Pros and cons of axes compared to swords

People have been asking me for it and here it is: A video about (fighting) axes. So I'm talking about the general traits of axes as well as the advantages and disadvantages on a historical battlefield, compared to swords.
The axe, or rather tomahawk, shown in the video is a Woods Chogan T-Hawk made by CRKT. The sword is the Caithness, a Scottish medieval sword made by Albion.
www.crkt.com/woods-chogan-thaw...
www.albion-swords.com/swords/a...
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[@TheRosswise]

Step one: Get in the line on the battlefield. Step two: Find a rich-looking guy in the other army with a sword. Step three: Kill him with your axe. Step four: His sword is now your sword. PROFIT!!

[@f.c.laukhard3623]

Or find the rich guy, take him hostage, steal his gear and get a ransom. Takes more skill but also is paid better.

[@pavlos_035]

Stonks

[@ooferdoodles]

stonks

[@God-ch8lq]

sell the sword, as you are probably a medieval peasant in the scenario, you are probably starving right now, buy a bunch of cows/goats/chickens by selling the sword, and now you have something to feed your poor family with

[@ibolyamakaricz6566]

Can you unscrew the pommel from the rich guys sword?

[@dylanwilson9131]

The axe is like the ak of the blade world, they're reliable, cheap, anyone can pick up, they have a powerful blow and are really damn effective in the right hands

[@eelitanskanen8836]

I'd say the same about the spear.

[@vgman94]

The spear is more of an AR-15.

[@friendlyjester8482]

+Eeli Tanskanen a spear is way more like an AK

[@jacobbragg9958]

I'd have to say an axe is like an ak and a sword is like an ar-15. A spear would be something like a shotgun

[@friendlyjester8482]

+Jacob Bragg ow? Why a shotgun if I may ask?

[@NefariousGooch]

Sword: years of training required to use it properly. Axe: "Take this and go kill these guys."

[@oscarbear7498]

Hahaha, Also you can build shelter, make fire, chop wood, and remove the wood from the axe for better storage. Seems more useful I'm not sure a sword is good for chopping wood, but im sure better at cutting tall grass, brush, and jungle like things , kinda like a machete.

[@NefariousGooch]

@@oscarbear7498 an axe also requires less metal so it is cheaper than a sword.

[@olp3850]

@@oscarbear7498 actually. Battle axes aren't really that good for chopping wood

[@turtlegamez4274]

@@olp3850 True, but still better than a sword at choping wood.

[@7raziel7]

@@oscarbear7498 depends on the sword, a machete is used for those purposes and it's basically a sword

[@bozus6056]

so axes have basicly the blunt force of a mace but the cutting power of a sword?

[@beepIL]

***** isnt it a tomahawk on the video technically?

[@malignantastralinfestation5834]

Bozus Think of it as the in-between grounds. The axe has the weight and cracking power a mace does, however it has the edge that does help hacking through rigid materials.

[@TheCobrasDen1]

+Bozus half the blunt force of a mace anld the cut of a sword. an axe is high attack low defence. where a sword is 50 50. as a shield with the axe its where it shines

[@TheCobrasDen1]

+billybobboberson a general rule for throwing knives or axes is thus -dont throw if it is your only weapon -don throw it if you opponent is UNarmed as they could pick it up and use it don't throw it unless you are immediately ready to attack after the throw.

[@RasputinReview]

+Bozus Axes give a bonus to should damage

[@0hn0haha]

Big problem with the axe; no pommel to end your foes rightly.

[@querps1043]

You can always just flip the axe and end them with the handle.

[@tonysintheattic]

+0hn0haha Unscrew the handle and throw it vigorously?

[@Jacob-yg7lz]

+0hn0haha Take off the head and act like it's a pommel.

[@tonysintheattic]

Still have to take your spear and shield under your arm.

[@cynon6]

+0hn0haha flip it round and use the hammer

[@MrGuyweinstein]

i think the greatest advantage of the axe was the whole multi purpose thing. a norse warrior could use this in battle, go back home and STILL use it as a farming tool. great channel BTW. subbed.

[@tyronethechef4606]

+guy weinstein what farming would happen with an axe

[@CollinBuckman]

+Jason Reyes I think he means log chopping.

[@tyronethechef4606]

Collin Buckman guy weinstein wood chopping isnt farming either its more of a tool to cut smaller branches so guy weinstien aes are not farming tools

[@Number1Irishlad]

+Jason Reyes what about farming animals? o.o

[@tyronethechef4606]

Number1Irishlad why would you use an axe for animal slaughter you use knives

[@MastaGambit]

Axes are almost like a combination of a sword and a mace. It has some of the weight and blunt power of a mace, with some of the cutting power of a sword. It's a very good well-rounded weapon, basically. Very effective for those who are new to one-handed weapon fighting.

[@TomDarkwulf87]

MastaGambit Yep. Combine that with it's double-use as a tool if necessary (or originally), and it's just a great all around item to have on the battlefield. It's actually very utilitarian if you think about it.

[@MastaGambit]

TomDarkwulf87 Indeed, it very much is.

[@MastaGambit]

***** That's certainly true. Do you think that could be remedied, say, by adding some sort of cross-guard somewhere on the middle of the axe's shaft? You would still be able to shift where you hold the axe if need-be. Also, since maces don't provide that level of protection either, that's also why I consider it a middle-ground between sword and mace.

[@MastaGambit]

***** Ah right I forgot about the balance. But if you're talking about enemies hooking your weapons, well, an axe head can already be just as easily hooked in that manner. While I recognize that guarding is important, I still think an axe is an important tool to help learn of both force and cutting power. I still think axe-and-buckler is a good starter's arrangement.

[@unkhajiitargento4650]

when I saw the title of this video my first thought was: The swords are more likely to critical hit and axes have more accuracy. Games have dammaged my life

[@artham94]

ivan vasiloff Don't forget that axes have a bonus against shields ;)

[@samb7805]

ivan vasiloff yeah no shit kharjo

[@ripnecco5477]

ivan vasiloff Oh and by the way, with axes you get the bonus bleeding damage ;)

[@theendofallthingssubtle7402]

***** Actually that would be maces

[@quinnwaldron4907]

It would actually be the other way around. An axe is heftier and more awkward than a sword but if you land a hit it does a massive amount of damage as Skall states in his video but a sword would get the agility stat due to the fact that it is lighter and easier to handle because it less awkward Skall also states that somewhat :) (Skall did not word for word state either of these but he implied it so plz nobody freak out this is maninly just my opinion)

[@galeden5700]

Another Pro for the axe, being that the handle, while being replaceable, is also not a fixed length, you could swap it out for a longer or shorter handle if necessary if the size or weight of the head allowed for it.

[@TheSkullcrusher73]

I love how this information is completely useless but I love it so much.

[@AsifIcarebear3]

It's not like you'll find yourself having to choose from an axe and a sword on the battlefield any time soon, but this information and criticism all seems rather valid.

[@Strongpoint100]

AsifIcarebear3 You never know... after third worldwar maybe? ;)

[@ChauNyan]

Strongpoint100 I doubt there is going to be a World War where citizens have to get involved themselves.

[@keegster7167]

Civilians were already involved in WWII tho. Half of the deaths were civilians, and so needed to protect themselves like when the Nazis attacked Russia, but also in other places. Also, many people were drafted all over the world, and so might not have known how to fight, or been attacked before fully trained.

[@reggulus652]

Or resort to designated melee weapons instead of guns

[@Deerygccawwetthjbgde]

I request "pros and cons of the spear compared to the sword" !

[@Kingrhem.]

Witch a spear you can poke a hole through the swrodman long before they have time to react

[@dogestranding5047]

+Kingrhem Sure lmao

[@Deerygccawwetthjbgde]

I have a question for those who have ever sparred with a spear, or anyone with knowledge. When fighting with a spear, in the midst of battle, is it possible or realistic to change where you hold the spear?

[@Deerygccawwetthjbgde]

I mean, continuously according to the distance between you and your opponent.

[@XthegreatwhyX]

Yes. By the way, he also has a video where he handles a spear, and he does just that. Though I don't think there's a a name for it, it's just a normal way to use a spear.

[@jrfras]

He kinda glosses over it a little, but a huge advantage an axe has is off the battlefield. Like he said it is a useful tool to cut wood, or in carpentry. That can translate into better logistics, they could send their axemen to chop wood for cooking fires, or use it as a tool to build or repair siege engines, or if your on board a ship repair the ship to some degree. A sword is pretty much a one purpose tool, sure you can use it for other things, but not many and why risk damaging a sword when they would have a knife that would probably work better anyway. An axe is a very flexible tool, you can ask it to do a lot and it will get the job done, the edge isn't as important and easier to maintain, you can choke up on it and use it as an adze or planer, you can hack down trees, you can butcher animals, hack down doors, even make other axe handles or poles for polearms. It is much more a tool being used as a weapon, where using a sword to do those things is using a weapon as a tool, and it shows. Can you cut down a tree with a sword, probably but don't count on your sword being intact or usable. Maybe not a sword, depending on the tree and the thickness, but with enough swords you could do it. I have seen people shave with an axe, while a sword is sharp enough, the length of the blade makes it a bad idea, not that an axe is a good idea if you have an actual razor, but an axehead is small enough to angle correctly for the shave. All around an axe is by far more useful as a tool than a sword, once everyone was equipped with swords the axes didn't vanish from the army, they were still being used as tools, just not weapons.

[@Emanresuadeen]

+Jason Fraser Great case for the axe! If I had to choose only one, it would be the axe. Or course otherwise it would be easy enough to equip a swordsman with an axe as a side weapon and tool too.

[@lumpy1space2princess]

+Emanresuadeen But that's extra weight on the swordsman. Who is already probably carrying a 50-60lb pack on his back for 16 hours a day.

[@MrChaosDark]

+Jason Fraser why would you use your weapon for something like that? what if it breakes? you would be defenseless carrying tools for repair stuff is better. If you want to you could also use your sword for cutting wood but again why risk it?.

[@MrChaosDark]

+lumpy1space2princess italian horsemen actually carry mace,swords and axes. why go down in gear and loose the war?

[@jrfras]

It is an axe, meant for tasks like chopping wood, and some carpentry, it just happens to be used as a weapon as well. It is not going to be significantly damaged doing the job it is designed to do. The haft might break but that is and was easily replaceable, it would be out of commission for a day at most.

[@derpstar3756]

That is such a beautiful sword

[@Jfran-nj3dz]

Tis

[@rollothewalker5535]

I kinda hate that "point" on the pommel and the crossguard. The blade itself is gorgeous.

[@steft583]

That's an axe bro

[@seychellesman1delta]

I think it belonged TO BREAVEHEART guy from Scotland

[@Z3AL316]

@@seychellesman1delta your thinking of Sir William Wallace

[@Bincle]

Please, I've played Fire Emblem. Clearly axes are better than swords when fighting someone with a lance.

[@justnoob8141]

Hatchet or War Axe choose

[@user-se8mi2io1v]

Well, questionable. Dane axe compare to, for example, carolingian sword? Yes. For example, Battle of Hastings, where saxons have used dane axes versus norman knights' cavalry pikes(but saxons have lost, I must remind). But kriegmesser is more effective in that case, cause you have more control of your weapon. In fact, landsknechts have used kriegmessers for cutting pikes of swissmen.

[@JohnDoe_69]

Someone is overthinking.

[@ElodieHiras]

The Weapon Triangle is likely more about the weapon users than the weapons. The typical lance user in Fire Emblem is a heavily armored soldier, and axes are great against that type of opponent. The typical sword user is an agile striker and dodger, and axes are too clumsy against those types of foes, but the range advantage provided by a lance hampers sword users quite a bit when they clash with spearmen/spearwomen.

[@ivaldi13]

Check out this reply on GameFAQs. I think that the weapon triangle has more thought put into it than that for which you give it credit. www.gamefaqs.com/boards/204447-fire-emblem-heroes/75007370?page=2#22

[@althesmith]

The other thing about an axe is that people were often using one from early childhood. You didn't need to think about edge alignment because there was the muscle memory.

[@TigerAceCrew]

I have an axe myself, with an additional "crossguard" I added close to the head. Why? It looks silly! But honestly, it's because the head also features a hooked spike, which if catches an enemy hit, I can just rotate the axe about 50 degrees and disarm the opponent with ease, due to the cross just scissoring the weapon Then I pick up his sword, unscrew the pommel, and end him rightly. In the end, my axe is indeed weird, useful, but very faulty. I should really add a pommel, so I don't have to search for swordsman in the case I face someone with a polearm... I just can't end them rightly.

[@Tearakan]

I love how you made a weapon designed to end your opponent rightly with his own pommel! You win the internet today, congrats!

[@benjohn9126]

I know I'm late but you made a legit fully functional swordreaver

[@thelastfeelbender]

Aiden Pearce just put a pommel on it.

[@farkasmate14]

Finally! I have been waiting for this video for a long time, and it came out just in time to be my birthday present! Thank you Skallagrim!

[@Skallagrim]

Happy birthday then!

[@farkasmate14]

***** thank you kind sir! Acknowledge of viewership at its finest!

[@Jarlemoore1]

***** The Axe is better at penetrating armor especially if it has a spike on the other side, if you have a hammer like the one in the video you can still bash plate armor in and cause blunt trauma even so thin bladed war axes such as the Danish War Axe fell out of use once plate came to be popular, they were great at cleaving through maile and leather and even lammellar style armor the Norse and other cultures used before this but solid plate became a problem especially if it was ridged, while the axe could knock you off a horse or on your ass it did little to actually penetrate the armor and not harming the man inside. This is why smaller axes with thicker heads and spikes became the weapon of choice either in a horsemen's form with a shorter handle or in a pike form with a longer handle such as the pole axe or a bec de corbin (Ravens beak). Swords are not were pretty much useless at penetrating plate and even good maile, this is why swords starting to be made with a serious taper down to the point and with stiffer blades in order to be able to find the areas between the armor plate and thrust in to wound the man inside.

[@Boomtendo4tw]

Eric Moore it's funny how people find better ways to kill each other, instead of just finding out how to get along.

[@Jarlemoore1]

You have that right.

[@PeeGee85]

On hitting someone in the chest with an axe: "The axe might get stuck, so that's a bit of a drawback". Ohhh lol, subtle pun there!

[@flipflierefluiter5665]

overall the axe makes an AXEllent weapon End me rightly pls

[@justnoob8141]

Let Undyne suplex you or let San use Gaster Blaster shoot you

[@flipflierefluiter5665]

Just Noob How do you even know I like Undertale?

[@DUbZXtreme]

"Begins to unscrew pommel"

[@coolkid564100]

I was wondering why he was unscrewing his pummel...Then it hit me....

[@samhennessy5716]

man theese pommel puns must be pummel- no, no kill me im sorry...

[@handmade3681]

I think some boiled leather on the shaft could help the problem if shaft damage

[@Skallagrim]

+long live the beard Yes, that would be a good reinforcement.

[@danternas]

+long live the beard Then again. The shaft is both easy and cheap to replace. It only really need to survive one battle.

[@handmade3681]

Thomas Johansson that is true, but id rather not spend the time replacing the shaft. i think its a better alternitive to spend the money on leather once, and replace it when needed.

[@handmade3681]

***** i have heard that vikings may have actulay done that, however since i dont have any sorces its only a posiblity

[@anathamon]

+long live the beard hehheh, he said shaft damage.

[@Tipi_Dan]

Nice tomahawk. Good maker and design. Exactly my first choice for minimalist bushcrafting in temperate environments. Tomahawks are best for such because the handle top-feeds and requires no wedge. In the unlikely event the handle should break, crafting a new one in the wild is easy, even with green wood--- but better be in an area with maple or ash saplings.

[@stalfirewolf]

When he was talking about using it as a hook, it reminded me of when my dad would talk about his time in the SCA (I think that's what it was called. I'm not sure). His favorite style was axe in one hand, sword in the other. Apparently, one of the most common guards used by SCA fighters with shield and sword is to have the shield in front of them, and the sword held horizontally above to block cuts to the head. What he'd do about that is pull both the sword and shield down with the axe, and... well, I think you can imagine the rest. I'm willing to bet no one cares about anything I just said, but I'm putting it here anyway because why the hell not.

[@nickhass7757]

Sounds like me in most video game... oh everyone runs meta build?? Well I'm just going to run hard counter (example was all the super heavies in ESO so I made an armor pen stacker... they ran away lol)

[@Toreno96]

I didn't expect, that I'll find such amazing, informative video during searching for comparison videos of axes and swords in Skyrim. Good job, Skallagrim, you have my subscription.

[@roflharris6835]

so I just found you, always had a real fascination with medieval weapons/ medieval times in general, and as I was watching your videos more questions popped up AND YOU HAVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY ONE. You're bloody sick

[@duksingchau8948]

+Rofl Harris same, but from the us

[@iainmc9859]

A good general overview. The axe and the sword promote different fighting styles, which is why you rarely see an axe/sword combination as the body mass is used differently.

[@Spectacular_Insanity]

A couple things you didn't mention (which I was surprised by) were that axes also have the distinct quality of being able to foul shields easily (they can either smash them apart or get stuck in them which weighs them down, rendering them almost useless). And for throwing-axes, when they bounce off of the ground their trajectories are wildly unpredictable and can fly into legs/feet *or* faces - altogether difficult to guard against even if soldiers are formed in a phalanx.

[@Kozm0h]

You are absolutely brilliant! This is the first video of yours that I have seen and I am now a subscriber! Cheers, and keep the knowledge coming my friend!

[@rclsm1021]

Subscribed!! I'm always fascinated with weaponry before the era of firearms. Thanks for the video, now allow me to dig through your library for more goodies.

[@1234kalmar]

Axe: The hammer you can cut with. Be very afraid! Best weapon for the bloodthristiest warriors too! Kill your enemy, cop off his head, and carve the pole you want to stick it on, ALL WITH THE SAME WEAPON! Call 06-99-SHIELD-BITE, and get one for free!

[@johnathanlannister8516]

Im new to your channel but i godda say its really fun cant wait to see more

[@Skallagrim]

Johnathan Lannister I have over 600 videos, so there is plenty to watch. You don't have to wait. :)

[@starpencil]

Love how technical your videos are!

[@lovelaven6491]

Another splendid video from you good sir! Keep em coming! (Yes, I know this one is from last year, but I still mean it just the same) :) Another attack that you can do with an axe is the "bounce strike" or "peck strike" if you like. This works well with any top-heavy bladed weapon with the heaviest part of the blade protruding past the hand (such as a kopesh, dao or a falcata to name a few). It is made in such a manner that you angle your swing so that your hand is slightly more ahead than it would be in a normal swing. Then as soon as your heavy protruding part of the blade makes contact, you begin retracting your hand. This will result in a quick "bouncing or "pecking" strike that will allow you to get back to guard in a short time. The blade won't cut as deep as it possibly can, but with a top-heavy protruding blade it will still be deep enough. It can come from several different angles, but downwards diagonal and horisontal versions of the strike are generally the easiest to perform.

[@TheClassicalSauce]

When I used to spar with faux weapons an axe and shield was my favorite combo. Simply amazing in it's aggressiveness and brutality, especially in large scale melees. A (broad/long) sword is almost useless in close quarter fighting which any type of battle devolves into.You really have to keep your distance with a sword. In my experience, a sword is great from horseback, against unarmored opponents, in single combat, or short (like a roman gladius) while in melee.

[@ironmikehallowween]

I can see that. With a shield I think an axe is awesome.

[@TuvAlpha]

This is conjecture, obviously, but one would assume that a 'peasant militia' of some determination would be significantly more effective outfitted with axes, by virtue of them likely owning axes themselves! The edge-alignment issue with axes is something you would learn to deal with while chopping wood which would likely be a ubiquitous action for the peasantry anyways.

[@mattlong9719]

Really happy to see you used the CRKT for this video. Its one of my favorite daily users and I just recently found out it was designed by one of my knife making mentors Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical.

[@HakkoAndMayko]

Very interesting video, thank you Skallagrim! ^^

[@kaptencgp]

I think Dane axes are very interesting. Do you feel like making a video about them?

[@Angel13691]

And that's why Axes lose to Swords in Fire Emblem.

[@Skallagrim]

Crono Loto But why do axes beat spears in Fire Emblem? :)

[@Angel13691]

You need a video explaining that! that must be the answer

[@jonathanfortescue7864]

***** I would love a video of your thoughts regarding the weapon triangle in Fire Emblem!

[@lagthedancer554]

***** well hooking a spear if they cant pull out of your weapon allows you to get into your range, and out of there spears

[@veaxeusvulture444]

it doesn't matter what weapon is fighting what its who has more skill so a axe wielder can still beat a sword wielder

[@user-yb2xu5fm4f]

A very informative, really great, video! Thank you for sharing!

[@wolfofcoins]

Brilliant! A great resource for the fight scene I'm writing right now :) Thank you!

[@sneakymonkey13]

Axes look more manly

[@MichaelGroesbeck]

They have beards & have suicidal tendencies....so....yeah. LOL! All we have to do now is put smiley faces on them as we scream WODAN!

[@imp8453]

But with swords you get more reach

[@MichaelGroesbeck]

TWolf2001 The God-Hand First-Strike, Critical-Strike, Any-Strike, Unhindered-Strike, Final-Strike Spear, Axe, Sword, Hammer, Long-Knife are the closest physical representations of these principles. Swords do in general win at combat, but there is a reason why the Nobles still wielded axes more often than swords. Fear is a more potent weapon than Force.....& the Axe has both. When you see your brother go down in one strike & your sword doesn't do the same thing, you begin to lose hope, especially if they are armored, carry shields, & are in a conjunctive formation with spear-men, who don't give a shit about the puny reach of your sword. But yeah, in a duel, a swordsman is more likely to win....but not outright & far less if he is up against an axe & shield, regardless of how big his sword is.

[@DrakoMallari]

Ben But can you unscrew the pommel? No.

[@quinntaylor-poole4283]

Drako Mallari End him rightly!

[@NotAndOption]

Skall, what are your thoughts on Polearms and Halberds?

[@hughgabin8068]

Really dig the vids skallagrim. you've got some cool stuff. Really liked the abusive test of the Albion huskarl sword you did. :) keep it up man.

[@brianfuller7691]

I referred a friend of mine to this video and I enjoyed it again. Skall is dead on and utterly practical.

[@DrakoMallari]

Swords win, because you can unscrew the pommel, and end your opponent rightly.

[@angrybajur]

Drako Mallari Obviously any weapon that doesn't have an unscrewable pommel is worth little more than scrap metal.

[@malignantastralinfestation5834]

Drako Mallari This has got to be one of the only genuinely funny in-jokes on the internet.

[@malignantastralinfestation5834]

Jakob Cook Huh, no wonder the katana looks so fucky.

[@TheGamersGuild1999]

a Mindfish it honestly gets me every time so funny

[@fredrikv.4359]

Hahaha so true!! Drako Mallari

[@danielpersinger2765]

A significant advantage of an axe, particularly axe-hammers like the one shown in the video, shows up in combat with armored opponents. As mentioned, the axe is liable to be more effective against more resistant materials. Any weapon whose weight is all at the end of a lever is going to be more effective against plate. As you are not likely to just slice through hard armor, combat is liable to require simply bashing one's enemy hard enough to dent armor into the enemy. At that point, a heavier weight on a longer lever is going to be one's best chance.

[@Msworldfish]

That was very informative. Thanks for these informations!

[@sucktastic]

Great channel, man. Fun and interesting.

[@rongarrett6858]

Clint Eastwood demonstrated what could be done with a nice piece of hickory in "Pale Rider."

[@peterbabicki8252]

You can also carry two or three of these rather easily, and can throw them with ease. I worked as a tree surgeon for a while, and had a lot of fun throwing axes into trees. I'd have no idea what I was doing with a sword, but axes just feel natural to use.

[@machatte3522]

i did learn a lot with this video, thanks for sharing

[@clevercenturion5357]

You are so awesome dude, your channel is so cool!

[@thomasmiller9205]

The chogun has great weight. A fine tomahawk, indeed. I’ve had one for years now.

[@juaninamillion5864]

I was dodging the whole time you were swinging that axe.

[@ladiesman777777]

Thank you for making this. i have always been an axe fan and ever one always chews me out about it.

[@foxievirus5760]

Really interesting ! I very like your videos. I'm a "fanatic" of weapons stories since my childhood. Nice job, Skallagrim :) You win a new subscriber now ;)

[@windywave7271]

Hey Skall, just wondering, what are your thoughts on rapiers and would you ever review any? Anyway, great video, keep them up!

[@brianmulhair3478]

This is something I would definitely like to see.

[@Skallagrim]

I've never handled a rapier unfortunately. I'd love to but you know how it goes... so much interesting stuff, so little money.

[@pardoneroswald7221]

***** I'll say this much. They happen to be very fast, very light, but they lack in the power category. You aren't going to be knocking anyone's guard to the side, and in most cases you won't be able to slash very well, but the thrusts are second to none. My favorite, the Espada Ropera, has a large guard that will protect the hand quite well and is quite good for guard bashing. The pommels aren't very good at crushing armor, but I have once poked through the plates in a set of armor I was practicing on (and this was some pretty good leather armor.) The best choice is to carry a buckler to compensate for the relative easy guard to break. I believe you are familiar with the techniques of buckler-sword combat.

[@Uryendel]

Pardoner Oswald Rapiers are not light, they weight the same than regular sword but are much longer

[@SilenRazvan]

Pardoner Oswald Really - light and easy to maneuver? I have wielded a lot of weapons, but when I had my hands on a rapier, I thought that it's the most awkward and inefficient design - they feel really heavy compared to any other weapon you will hold in one hand. The mace is 60-70% size of a rapier and it wieghts about the same - however, just like Skall said, axe (and mace) are hard to maneuver in mid-swing because of their point of balanced. The hand-and-a-half sword is maybe the most comfortable sword to use as a newbie because you have a very strong grip with both arms => very good control. Sorry, but I think you used some sort of longer foil or something, because rapiers feel really cumbersome compared to other weapons. I don't say that they are not good, but that you need some practice in order to use them in an efficient way - more than other one handed weapons do.

[@BushcraftBoyjd]

Skall im moving to the canadain woods when im 16 what would be better an axe a hatchet or a machete

[@odin8980]

axe and hatchet. But if you can take both because why not.

[@brianfuller5868]

Love this video. Quite thorough .

[@zoroarkking18]

I'm so lucky I found your channel. I'm writing ideas for a fantasy rpg that I'll hopefully be able to make one day (even though it's way beyond my capabilities), and while I could go with very unrealistic but awesome looking stuff for the combat, it really helps to start by learning how it should work.

[@zoroarkking18]

For example: I'm taking your notes about axes here to heart, and will make sure characters with axes keep it swinging when they're ready to strike. However, the thing about turning around exposing your back, I'm semi-ignoring, but only because the character's got a protective shell on his back.

[@Gongasoso]

Skall, what is your opinion about Toledo recreation swords? Yes, it's just wallhanger.

[@Skallagrim]

Gongasoso You answered your own question. It's just a wallhanger.

[@Gongasoso]

Did some research. What about those that aren't just hallhangers, any opinion?

[@Gongasoso]

Models that claim to be "battle-ready"

[@Skallagrim]

Gongasoso Not sure, so far I've only seen the cheapo wallhanger variety of Toledo swords.

[@Gongasoso]

Ok, thank you for your time.

[@snakeenjoyingacanofbeans5219]

Axes underrated imo

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

Very well done. I have actually given thought to which weapon would be more effective and though that the shield and ax would be preferable to me. Well done.

[@thelittlestviking2930]

i love your videos man, thanks for being so unbiased and reasonable.

[@AarkonD]

as a person who likes utility i much prefer the axe over a sword you didnt mention the ability to accurately throw a axe however and while yes you are throwing your weapon away ( carry a backup lol ) it can be very useful to use it as a ranged attack.

[@Specter_1125]

An Axe like that can probably only be lethally thrown about ten to twenty feet, its not a small tomahawk.

[@pardoneroswald7221]

The axe IS your backup. Use a bow, peasant.

[@nono547]

Hi Skallagrim! I love what you're doing and I have a question for you. Recently I read a manga about a famous Japanese Swordman called musashi known to be the greatest swordamn in the japan history (the manga is call Vagabond and is freaking awesome you should definitively read it, unless you don't like manga, in that case you can read the original book which I think is just call musashi). I will explain why I had this question in mind in the next paragraph but it will contain prety heavy spoilers for this awesome manga, if you haven't read it and don't want spoiler go directly to the next paragraph^^. So in this manga Musashi has to fight 70 other swordman alone and he says a realy intersting thing about it, to a 1vs70 I prefer 70 1vs1 meanning that he has to limit the fight to one swing each time. And before you say it's is fantaisist none sens I check about the real guy and it seems that he realy did a fight against 70 other guy and win Oo. even though he says that it is definitively not a good idea, he develops techniques to manages that kind of situation. So here is the question does European traditional sword fighting techniques have any a fight against many opponent? (for instance in a war?) I know you already talk about it a little in some video, but I wonder if it would be possible to have full video about it^^. Thank for reading you're awesome! Even though you're video about guns kind of scare me bit! I don't know why maybe because they are weapon that can be used in our everyday life, and less like old relic of the past^^'.

[@Skallagrim]

Sorry to break it for you, but the idea of fighting 70 enemies at once is utter bullshit. It's pure anime fantasy, or maybe something that overly vain swordsmen made up to boast about their supposedly god-like skills. But it's complete nonsense. Even an experienced fighter will have a hard time against "only" three opponents who know what they're doing. The only chance is tactical maneuvering to make sure you're not facing more than one opponent at a time, but guess what... they will use tactical maneuvering as well and try to attack you from different directions.

[@KageStelhman]

***** Nono547 omitted the fact that (and this particular duel is historically documented, also documented in The tale of 5 rings written by below named individual) that whilst Miamito Musashi did take on an entire sword school of 70+ practitioners... It was 70+ individual duels back to back, as was the custom in Japan during that period if a ronin/samurai wanted to take over a dojo. I.E. if you wanted to take over a dojo you challenge the master of said establishment (which is a huge convoluted ceremony) and then his students (lowest skill level to the highest) test your mettle as it were before the Shi'doshi (sensei) will even consider whether or not he'll fight you. Anyhow I hope that clears up what Nono547 was trying to get at. ^_^

[@nono547]

So no video about it I suppose :p. But you know I already knew that this very part of the story was probably a big load of fantaisy, still this guy has realy exist, and it seems that he has kill every one of the member of a school of swordsmen or at least this is what history remember (maybe he burns the school down and then say "I am the greatest sworman of all time :p" who knows). Yet the guy has wrighten about fight against multiple opponent, my question was not do you think it is realistic (which is not^^, but still cool^^) but more what our ancetors had wrighten about fight against multiple opponent, which they certainly had since in a war for instance you are not in a proper duel (. Thank for the anwser even if I was hopping about something more detail about it but i suppose there is not a lot more to tell about it. Have a nice day! PS: you should definitively read this manga if you are not completly ermetic to the genre, it is totaly awesome even though it is not historically accurate.

[@Skallagrim]

nono547 Yes, historical manuals sometimes cover fighting against multiple opponents, although generally the European treatises deal mostly with duels in particular.

[@MeepChangeling]

***** Historical manuals do cover multiple assonants but this is rare. Manuals are usually for gentleman's dueling arts, and were not a soldier's basic training manual (this is because most soldiers couldn't read.). Howeaver, there is one historical manual written for the purpose of training soldiers to fight with the basket hilted claymore written by one Thomas Page who was a very famous duleist of the Scottish Highlands. I am part of a fencing club which works using his manual of combat (which you cna read in it's entirity here: www.sirwilliamhope.org/Library/Page/Page.php ) which he wrote at the behest of a lord for the purpose of giving a training method to the Lord's drill instructors. While it is intended as a beginner's guide to the sword, it is also written for people who will be fighting in mass battles and thus includes guards and attacks which are highly effective against multiple opponents, but also tricks to maneuver around a battlefield and not trip over corpses. I have been a member of the class for 2 years, with 2 hour classes once a week and am able to hold my own in sparring against up to 16 of my classmates with my sword only, (Though I may not count as I also know other swords styles and am the co-instructor) and up to the full 20 others (instructor not included) if I also have a shield. If you tried hard enough, and got in enoguh practice you just might be able to get to the 70 mark. Though historically a knight/samurai who could take on 20 men and win was what could be expected as normal, and 30 would be extraordinary, more then that would be unheard of (Not that it did not happen happen, just that it would make you an instant legend who's powers of arms would be well given the fishing story treatment by peasants.)

[@lordot8665]

That black and red tapestry in the background is very nice i would like one in my collection.

[@SteelBerserkChannel]

First sorry about my english, i will try to make myself clear :) I think a very important diference between swords and axes is how to take it back after a suseful hit, a straight sword like the one you showed in the vid should be very easy to recover since it do not concentrate all the thing in one spot like axes do, that make an axe even more slowly in a battlefield and have more of a chance to lose your weapon in midle fight. I remember to had see one handed axes that have a strap to prevent that. Thats why some some swords like the ibearian falcata or a machete that concentrate all the weight on the tip have a handgrip with a shape that wrap the hand (or at least something to stop the backward movement) so it is easy to take it back and prevent of losing it. And great video and channel, I subscribe.

[@EnCey2]

Dunno if you talked about it already, and I doubt it was done, but I'm still curios: was dual wielding actually a thing in the past? If anything, I could imagine 2 axes working (hook + strike), 2 swords not so much. But I doubt either was practiced ..?

[@DragonTigerBoss]

EnCey2 I'd suggest starting here: watch?v=-1R-xZy-Gb4 Scholagladiatoria and Lindybeige both have more videos on the topic.

[@StevenLockey]

EnCey2 Yes, both in Europe and in Asia. Until recently, using a Main-gauche in the off-hand in fencing was very common. It was generally reserved for more skilled people as its difficult to do without a lot of practice.

[@TheValinov]

+Steven Lockey and later the main-gauche were changed into "Degenbrecher". im not sure if there is an english word for it, but it just says *rapier breaker* and it does exactly what its named :)

[@MetroDET2011]

NO IT WASNT.

[@SallinKari]

+EnCey2 Dual wielding was used to some degree, mainly against sword-wielding opponents, usually with a shorter blade as the offhand to parry(or catch with specialized weapons) and a full sized sword to take advantage of the opening you made. Edit- It should be noted that this wouldn't be typical of a soldier on the battlefield as dual-wielding wouldn't be able to protect very well on mass battlefield, it being unable to block as wide an area as a shield or have the reach of a polearm or two-handed ax or sword. This would be more of a dueling style of fighting.

[@conferencereport]

You mention that the axe is/was considerably cheaper than the sword. Do you happen to know what the costs of these weapons would be, in modern terms?

[@SinerAthin]

People mostly still traded precious metals, gold, silver & items back then :P

[@rsbandbj1]

Axe, Home Depot. Sword, Ebay.

[@entropy11]

Good sword: $2000. Good axe: $60

[@60anthonyh]

rsbandbj1 He meant how much they would cost in medieval times in today's dollar value.

[@thevashfan12392]

Don Evenson indeed, I found some pawn shop fighting axes for $45 and $60 but they had bad dents and the $45 was just the head of the thing, the handle was missing and even then it looked very blunt!

[@watchingvids101]

I really admire your passion for European Martial Arts. I'm going through all of your videos right now and am enjoying every single one. I hope you land a job choreographing melee fights in movies or advising video game developers (although I'm sure you're happy enough making these videos). We need some more realistic and enlightened depictions of Medieval/ancient warfare in the entertainment industry!

[@nellyb743]

The number of weapons I want for my future collection has pretty much doubled since I started following your channel, and that happened 3 days ago hahaha.

[@TheCaptainsAntics]

Have you come across any manuals or accounts of someone using a one-handed sword and a tool axe together?

[@Skallagrim]

+TheCaptainsAntics No, never seen that. Tomahawk and knife fighting exists though.

[@Heidenspross]

+TheCaptainsAntics would be logical though... shield breaks... drop it and draw your axe... should have been quite common... so not "noteworthy" for the purpose of sagas and storytelling...

[@harveyrouen4655]

+Skallagrim yeah I heard about that... From assassins creed 3 XD

[@samoylovsergeymsu]

+TheCaptainsAntics as far as I know, no one would do it if there is a choice, because at the time axes were a popular weapon, the swords were rarely used to parry, the shied was used for that purpose almost exclusively (at least a small one). So having two weapons would leave the combatant exposed.

[@TheCaptainsAntics]

Exactly, not by choice but it seems like it would be more then uncommon for someone to be attacked while lumbering for a fire as a soldier. Shield are a bit heavy to take lumbering.

[@coffeeonmyfoot86]

meet the axe's big brother...Halberd *cough* forgive me lmao

[@ahriman935]

The axe's big brother is... poleaxe. Halberds were actually much closer to the spear.

[@abhrajitdhar4628]

Two handed axes seem like a better fit. Halberds were more like spears than axes

[@DHTHORNE]

CRKT is my preferred Tomahawk for the money. I was handling it and admiring mine the entire time Skallagrim was talking.

[@leonard247popper]

love your videos!

[@sharkfinbite]

You can also hook the blade of your opponent and accidentally move it towards yourself haha.

[@jello788]

Fernandino Alonsini more like youre helping them end your career man

[@texasbeast239]

Hook your axe beard over your foe's weapon and slightly retract for one point of contact, Parry it away, Then twist your axe on its longitudinal shaft axis to catch their weapon between your blade beard and your haft to create a bind, Then rotate at your wrist to wrench their weapon out of their hand. --- Alternatively, hook 'em and retract 'em, Twist 'em and bind 'em for a moment, Then quickly untwist to release the bind1 and thrust your axe blade's upper horn at their face or throat or weapon arm.

[@wolfsch]

07:12 "an axelant hook"

[@thealancorp.2394]

why didnt i find this guy sooner, love your content

[@nayelijoness]

I really enjoyed this brother thank you

[@killgora1]

So what about duel wielding an ax and a sword? Would that be practical with the right training because the way I look at it like you said the ax can be used to grapple at an opponent. An ax also has advantages against armor as a sword cut against chain mail is ineffective from what I understand as an ax head ,even if it doesn't penetrate the chain mail, could do much more damage especially in the possible case of breaking bones. Or would the balance of the sword and ax just not complement each other well?

[@XEpicGodX]

Thallanar Rabidtooth A sword with a dagger would be a brilliant combo! At least, I think it would. I'm no expert, so don't quote me on that. :3

[@killgora1]

A sword and dagger is more of a rapir thing since you can actually parry one with a parry dagger. Against other swords there's just to much energy going with it. I'm thinking more of arming swords. That being said you still could it would probably be a counter weapon though. Block with your sword go in with your dagger.

[@Drocksas]

Thallanar Rabidtooth I'd say you have it spot on; the only way dual wielding is viable when it comes to axes is with other axes. And honestly, I could totally see that as viable in hand-to-had combat; take a swing with one axe, use the other to parry and pull the opponent's weapon out of the way, bring the first one back around for the hit. has a sort of beauty to it, imagining the two blades swirling around a fighter

[@roberttauzer7042]

"dual wielding" is nice trait from the computer games! : ) Real warriors, like for example, the Roman legion, had short stabbing swords and very, very large shields. Ask them about "dual wielding" - at least you should afford them a good laugh : )

[@Drocksas]

Robert Tauzer To each their own, I guess. If you don't agree with it, good for you. Doesn't mean that others can't have an interest in it. Me, I just like the idea of an all-offense fighting style, giving oneself entirely to the attack. Always been a bit of a berserker enthusiast

[@tetsubo57]

Both swords and axes are tools. Swords though are uni-taskers. Axes are multi-taskers.

[@Tletna]

One can use swords for lots of tasks, just their design isn't really intended for much other than chopping, slicing and/or piercing through plants, animals and/or other people. I've seen a few creative uses of swords.

[@stefstefstef6789]

You forgot sword juggling :)

[@StuntedHero]

stefstefstef6789 And swallowing

[@TheZedman5000]

I wouldn't recommend a sword for woodcutting, though. It'd probably break. Hunting, though, sure, and cutting thin plants could work, if you needed to.

[@Andaril2]

You get it wrong axes are uni tasker becouse you can only chop with them with sword you can slice, thrust and do pomel and guard strikes and axe is ekhm for peasents

[@beurksman]

Serious talk about axes and swords. Lovin' it.

[@koriy5915]

Hey Skall, went back to this older video and thought... it would be VERY interesting to also compare the pros and cons of spears vs swords for example, or axe vs spears, in the same general terms you speak of in this video. It's just that i wonder why many soldiers would carry swords or axes and not spears in a historical battlefield. Thanks!

[@Dane-7]

Also, I can see that you respect that sword more than the others :) You don't touch it with your fingers. ...I do the same with my Blades XD

[@Skallagrim]

Yeah, I didn't want to have to wipe it off and re-oil it afterwards.

[@Eescobear1]

why don't axes have pommels?

[@trumpocalypsenow4654]

Why don't bullets have parachutes?

[@solaireofastora3760]

Great work

[@roughhandsco.7785]

I never paid close attention to the momentum factor, I naturally do that but now it was brought to attention... Huh, crazy... Great video

[@tyranidterrorist]

Another thing is it's very difficult to chop down a tree with a broadsword

[@CyranofromBergerac]

Not if you're in an anime!

[@OldJoeCregg]

***** You'd probably have a 2 ton sword with a blade as large as a battleship that is embedded with ice and fire that could cause earth-shattering blows. This would probably vaporize your whole entire body and soul.

[@joshridinger3407]

Purpose-made battle axes aren't great for that either, to be fair.

[@Komamuram]

Hmm.. but the handle has no guard, so with no metal gauntlet weared, a sliding edge would take care of the holding hand quickly. What about flails? Should be similar to the axe..

[@robertcorbell1006]

Movement should compensate for the lack of a guard, i.e smaller target and moving quickly. Plus one generally wears gloves or has a work-callused hand with an axe giving a firm grip, so no slippage really. Using an axe means one has a humble origin and so they know their way around it. Plus blocking with the shield and the hitherto unmentioned topic of axes making great projectile weapons show that an axe, particularly a tomahawk or hatchet makes a more easy to handle and versatile weapon. Same with a good hand club.

[@Askorti]

Flails are different because of their moving head, you must take it to account. I'm sure it feels completely different to swing a flail as opposed to an axe.

[@DiscountFlunky]

Robert Corbell Using an ax doesn't necessarily mean you were from humble origins. Nobles in Scandinavian nations used axes, and other nobles started using axes in the late medieval ages because they were effective verses armor.

[@StealthyTNT]

Well axes can have some sort of guard. As Skall replied to someone else's comment, there are some axes with disk guards on them.

[@robertcorbell1006]

DiscountFlunky Well, I meant in pop-culture anyways. However, it's true that axes as opposed to swords originated in use as an egalitarian tool for cutting wood and crafting things along with wood knives. Both alongside small cheap shields were the general arms of choice for many a militia or peasant army.

[@maxeli1183]

I have seen in medieval combat recreation that many times the pole ( the wood part, the grip) of the axe breaks near the head. Also happens in the use of the related axe tool ( and hammers ). It seems to me that such breaks were more often that we though.

[@Akechi_The_Phantom_Detective]

Axes are so good at puncturing armour and hooking shields, the vikings were so well known for that particular strategy. The biggest problem I find especially with Dual Wield Axes is once you've launched an attacking motion your hands, arm and shoulder are extremely vulnerable to withstand hits.

[@Stormeris]

What do you think about flails? Probably not the safest thing to swing around, id probably just smack myself in the skull xD

[@MiaGadegaard]

I imagine you have to be really well trained to use it.. I mean one thing is being able to master a move in front of the mirror without hitting yourself, another is doing it with the adrenaline pumping and on a moving and dodging opponent who's eagerly doing his best to kill you as well.. I figure every rational thought of how flail physics work is gone by then :o

[@WastelandSeven]

Mia Gadegaard I agree. Flexible weapons are always harder to master. Mind you, most of the people who used flails either wore armor or were using offset handles. That is the handle was much longer than the flexible part of the flail. That made it a bit safer to use. Mostly short flails were used by armored knights and long flails were used by peasants.

[@kane9497]

Heard a flail is only useful for as long as you keep it moving when in a fight, upside is that the enemy has to be cautious around you, downside is that it would be really tiring to keep swinging something like that, you could potentially injure allies around you easier (and yourself if you lose control of it) and if you slipped up and the enemy got to close you wouldn't have enough time to generate force to hit the enemy in close quarters if they were using a weapon more precise. Hence why most men would of wore armor if they could when using them.

[@dackjaniels85]

Correct me if I'm wrong but i thought that a flail was optimized to strike an opponent behind a shield, chain hits the side of the shield and the head keeps traveling. it would strike little different to a mace, if it hits an armored opponent.

[@TheRealSkeletor]

Eternal_Deceiver That is one use for it, but it is quite different to a regular mace strike on a regular armored opponent; you'd be surprised how much kinetic energy is generated by the centripetal force around the chain swing.

[@user-rv1co2gd2p]

Great vid, I've been looking to buy two tomahawks to start training with them. You already taught me some techniques thx.

[@PedroSacramento2022]

Nice. A Blacksmither! I am very happy. Keep up the good work, sir Skallagrim!

[@mechacrafter8429]

How about 2 axes?

[@Joshua4763]

what about hammers? probably very similar to axes

[@Skallagrim]

Definitely similar in many ways.

[@TheOpperbink]

I do wonder what kind of impact the weight of the hammer has. I guess it would be just like the axe but just with extra crushing power? Also wondering how practical it was to swing. In games you have those giant(, ridiculously sized) mallets and warhammers, but I do wonder how practical a realistic warhammer would be.

[@grayfiresoul]

Hammers, both one and two handed, relied on blunt force trauma (obviously) very much like maces or trudgeons. However, they were utilized extensively as a specialized weapon against plate armor, where dents could be caved in on the cheast and head areas to cause massive muscle damage (tearing, bruising), concussions, and, to even break bones.

[@ElDrHouse2010]

Michsters channel Anti-Armor weapon. Still very brutally deadly without armor as well but its less agile.

[@reddokkfheg9443]

ElDrHouse2010 Less agile than a sword but not less agile than an axe. The warhamers where not big and heavy. The wieght was pretty much the same as a one handed axe, The balance was pretty much the same. So the where very similar with axes and the way you use it is very similar to. The biggest difference is that tha warhammer was mainly used against heavy armored oponents

[@juliushauck3981]

A few additional Infos: If you try to fight with an axe, you should use an 80-90cm (31-35inc) cause you need the additional distance and the centrifugal force. When you know how to swing an axe, it's an easyer start with the axe, but you really need to train to get the same effect you woult get with an sword. (my experience) Really nice video :)

[@subzero4623]

stronk product placement in here, idk if u wanted to do this, but u did it well ^^

[@MooStyg]

I like the way you dont't handle the sword blade with your hands. I don't know how many times i've seen people do that. I mean sure you can clean it off if you have the right oil treatments and stuff but it''s an extra hassle you shouldn't have to deal with.

[@Skallagrim]

Yes, it's really unnecessary. Unfortunately many people seem to have the urge to put their fingerprints all over a blade.

[@MooStyg]

***** I guess you could say they couldn't wait to get their "hands" on a Blade. That was so bad. I'm sorry !