As a result many axes likely developed steel strapsrecommend that anyone interested in learning more
along the haft of the weapon, just as many medievalabout a battle axe, obtain one that is made of carbon
war hammers did in later years of war.steel & from a reputable source.
One of the great advantages of the battle axe was