Is an Axe a Good Weapon for Home Defense? | Woox Axes Reviewed

[@hard2hurt]

Go check out Woox and use code H2H22 for 10% off at rebrand.ly/WOOXStore

[@stevenoconnor3256]

A Gladius or langes messer is better especially if you had a small or medium-sized shield. A short cut and thrust sword just gives you far more options than an axe. They also have far more hand protection and are made out of steel so are more durable.

[@basicbean]

You mentioned that the axe has to be retracted quickly, but if you use a moulinet with it you'd be able to recover for either a second hit or to gain some distance pretty much as you're attacking. Just have to remember to complete the circle at the wrist with the forward weight carrying it through, not do a chop, back up, chop, back up like you're trying to cut a tree and it should get rid of at least that one downside to using an axe I believe

[@southernlonghorn4507]

Saw on the news where Florida Man defended his trailer against an intruder with a halberd pole axe thing. Cops found intruder later that night in the neighborhood by tracking the blood trail!!! 👍👍👍

[@jasonadams8549]

Try a tomahawk. One with a head that isn't overly large, but can be used quickly.

[@joshuanugentfitnessjourney3342]

I hope you see this, but i think a gladius would be better, really good stabbing which is king of tight spaces, and the attacker cant take it away. A good example would be the gladius machete they sell at like academy

[@SenseiSeth]

I’m the perfect weapon for home defense

[@rajz_]

That's the spirit. 🔥

[@hard2hurt]

I can't even pick your big ass up.

[@z1z2z3z4z1z2]

with those long legs.. can you even throw a kick in a hall way? :)

[@SenseiSeth]

@@hard2hurt hahahaha maybe that just means I’m hard to kidnap

[@TheRabbitman3000]

@@SenseiSeth hard2hurt and hard2kidnap are two of my favourite channels

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

Someone selling their late grandmother's prized bureau to make rent: "At least it's going to a good home" Icy Mike: "..."

[@aesirart2670]

Ive trained axe and shield hema for almost a decade. Id still prefer my gun for home defense but I think axe with shield would work suprisingly well in a hallway.

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

Train your whole family so you can form a shield wall

[@southernlonghorn4507]

@@moreparrotsmoredereks2275 Imagine the intruder that walks in and finds a Roman formation shield wall with spears thrusting out. They would poop their pants from sheer shock and surprise.

[@CaneFu]

@@moreparrotsmoredereks2275 LOL, best comment on here.

[@RollingDutchmann]

And not everybody has a gun but a big knife and any improvised shield is fine.

[@blacksnapper7684]

I’ve always used a tomahawk and knife

[@DongusKong]

I collect antique arms and armour, and my favorite melee tool for home defense is probably my gladius because it can chop, stab, and is pretty short

[@matthewfullerton1416]

Was just coming to the comments to say this exact thing lol

[@michaelmarix8257]

I was gonna say the same but I use a cheaper machete variant with a hybridized gladius/xiphos design, big leaf for chopping and a great point for thrusting, even has a pommel spike on the tang

[@VisionFromAfar]

That was the same conclusion that Shadiversity came to.

[@demonitized1020]

For me it’s my rapier. I know it’s not the best, but I have the most practice with it and I’m the most comfortable with it

[@erithanis]

Came to the comments to add this. Solves the speed problem. Inverses the danger-grip to safe-grip ratio, making it a lot harder to be disarmed. And there may be pommel grip options depending on the design for two handed use.

[@WarlordFlanker]

I always love how the guy who's channel that isn't about weapons-based fighting makes more valid points about weapons-based fighting than many of the channels dedicated to it do. Great points and video Mike, keep it up💪

[@hard2hurt]

Well... fighting is fighting. If you've done a good bit of it, it's all kind of similar.

[@DongusKong]

@@hard2hurt You should come hang at your local HEMA club and give it a try. I think you'd have a blast beating the hell out of people with swords and axes, and it really changes your understanding of that kind of fighting.

[@therandomdickhead5744]

True

[@EKUgrad1]

You are the weapon. The "Weapons" used are tools. Sometimes, you're also a tool.

[@d.g.205]

Depends on the channels and which weapons based fighting. Look into some well known HEMA channels and get their take on how a WEAPON is meant to be used in combat.

[@dreavesthemalkavianphsycia8933]

The tone of this video is alot of why I keep coming back for more. The honesty of how you think and what prompts a video. The fact that you take into account the practicality of something. Not just the damage factor. While still emphasizing the fact nothing is really good without training and practice. However all that to me is second to the fact that you bring your son along for the ride like a Dad does, the whole time saying things like "That's SO loud" and "We're gonna get in so much trouble for this" but still making sure he's safe and back out of the way. Subject matter is interesting. What makes me stay for the whole vid is the interaction and approach. Keep up the awesome content and be safe.

[@DogScience]

I love how people who are " against firearms" think that they're totally cool with butchering somebody up with a hatchet. It's all eww, no way.

[@bladetheatrics]

No everyone who is against guns uses just axes. Countless other weapons yo use. Your blanket statement doesn't reflect reality

[@3starbadman]

I hear you, but most anti-gun people are against guns because they can cause a whole bunch of death from far away, not because they're gross

[@RollingDutchmann]

I would be because in my country a kitchenknife is legal and guns aren't. If you have no other choice what CAN you do? Slash and stab first, cry and puke later if you have a breakdown.

[@Ventus_the_Heathen]

I used to train with a guy who didn't like guns but carried a karambit for self defense. I finally sat down with him one day and went "Dude you can't wrap your head around flexing your finger to kill someone but you're okay with disemboweling someone?" And this psychopath went "It's not that I'm not willing to shoot someone, guns are too easy. They don't take any skill."

[@RollingDutchmann]

@@Ventus_the_Heathen half true. If your aim is crap, at least you will hit a big enough area if you shoot multiple times. A knife to the throat, through the eyesocket or even the kidneys is easier to learn but harder to do because it's a close combat weapon.

[@simonyu8838]

The beard part of tomahawks that can snag is a feature, not a bug. Axes purpose made for combat throughout history from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas all have that in common. Axes made for hitting people instead of wood universally have more narrow and lighter blades that maximize the cutting edge while reducing weight. The kind of vertical tapering of the blade that creates the beard is a part of that. Less mass means a faster weapon and while the force of impact is lessened, you've still got a big chunk of blade to do damage. If it happens to snag on someone, that also means you can use that to hook and drag the limb (or whatever) that got caught. It's not as intuitive as hacking away, but that's what training is for. Given a choice between a broader headed wood axe or hatchet and a dedicated fighting axe design, I'd go with the one with centuries of battlefield use around the world. That said, a well made battle axe modeled on battlefield designs is not something you can find at a hardware store and will cost more from a dedicated maker so you have to be a martial arts weapon nerd to have one and train with it. A wood axe/hatchet may not be as ideal for a weapon, but an attacker hit by one is still really not going to like it and you can at last get some feel for using it as a weapon from using it as a tool.

[@finessepodcast_za]

Super Response 🔥

[@ihcterra4625]

Buy a cheap firemen's hatchet from Harbor Freight and grind it to match a fighting profile. Or an Estwing camp axe. You wouldn't have to do much because those already have light thin blades.

[@JKal19]

Shadiversity had been watching your stuff, and thought a gladius would be the ultimate melee self defense weapon in the home. Other than needing to break through a door or something, I agree. A single thrust would be a definitive end to the conflict, and in-doors, you're not dodging that shit.

[@danglingwaters]

I love that you're such a kid with it, I don't have a gun but I have a bokken and a military survival machete for home defense, im 21 and live alone and practice everyday after work. You're videos are awesome

[@Why...So...Stupid...]

Why don't you have a gun?!?! You can't be against shooting a intruder. You're willing to chop someone up with a machete or bludgeon them to death but not shoot them?

[@801preston]

@ShimmerySound if I saw someone with a machete swinging at me I’d be intimidated😂

[@TheRedHaze3]

@ShimmerySound Not everyone has access to guns, dude.

[@RollingDutchmann]

@ShimmerySound melee is an armed person. Not firearmed but I want to see you up close with your firearm against a knife or axe.

[@augustolima1317]

@@TheRedHaze3 in my country you have to be 25years old, i have 21...

[@Swordsman_HEMMA]

I've actually done quite a bit of axe sparring and one important bit I wanted to point out regarding the comment made at @5:19 about choking up on the handle: It's not as easy for the defender to grab ahold of the handle as you would think, since it's mostly covered by the chop of the blade. Any attempts to reach up and grab the handle should, if swung properly, result in them getting cut before they're able to. Also, if you're going up against someone who also has a weapon, you can use the handle to cover your forearm as a blocking tool to defend against incoming strikes, or even use the handle to hook their weapon or wrist and start grappling. That said, I find that generally it's still better to keep your choke down and simply use the axe as intended. The techniques with a choked up grip are useful, but they can be more risky, and you're also sacrificing a ton of reach (which the hand axe already doesn't have much of). I find it's usually not worth the tradeoff.

[@jfilm7466]

They grab the shaft of your axe and you kick them below their shaft... Right in the bollocks 😃

[@flamezombie1]

Seconded on these, having done a fair bit of axe sparring in HEMA. Choking up starts to make a lot more sense if you have a shield in your other hand - you can use the shield to close distance and mitigate the reach you've lost. It is very hard to grab your opponent's axe because you're not going to be binding with it almost at all, whereas with a longsword you have much more to grab onto and the blades are in contact much more frequently (i.e: they're not moving quickly so you can grab them without too much risk).

[@Swordsman_HEMMA]

@@flamezombie1 My experience is less from Axe + Shield and more from Axe + Knife. When using this combination, I tend to use the axe as more of a trapping weapon, hooking and controlling my opponent's weapon so that I can get in close and get the kill with the dagger. The main drawback seems to be the short reach and lack of hand protection, so I have to keep my hand protected by parrying with the axe head, close distance, and pay close attention to my opponent's footwork to know if they're going to be able to stab me while retreating or if I can safely go for the finish. Also just worth pointing out to the non-HEMA people that axes aren't quite technically HEMA, since there's no manuals that I'm aware of that demonstrate how they were actually used historically. That doesn't stop us from fucking around with them for fun, though! Despite being almost entirely ahistorical and based on only his own experimentation, I've found Dwight McLemore's books on the topic to be pretty dang useful and his system works decently in sparring.

[@flamezombie1]

@@Swordsman_HEMMA Well, I'd still consider them HEMA if you're trying to use them in constructive ways that make sense historically... But yeah, it's "experimental archeology" if you like.

[@Fergerlr]

Buhurt fighter here it's super common for people to grab the axe handle if you choke up on it. Even through gauntlets which are basically big steel mittens. It's why alot of people switch to swords since you can't grab blades.

[@ForgeItLive]

I would go for an arming sword or a German "Messer" since it has a longer handle. Can also trust with the sword in a hallway better than an axe.

[@MrShadeofMyself]

Go for a Bauernwehr or even a Wakizashi, both have the hack n slash attitude but are able to thrust. Also better to handle in tight spaces.

[@mattatomattahto]

I was gonna say, if we're doing dedicated melee weapons, a messer or a short falchion is short and choppy enough to hack with, and enable stabbing and cutting. Not to mention hard to take away without losing fingers.

[@flamezombie1]

@@MrShadeofMyself I have a bauernwehr from Tod's Workshop, thing is an absolute monster. The nagel is a nice thought for hand protection too. The main thing I could think about with an axe though, is that though you can't thrust very well with it, it's also not as likely to get stuck. Stabs are more likely to kill, but you often don't need to kill to incapacitate someone (an axe can do A LOT of damage without killing, severing tendons, breaking bones, etc.) And if you thrust and it doesn't kill the dude, it gets stuck, they're hopped up on adrenaline still fighting you but their hands are free and yours aren't... it's an edge case but it does get referenced historically

[@MrShadeofMyself]

@@flamezombie1 i know what you mean but a slash is also not a guaranteed kill but, according to historical references ;) a good stopper for a fight. So a shorter weapon with more option and probably a bit faster too in close quarter. But then i also live in switzerland which makes the homeinvasion discussion nearly ridiculous

[@nickwilliams8302]

@@flamezombie1 Great points and really relevant. Yeah. The issue is _stopping_ an attacker. A thrust that kills someone a minute later is not as useful - from a self-defence perspective - as a strike that _instantly_ takes that person out of the fight. Even if they end up surviving.

[@mass4552]

Any weapon that quickly gets the assailant questioning his actions is a good weapon. Close quarters like the hallway I think the hatchet if you want something to match his blood type and match missing body parts to would be good. If you want to leave great marks and a lot of pain without possibly having to dispose of remnants later then something like the Stinger Tactical Whip which is extremely fast to deploy and easy to wield in confined places.

[@siegethompson3194]

I am a carpenter and a craftsman before a martial artist. An estwing camp axe is my bedside home defense weapon. It’s like a hammer with more lethality, and the back of it even is a hammer if that’s what’s called for. I swing hammers all day so the ease and accuracy with which I can wield it is unparalleled by any other home defense weapon. It pairs well with my other stuff and my other stuff supports it. I just love it. Happy to see it mentioned. Thanks mike!

[@tonyhayes5188]

Carried a Vaughan framing hatchet most of my working life. Keeping the waffle-head touched up with a triangular file ensures you will remove a lot of skin and meat while beating the crap out of someone.

[@camfer9616]

The music on this one is on point! sets the mood instantly. Also, when swinging one handed try "bicicling" for better control. You loose some power and penetration, but for head and limbs is more than enough.

[@CaneFu]

A short axe (called a hatchet) in my right hand and the Cold Steel Buckler shield in my left hand would be hard to beat. HOWEVER, why use a hatchet, with a long handle that can be grabbed, when you could use a Bowie knife or machete instead. A handle just big enough for your own hand to hang onto and nothing but blade sticking out makes more sense. A large double-edged Bowie knife, impossible to grab, along with the Buckler shield, would allow you to easily dominate anyone.

[@erikmitchell6458]

Ok I said tomahawk earlier. I stand by it. Or my Bowie. Love both. I like my tomahawk first because in a frenzy it’s no fuss devastating. Basic motor skills. Or my Bowie. Or tomahawk. Or Bowie

[@CaneFu]

@@erikmitchell6458 Well, this is an easy one to decide....fight with BOTH hands at the same time with the tomahawk in your dominant hand for swinging and the Bowie in your weaker hand for thrusting...UNBEATABLE. I pity the fool who breaks into your house.

[@bronsonleach3573]

@@CaneFu Until they have a gun and pop you in the head it is best to have a fire arm of some kind. Even in countries that have laws against them you could probably get away with a using a black powder revolver that is 44 caliber and would easily put a man 6 foot under. Personally If I didn't have a fire arm and I would use a battle axe and wait at a corner and wait for them to come to you because you need some reach and battle axes are light and fast. I like the Viking bearded axe the best because you use it for short and close quarters and the beard is good at hooking limbs and ribs and can easily kill or really injure someone in one blow. A stab, or a slash is not going to kill someone fast enough you need a weapon that is fast and can kill the first blow or remove limbs.

[@LastBastian]

@@CaneFu Tomahawk and Bowie knife, great time tested combo!

[@johnames1987]

I got a buckler. Should really practice with it but it seems so self explanatory as to not need to. I do think a machete with it is better than the axe. Now I'm thinking big ugly karambit in sabre grip for the left hand, and axe in the right, would also be interesting... (based on the hema 'trap and stab' comment earlier) if I had the karambit set to to deploy sabre (pinky finger pull a fox 599 works if clipped backwards from usual) then if they somehow got the buckler I would have a quick backup...

[@ReinhardtBII]

For me, factoring in my military background, if I couldn't have a rifle, I'd want a short spear, 45-55 inches long including spearhead. That would best transfer the melee training I'm most versed in, which is bayonet drill.

[@KennnethKnight]

i have been playing around with the idea of an axe for home defense for a while now (in AUS NSW) the advantage of the utility axe it has multiple uses and levels of force. A: reversing the axe and using it as a heavy baton with the blade on your forearm*, or out as is appropriate, and you have a rather fast and snappy "stick" that is very controllable and makes use of any stick, sword, "sword" or baton experience you may have. B: use only a two handed poleaxe grip for closed range or defensive. like a staff, poleaxe ,halberd or defensive baton . C: open up to full swings transitioning between poleaxe and baseball grips to improve control. all three grips can transition easily and smoothly *with the blade in, to my non lawyer mind, it could be argued as a demonstration of non lethal intent in a non lethal situation..

[@AssassinKing19]

i think a raven's beak (bec de corbin), basically a pointy hammer, would be pretty grim too.

[@DBurpees1]

I had never heard of that thing until I saw your comment. I just looked it up, Jesus. That hammer could not be used to build anything.

[@3starbadman]

First of all: eww lol, that would leave quite a scene. Second, that would work, but they're so long. Maybe a short one would be great

[@MB-jg4tr]

More people are killed with a claw hammer than any other tool. And yeah it's grim.

[@AssassinKing19]

@:I skallagrim

[@therealp7667]

that music really added value to the video.

[@ajax31990]

The splitting axe, while not ideal indoors and not really made for fighting has some options. This comes from HEMA halberd and poleaxe manuals, and I've done some of this in sparring in and out of armor. Basically, you want the head retracted at first so you don't have to spend time winding up. You can then have the butt of the haft forwards and "pool cue" someone with it, though with a haft that short it's risky and can lead to wrestling, which, as you said, is where all of this leads especially with hafted weapons. A stout haft to the face will mess up someone's day, and we've found it transfers through helmets and masks. You can also choke up a little towards the head with your off-hand and use the little crook to trap people's necks or arms. The next option is of course the big chop. You basically can't block or parry It unless you have a weapon of equal mass and leverage, so you have to get away or smother, once again, wrestling. The big chop will wreck your whole world since it defeats even specialized armor of the time when axes were a primary weapon. This being said if you have the head of the axe retracted the threat of getting split in half is always there, and sometimes you just smash people especially if they hesitate. At wrestling ranges, you have some options to use the haft as a lever (trapping their hands, arms, or head) and throwing them, and you can trip if you're lucky, but even the dudes using them back in the day ditched it and went to knives at wrestling distance.

[@sysyphys7088]

HOW ABOUT A VIDEO ON THE COLD STEEL SMATCHET

[@Ventus_the_Heathen]

I have a small stout scimitar style machete. Heavy hacking blade but also it comes to a sharp point so I could use it for thrusting in tight spaces. Easily my go to home invasion weapon if I can just grab a gun

[@mattatomattahto]

Falchion or a messer.

[@Ventus_the_Heathen]

@@mattatomattahto I'm a dussack guy myself but a good messer is a fine tool

[@andy91619]

I would choose a rapier. For the speed, range, and advantages in narrow hallways. Some disadvantages would be corners and if the he gets past the blade but I'll take my chances.

[@Matt_Romans116_Morris]

The first thing I would grab is my Italian dueling Sabre, I'm somewhat trained with it and I can wear it with relative ease in my house 😂

[@somerandomguyfromtheintern480]

I remember reading that, before firearms were common, the poleax, or a short variant of it, became the go to choice for many households. Hammer, axe, and spear all in one.

[@ronfox5519]

Makes sense to me. Speed and reach +defensive abilities.

[@tomb2289]

Entrenching tool's pretty good for narrow hallways/doors etc

[@hard2hurt]

Agreed.

[@jonathancathey2334]

A few years ago. A medieval weapons enthusiast had 3 young men break into to his house through the front door. The home owners response was to grab war ax and attack the first intruder. The first intruder took an ax head to the guts, and the other two intruders. Decided to get the hell out of that house. When the police finally showed up, they had absolutely no problem finding the first intruder. The police simply had to follow the blood trail of the first intruder. Across the street into an alley. Where the police found the body of the first intruder. Who had bled to death while trying to hold his guts in. When the police examined the body of the first intruder, he was armed with a handgun. So the home owner wasn't charged with any crimes, the case was considered justified homicide.

[@Technoanima]

Yes. that's why you should always aim centre mass and let God settle the rest. Gunshot wounds are usually not fatal unless the shot hits a vital organ. And even then adrenaline can keep them up. What it then does is reduce arresting the wrong guy. Everyone has jacket, jeans and sneakers. But the same outfit and a gunshot wound? Big difference.

[@TheAirborneKite]

I've been trying out club swinging recently, so my go-to would probably be a 15 pound club (cast iron, a bit longer than a hatchet), just because it's there. It's not particularly easy to retract, that's kind of the point, but it would do a lot of damage and might blow past a block. Also, it would still be dangerous if I threw it at them (though I don't know what scenario would make throwing it a good idea). Any thoughts on clubs? I know you've said bats are impractical because they're too big for hallways, but shorter clubs aren't as clumsy.

[@TheAirborneKite]

@@MB-wp2px I'm Canadian, so owning a weapon (a product from Cold Steel would pretty easily be found to be a weapon) is not a good idea, legally speaking. Thanks for the rec, though, I hope others check it out

[@troywehr4029]

You should look up your laws, I'm not sure but I believe you guys are allowed some weapons. Skallagrim has his fair share. If you are going with a club, then you are better off with a mace or Warhammer. Weapons are all about force multipliers. A mace takes the weight of a club and Concentrates it into smaller surface area. 15 is really heavy, even the largest two handed pole axes didn't weight 15 lbs.

[@TheAirborneKite]

@@troywehr4029 you are allowed to own weapons, carrying for defense is totally illegal in most circumstances though. I could have one because I thought it was neat, but I wouldn't be able to, like, carry it in a bag (concealed weapon). Could I have it in my house for protection? I think so, but the judge probably wouldn't like it. More hassle than it's worth.

[@TheAirborneKite]

@@MB-wp2px yeah, I know it's legal, but I don't really want the hassle of the saying yes to "do you have weapons in the house". Is it a big issue? No. But I live in a pretty safe environment, so I'm much more worried about legal attack surfaces than physical ones.

[@bronsonleach3573]

Why not an aluminum bat that is lighter then a club and is very simple to use. You can also grapple with it

[@davefletch3063]

An advantage to the full size axe is the handle can enable short-staff defenses, blocks etc. it gives you more leverage if you end up grappling

[@kaiceecrane3884]

I have a training spear, which can also be a long wooden spike, and a hallway, if given time I feel good with that. I have training axes but not any fighting axes, I also have a hatchet and it is fine but for fighting it moves too slow, particularly in the recovery, I rather have a fighting axe. I also have training version of a poleaxe, which hits hard asf

[@RollingDutchmann]

Wooden coatracks, would it be similar?

[@kaiceecrane3884]

@@RollingDutchmann Simular, yes, useful wether for defense or study I find more limited

[@caomunistadoggo4129]

My tool choice (for bushcraft, survival and working with wood in general) is the hatchet, and as a consequence I tend to see it as a chosable weapon because of my familiarity with it (although my primary weapon would be a good knife). Your video was very informative and really fun to watch!!!

[@somerando1073]

Have you tried holding it with your hand right up near the head, but upside down? It's much faster, it's a baton at range and then you punch with the blade. Even the bigger ax might be reasonably quick and one-handable.

[@somerando1073]

Was going to say the same thing.

[@chrisjones6002]

A short sword like a gladius or a machete that can thrust well and still cut would be my first choice. You can't really stab with an axe and that's a big disadvantage in close quarters. It will be much quicker than an axe too. Also the risk of someone grabbing a sword/machete is much less. You could get a pretty decent sword style machete for about $50 and there are tons of more expensive options.

[@Mezer_PoE]

I know you could kick my ass 10 ways to sunday any time but there's something just so goofy about a guy in his back yard throwing a spinning kick at a wardrobe with a hatchet in his hand lol

[@fbiagent2848]

The greatest home defense weapon is the one you know and you train with

[@hard2hurt]

I bet you're fun at parties.

[@JamesRouzier]

The greatest home defense weapon would be icy mike. Ask his wife how much it would cost to buy

[@fbiagent2848]

@@hard2hurt fine. Real answer, halberd. I have big hallways

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

48-year-old Blazo Grkovic has made headlines in the international media after it was reported he managed to kill a bear in combat using only a small carpenter’s ax and his bear bare hands. And the other grizzly ran off after he killed the first.

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

I love axes, I have over 20 of them. I've worked with them since I was young, on the farm, commercial wood cutting, logging clearing trails and I a lot of other chores as well. In the right hands it would be hard to stop a determined man with an axe. A short handled lightweight axe would be a good self defense tool in a house but imo there's something even better. A Cold Steel Gladius machete. It has a needle sharp point, it's light and short and it's double edged which can be sharpened hair shaving sharp. You don't need any room to thrust with it, it would be pretty much impossible to grab and hold on to. It's short enough to also swing in a confined space. It could definitely decapitate, remove limbs or push through with very little effort. However trying to explain why you beheaded someone to a jury might not go well. I remember years ago someone used a sword to dispatch a home intruder and he was in court facing a lot of time. I never found out what actually happened to him but I'd rather avoid a situation like that. I keep an 18" framing hammer next to my bed just in case. While not as effective as a machete it will still take care of business. There's a reason war hammers were popular back in midevil days. Great video, it's good to think of options when it comes to selfdefence. Too many people grab the wrong tool for the work at hand and pay dearly for it.

[@shadown5757]

Excellent advice also good work on chopping down that desk (when the desk was going down in half the only thing missing was to say out loud: Timbeeerr!!!!)

[@stenfinnolivecrona8007]

Cheap and cheerful home defence tools to try are the Fiskars X7 hatchet and the Fiskars XA3 brush hook. They're nearly indestructible too. 🙂

[@Valmontst]

I see that you also did an excellent video on tactical tomahawks for home/self defense! They were originally made for fighting/defense, and are more practical than a hatchet or small ax! Great job!

[@googlename3859]

good point about axe beards for self defense, their main function was hooking shields and legs when fighting in a line, unnecessary for modern self defense

[@666toysoldier]

As many others have noted, a short sword is better for self-defense. Having experience in sport fencing, I know a thrust can be delivered before someone swinging something can complete his move. I picked up a French yataghan (double-curved) bayonet that had a bubba'd handle. I re-hilted it, sharpened the 23 1/2" blade and 4" false edge, and now have a fast weapon that just looks wicked.

[@ideapowerfulweapon]

My home defense is a screwdriver and a hammer. If they grab the hammer, they'll get a screwdriver in the eye. Maybe I should switch to a hatchet?

[@gregm2992]

I have a 4 foot bull whip, and won't miss with it. And a few goodies stached around the house. That little axe proved to be useful. Will got check one out.

[@jimjotka2187]

I'm glad you're feeling better

[@SoCtaker]

Honestly I would either go with a Gladius or a Xyphose, both are double edge, short and maneuverable, can slash well and have a sharp piercing tip for thrusting.

[@wanhaliitto]

A double edged longish knife would be my choice over the axe for a corridor. The short axe is too easy to grab if you miss the first swing, the shaft is kind of exposed. With a double edged knife grabbing the blade like that is a lot less of a problem. Also, look at how much you are telegraphing the strikes in the video even with the small axe. That gives more time for the opponent to intercept. So, I would posit that a good knife is better than an axe as long as the attacker doesn't have a longer weapon. In that circumstance you would want something longer, too, like a spear in the corridor. Longer is better. Period.

[@ethermendoza9587]

I would probably go for my tomahawk. But I have thought that a polymer shield and spear would probably be pretty good in a hallway. I don’t think an attack that did not have a gun could beat you if you had a shield and spear.

[@vorsillionx]

Any weapon one is proficient with is the best weapon for home defense. For those who lack training in martial arts or at least weapon wielding, peppers prays are the next great thing. One spray to the face can do wonders :)

[@RollingDutchmann]

Thank you! A gun doesn't mean shit in the hands of an untrained idiot like me but a knife? Bye bye burglar

[@ObservantPiratePlus]

King Kull would be pleased.

[@jc-kj8yc]

Knife throwing for self defense is very interesting. It's basically a whole martial art for itself to properly throw knives and if someone is proficient in it and has a handful of knives, throwing stars, etc. in arms reach, they'll turn you into a voodoo doll in a matter of seconds

[@hughbennett5342]

For protection inside your home a kukuri 12 inch knife with a D hand guard. It is very maneuverable and super fast. It can block, stab and lop!

[@Kadranos]

Answering opening question: I have in my mind plans to make and test a torso-size HDPE shield that will stop most handgun rounds. I think that with a naval cutlass with an enclosed guard would be best. The shield gives a lot of options for bashing, pinning, controlling space, and pushing your opponent's weapons. You can push them with your whole bodyweight behind it, too. If it can stop handgun rounds that's a huge plus (hence my interest). I may consider making it more like a Scottish targe than a Spanish rondel. The central spike of the targe can be useful, and the strapping is such that the hand is close to the leading edge of the shield and suitable to holding another smaller weapon (traditionally a long dirk/dagger, but today? a flashlight) I specify a naval cutlass because they were designed for use in tight close quarters (ship hallways and cabins - smaller than a modern home) without concern for armor (thus optimized for cutting fabric and flesh unlike many less modern). They are good choppers and slicers that should be able to thrust really well, and designed for very messy melee during boarding actions and not for dueling like many other swords of the early modern era. I'm specific on the guard as well. Most guards were for protecting against another sword sliding down during binding and winding; that's not really relevant today. But one that fully encloses the hand protects from all sorts of threats, makes it harder to disarm, and allows you to strike with it just like punching when someone gets in too close. This is also just a little bit away from the Scottish basket hilted swords used with the targe, so they should be fairly compatible. I think that kit is easy to grab, fairly lightweight, very protective, and very versatile. Additionally, the targe and cutlass were used extensively in eras with early firearms. I imagine there would also be a bit of an intimidation factor if after kicking in a door the perp gets charged by a 200-lb man with a sword and shield. Bonus points if you have time to strip down and apply blue paint.

[@kendallgaj7834]

I've got a large dowel rod that has a lot of uses, in the event of a home invasion i would use it like a spear. is it sharp? No but you can put a LOT of thrust behind it that is all getting placed into a one inch diameter point of contact. Could a guy just bat it away/grab the haft/bum rush it? Sure could try but ive got two hands on it already and im ready to keep the business end mobile. a polearm essentially at worst gives my right hand a reach far exceeding a jab, and focuses the force into a smaller area, at best it gives me all that and a lot more.

[@RodCornholio]

Yes. I'd like to see untrained AND UNEDUCATED (regarding fighting methods/strategies) Joe Schmoes spar: one with a broom, one with an axe. My guess - the broom will rack up a lot nasty hits. Personally, I would never want to have an axe, if my opponent has a pole weapon. And if I were facing a trained - or even well educated - person wielding a polearm? RUN. There's just too much speed, angles, distance, etc. and practically no room for error - if you're hit with a 6ft. 2 inch dowel rod swung by a 13 year old Girl Scout, it's going to be devastating. At best, I can imagine, you get a "baseball swing" whack that contacts your belly and you reel in pain instead of fighting, then she finishes you off with a secondary strike that breaks bones or puts your lights out.

[@bobvedder2451]

I do have a hatchet in my house for choppng kindling... I also have a walking cane made of solid wood that could be used for defense also. I also have assorted knives of various sizes.

[@catholicguy1000]

I use a Stihl forestry ax for home defense

[@Technoanima]

Thanks for the demo. I had no idea how unwieldy axes were until your test. Losing grip while you went ham on the cabinet, twice? aww geeze, those seconds would be enough for attackers to grapple or whip out a pistol and start shooting.

[@rofllcats]

Roommate has a Maasai spear hanging on the wall of our living room…. That would be pretty gnarly.

[@hard2hurt]

spears for home defense...

[@troywehr4029]

I've been watching you're videos for a few months now, wish I would have found them sooner man. Good stuff. You're improvised self defense videos are always good ones. I'm a carpenter and grew up using a machete and axe in an almost daily basis. There are lots of little nuances to any self defense with a weapon. I do agree with you that knives are always the last option when the fight has gotten too close. A good one handed machete isn't bad. I own a cold steel gladius machete, it's a little heavy, but most of cold steels stuff is. Combat commander makes some good tacti-cool bs that could be useful. One point with axes and hammers is the method used to swing them in a fight is typically less shoulder movement, keeping the elbows in and using the momentum to keep them in the fight. I'm by no means an experienced martial artist. Matt Easton from scholagladatoria KZbin channel is a really insightful dude to learn some edged weapon techniques from. If you do go get a hammer from the hardware store, I recommend a estwing framing hammer with the waffle head. When they are new the waffle will take flesh off on contact, the neck is nice and skinny, all steel construction, straight claws on the back end.

[@Pikepaw]

Finally the self defence video against Hurons we needed…sadly this axe came out too late for those poor Uruk Hai at Helms Deep…

[@joetalking7363]

Imagine you break into someone's house, and suddenly Icy Mike appears with this axe in one hand, the shield in the other hand, with the safety glasses on, and this music playing in the background 11:22 🤣🤣

[@Native_love]

I love your videos! Can you do a cutting comparision of the karambit, vs a dagger, a folder and a few fixed blade knives???

[@mrpalindrome3067]

For home defense, I like my framing hammer. I think blunt impact is the easiest way to get disabling damage, Like you said about the "beard" It's got a shallower claw end which is still good for hooking without getting stuck on people. Armor also matters less, Full plate seems nice until it has a nice dent in it that stabs you in the ribs every time you breathe. Close second is my hori hori. Knife shovel with plenty of beating weight and typically a decent hand guard. So can be used like an arming dagger. (Wouldn't be good for any stick and poke though)

[@TreyaTheKobold]

Hey Mike! As someone who suffers from chronic mental illness but wants to take their ability to self-defend more seriously, my main worry with a lot of self-defense tools is the capacity to self-harm. The handaxe seems like a pretty good option, even though it's bladed. I wonder if anyone's made a video about that

[@mattatomattahto]

This is an amazing question. I dunno how helpful my input is, but i feel like if self-harm is a concern then impact weapons might be a better bet. A good hammer feels good to hold, but (from my experience) doesn't add an implement for self harm that isn't already available with a pan or chair. Also, many hatchetts come with a "utility edge" which is too dull for the kind of self-harm i've experienced.

[@williamwallace3780]

He never got over that sequence in Beauty and the Beast with the humans fighting animate furniture.

[@johnames1987]

one thing I learnt about bearded axes since moving to Bulgaria (they only had bearded... hardcore) is that you can use them as a slicey knuckle duster on a truncheon, basically. Would love to see you test this theory, but to me it gives me options. My home defense weapon is a small-medium bearded axe with a slightly longer handle. I hold by the head first, giving me a wooden stick to hit them with... non lethal. If they get close punch/push/jab squidgy bits... damage. But you can also flick your wrist back so the stick end passes your elbow (or over shoulder,nunchuck style) pointing down, and that way pass to the other hand for a quick dirty strike at the head/throat. Lethal. ... I may have too much time on my hands. But legit,the beards protect your hands for controlled forceful blade work.

[@adamgray8502]

A gladius, sharp on both sides is the ultimate where you don't have firearms. You can use it to keep someone away from you and you don't need room as you dont need to swing it. Pair it with something else in your other hand like a small metal shield or dagger and you are set

[@highloughsdrifter1629]

How about a light axe for the other hand?

[@DrunkDuckXD]

Best martial arts channel on youtube

[@jasondismuke4837]

I'm straight 90s. I keep a chainsaw next to the bed.

[@jignaciovitale3460]

Awesome video. I don't want to say that you guys should play d&d but seeing Sensei Seth in full armor and Icy Mike fighting Trees... Maybe the Next video would be how to roll with advantage.

[@labbyshepherdpuppy5943]

How much HP does that tree have?

[@Quijanos1]

Bro, Your channel is fantastic.

[@roysmith7087]

So if you miss, you still follow up the aim for legs and feet as secondary targets 🎯 and raise it in a forward thrust into the face reversed underhand swing to build momentum on the following strike and keep your momentum going in with short fast strokes that you can recover quickly with

[@andrewanastasovski1609]

The music makes this video friggin epic!

[@oddmanout7755]

I have various hammers placed around the house and semi-regularly train family members on how to use them for defensive purposes.

[@BrianManningArt]

That flurry at 8:25 has me sold on the smaller one for home defense. That was impressive and still vicious

[@richardmcginnis5344]

i don't know about ax's or hatchets but i do know i have an umbrella stand full of swords and a double ax. but for home invasion protection i have quite a few paperweights and a really solid granite ashtray at my bedside, its 1920s art deco so its sort of fancy with a brass horse attached to it and when you pick it up by that brass horse it becomes a granite hand slap, that said i sleep with a gerber mk2 under my left leg in the sheath and i can throw it and stick it from a laying position i had to do a lot of practicing to get it but it works

[@1234tellmewhatyourlookingfor]

I collect knives, and I ordered a spiral blade beast of a fixed blade. it is a solid dagger with a sharp spiral blade, and a sharp pointed pummel on the handle. I haven't thrown it yet, keep it in a bug out bag. its the most wicked blade I have seen. I collected Gill Hibben knives but they are not meant for abuse.

[@donculver8671]

Gotta say that was a fun watch. This could be a party event at your next dad's gathering or BBQ in the backyard! Could also flip it around for the hammer feature. I bought this axe for my 22 year old daughter, she loves to throw at the axe throwing bars and also great self defense as you demonstrated.

[@mcnorcan]

I have a gladius that is pretty handy. I like that it can be used to thrust or chop.

[@neokimchi]

just a thought, i suddenly thought of one practical advantage of a weird weapon like nunchaku....... it requires so much training to be effective, if you do lose a hold of it in a scuffle and the bad guy grabs it, they haven't gained nearly as significant an advantage as if they had grabbed a gun or a knife from you

[@someirishkid9241]

First off, my answer to your question is that I would pick up one of the two or three swords in my room (the other two are in my training bag, so they're not practical to get to). Failing that, there's a metal water bottle next to me. Doesn't meet many of your requirements, but it's better than nothing. Second, I wanted to take a moment to say a slightly sappy thanks. Your videos were my first entry into this side of youtube, and they inspired me to take up kickboxing about six months ago after a couple of years of not being quite satisfied with the training I was getting in kung fu. Last night I had possibly my best sparring session yet, partly because I managed to make some kung fu shit work, but mostly because I'm finally getting composed enough to get my hips up under me and land some proper punches. I credit your videos with a bunch of little things that have made my first few months a lot easier, from better recovery breathing to a more explicit understanding of setups and the idea that your shots don't actually have to land to do something useful. On top of all that, your videos on self-defence and how it relates to martial arts has made me feel a lot more comfortable being visibly trans in a place where that's feeling less and less like a safe thing to be. So, uh. Thanks.

[@jollygreengiant2085]

If I can't have a gun I've got two longswords. I do have training in using them. Based on the space I have I've got room to swing and they are great at thrusting I also have a small buckler shield that would allow for bashing and blocking.

[@apologeticcanadian542]

What are your thoughts on using a chemical fire extinguisher for home defence?

[@choosen2preach320]

I bought a defender axe/hatchet and it is steel I bought it for survival and it is medium size you can use it with one hand. I bought it from a army surplus store. Do you think it is a good buy?

[@DoktorSick]

What you think about a tactical shovel as means for self defense ??

[@corymoon2439]

If I had to pick any non gun items in my house I'd pick my buck knife and a polypropylene buckler. I plan on getting a Bowie sword which is basically just a long Bowie with a D-guard grip. Though the bearded tomohawk is great because of it's hooking. That hook slices the arm as it's ripped away, and can be used to drop the opponents leg. I've done some sparring with polypropylene weapons and hooking is the greatest feature of the tomohawk. That and the ability to throw it before drawing another weapon and charging in.

[@reydeoliviera5922]

How's the balance of the single-handed axe?

[@TheBakedBiker]

Also if you're right-handed you need to use your left hand for leverage on the bottom and your right hand needs to be further up and you need to use your left hand for the anchor to yank the blade downward it will cause you to have a lot more momentum and if you drop your body as you swing you could use this weapon in a small hallway even the 3 ft long one.

[@EKUgrad1]

I agree, a hatchet, Tomahawk or similar is pretty good. You're not wrong about the "beard" though. I have a Tomahawk, two actually one is a SOG "Tactical" Tomahawk, with a very small blade and spike on the opposite side. Very light, very fast. Problem is, no matter how you swing it, a pointed edge is facing you. The other one, is about 20" long, which is pretty long as hawks go, a larger head than the SOG. I can use it one handed, but there's plenty of room for both hands. Out of the two, I'm going with bigger is better. The bigger one I recently used to cut down a dead tree, it held up perfectly. This head is also pinned in place from the factory (removable). In a fight, it would be catastrophic for the head to fall off (I've used many with only friction to hold the head on, preventing the handle from breaking inside the head) If I had time to prepare, I'd combine OC with the hatchet.

[@BMO_Creative]

the larger axe is more functional for things around the house other than hacking up intruders. Chopping firewood, breaking a knob off a door in case of a fire, or even pinning against a door handle to keep an intruder out of a room.

[@codyfaye8424]

You may like something more pick-shaped if you're concerned about the hatchet getting stuck because of it's flare. The M48 Tactical Kama by CutleryUSA is pretty stout, and has an inner edge. Great for hooking and controlling limbs while still doing some serious damage.

[@puqilistique3847]

That music in the forest is a really nice touch. Reminds me of dungeons and dragons.

[@havok2396]

If you're in the kitchen and don't want a knife used against you (or the possible defence wounds) then I'd say a wooden rolling pin? It's short so you don't have the swing arc problems of a longer weapon like a long handled axe or baseball bat. In the UK we have a game we play at school called Rounders. It's like a version of Baseball or Softball. Rounders bats are short - 460 millimetres (18 in) in length and 170 millimetres (6.7 in) in diameter. Typically they're wooden, but aluminium versions are available. I have one in the bedroom, one at the bottom of the stairs and one by the front door and the back door. I can lay my hands on them quickly and easily if they're needed. You might want to check them out?

[@gungnir3926]

should it not have a pointy tip like a halibart. for it to be able to thrust and pierce too? seems like a vital thing to have as an option

[@ewigit8077]

Although not a "weapon" a guard dog or two will make most intruders think twice about doing whatever they had intended

[@deanburney]

16 inch Estwing hatchet. 14 inch Estwing hatchet. 12 inch Estwing hatchet. Knives: Mora Pathfinder, SOG /Emerson folders (okay for BUK hidden weapons but you don’t want to go to a fight with a folding knife)

[@charliep9045]

Bruenor Battlehammer would be proud of you. Would definitely love to see an axe and knife throwing video.