Ancient axes: Tool or weapon? - Definition / comparison

[@willnonya9438]

What I learned in the navy. Everything is a hammer. Hammer, its a hammer, screw driver? Its a hammer. Wrench? its a hammer. Boot? its a hammer. Axe? its a hammer.

[@seanrea550]

you forgot to add knife in to the list :) I know what you mean. anything with some weight to it can be used to strike with.

[@nss_BoB]

Will nonya well this is one of the primary murphys laws: at certain point any tool becomes a hammer.

[@LordGangrel]

Nail? Also a hammer!

[@dasdew2]

Sounds like my dad,"Hand the that _(carpentry tool)_". My question is why are you using a hammer on a metal ship?

[@willnonya9438]

Short answer, to hammer things. Less short answer some things stick that should move. Some times you have to get a stud or bolt out that is rusted in. Some times there are things that are torqued down so hard that you put what is called a slugging wrench on it and beat the shit out of it.

[@Garblegox]

I am a tree. So, from my perspective, they're all weapons. Also, I like the lighting in this video.

[@torgo_]

Skall, please do a video in the ultimate tool-weapon: THE PITCHFORK! !!!!

[@johngalt9989]

Voted up just for the peasant absurdity

[@BornofIron]

It strikes fear into the hearts of mad scientists who are located in isolated Gothic/Germanic styled abodes! It's the ultimate weapon!

[@stand-alone0]

/r/pitchforkemporium

[@ronandubh4766]

7j557j7j5 Eh they're called greips u scrub

[@ThePivoteer101]

Fun Fact: Pitchforks can be thrown (offensively in a fight of course), similar to a heavy javelin. Not just stabbing and farming. Believe me I used one away from school for a javelin! (And it's effective too!), only problem is well... It's heavy, so I threw it half the distance of my javelins lol...

[@omegasight]

I want to compliment you on taking the time to research, and to site your sources. Too many people just start lecturing, and you can never know where their information comes from. Well done, very informative.

[@Skallagrim]

omegasight Thank you.

[@572891]

"You wouldn't thrust against a tree... that's rather...uhm... [*faces camera]... silly!" I don't know what it was but this was simply the perfect way of making this statement XD

[@572891]

Fore everyone else who wants to enjoy this again, here is the time stamp: 3:35

[@satibel]

IIIMuerteIII you can start at 3:18 too, for the extra joke

[@sanfransiscon]

I have to disagree, thrusting against a tree serves for better leverage, and allows more forward momentum in each strike! :D

[@1RYTY1]

that moment where you know. oh shit i did it again did i

[@jeromedraad5810]

lol, i thought he was gonna say 'retarded', then thought better of it and went for ' rather silly'

[@PatchworkHD]

The camera quality is fantastic in this video. I was skeptical on whether you really needed a new camera, but this looks fantastic so I understand now.

[@Skallagrim]

Patchworkᴴᴰ Yep. Easily the best possible investment into the channel.

[@Rick1885]

Especially on a 1080p screen. Soon to be 4k, then I can enjoy your videos to the maximum quality level.

[@Skallagrim]

Rick1885 The only issue is that this camera can only record 4K in 30fps.

[@theangel666100]

***** To be honest i care more about frames than pixels. 60fpsftw

[@W4ldgeist]

Exactly my thought when I started watching this video. "Wow, this looks amazing, super smooth and very relaxing to the eyes". Perfect quality. Thanks Skall!

[@SckharVawn]

Axes are beautiful, both weapon and tool axes, they're stylish, I like swords and maces/clubs too, but I think nothing beat the looks of a well made axe.

[@fardenfingerjarrod61]

Well discussed. It's rare to find videos as unbiased and informative as on your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@Cookiesdiefrombehind]

Axes are all tools, they are tools for killing and tools for killing trees and dismembering their corpses.

[@Normandy-e8i]

Alexander Salt no

[@friendlyjester8482]

Rather salty eh?

[@davidlewis6728]

killing trees? killing AND killing trees... dismembering their corpse.... please get an education...

[@Chaoseyes]

Guys I think he was just making a joke.

[@davidlewis6728]

Chaos Shooting Odd-Eyes Ultimate Beyond the Pendulum Quasar Synchro Dragon Victory proof that Sherlock exists.... why would i tell him no shit if he didn't exist?!

[@veesturgess9603]

Battle axes with short heads were very popular in antiquity because of how easy they are to make (compared to long bladed, intricate axes). Later on they became popular again as weapons of war due to their ability to puncture armour more effectively than their long bladed counterparts. Greetings from UK btw :) Love the channel.

[@berardigiorgio]

Skall, can you talk about maces, flails and hammers, please?

[@DRakshasa]

^ This. please.

[@7636kei]

Dunno about hammers (there are tool hammers and battle hammers, and I'm not going to be very surprised when there are a few close calls here) or flails (there are two kind of flails, one-handed and two-handed; the two-handed battle flails were developed from agricultural flails, which also may elicit close calls), but I don't think there's a good use of mace out of battles that involves hitting things with the mace (thus excluding ceremonial maces).

[@stefanb6539]

SkyPiercerV Well, throwing maces used for hunting maybe? But those would be qualified as weapons, too, albeit hunting weapons. Or maybe tools used for preparation of skins or meat, that usually wouldn't want to have a solid metal or stone head. But I guess those wouldn't be called maces then, but given other names like tenderizer. Then there would be other tools, like belaying pins, that could easily be used as improvised maces. I guess the word "mace" already embodies the martial context, just as a "sword" compared to a "knife" (some butcher knifes and off course machetes could definitely compare to small swords in size)

[@Ironication]

I hope he does talk about em, I need a reason to play with a warhammer in Skyrim xD

[@kevgmei]

Ironication Just pick an orc and grab a warhammer.

[@alexstark5568]

Great work, I really thought this video was really informative considering it’s length. I’m a bit of an axe enthusiast, coming from the side of forestry purposes. Your collection is amazing and it really helps to hold and display something in order to explain it to people. I like your GB Scandinavian axe, along with that CRKT tomahawk. My roommate actually has that exact tomahawk. For anyone who’s into collecting weapons/tools, you should look into eBay for vintage axe heads for sale. It’s an enjoyable hobby to find and hang an axe, and it doesn’t cost all too much either.

[@Anglo-Saxon9]

I prefer axes to swords.

[@klauserji]

I like one handed axe, but axe in general is good.

[@kermitthefrog7425]

*I'd prefer a butter knife*

[@Sr_ECO]

Same

[@montyowens5932]

I loved this video. I have always been a fan of axes because of their multitude of uses. I actually bought a crkt tomahawk after watching your video review and could not be happier with it. I've been watching you videos for some time and really enjoy them. I usually learn something as well. Keep up the good work.

[@Thrand11]

Great video Skall! Love your axe collection :D

[@Paid2Win]

Ayy just came from one of your videos haha

[@Namkhai_de_Combaillaux]

Thanks for this awesome video, very informative and crystal-clear, as usual. One thing you did not mention, and which is quite of importance, is why this short black axe for instance, is shaped thus. Such a shape indicates without any possible doubt that it is only designed for combat, and that it is meant to be used by one hand, in complement of a dagger or a shortsword. Or another small axe, whatever. As you see, when held vertically, there is a great amount of steel going downwards, running almost parallel to the wooden handle, but making an angle with it. One of the reasons behind such a shape, is to be able to pull your opponent's shield out of the way : the piece of steel we've mentionned goes beyong the opponent's shield, grips it because of this particular hook shape, and then you just pull the axe back towards yourself, thus pulling the shield out of the way. You then cleared the path for your other axe or dagger that you hold into your other hand. The hungarian axe has the same hook thing, but smaller; it is perhaps more designed for two-handed combat, whereas the short black one is definately designed to be wielded in one hand only. There again, you'd grab the opponent's shield with the axe's hook, pull it out of the way, and then thrust the axe forward, towards the opponent's cleared chest of throat.

[@G1Bryce]

The ultimate combat tool is actually the combat shovel. You can chop things, hammer things, thrust, block, throw it. Shovels are badass. Also if you practice shovel combat it would be a great tool for self defense in countries where you have more restrictions. The other wonderful thing about shovels is most have a handle and are easy to use like a spear or club by novices. It's also a great "grey man" weapon - people are a lot less likely to worry about a person with a shovel than a gun/knife/sword.

[@GoldKitsuneBrony]

I love axes more then other weapons and tools of antiquity. I love how they commend power and UMPF! And versatility, one of our first tools, yet still used today. I think axes are really cool.

[@spineyrequiem]

Buttspikes also stop the wood from rotting, as they prevent damp coming up the shaft.

[@gaberielpendragon]

The biggest difference between a weapon and a tool is intention of the user. While some tools might be better designed to harm living flesh, while other tools are designed for other purposes. I really like that you talked about this idea.

[@gurkfisk89]

Those are some nice sabers. (Sorry, just came from Matt's video.)

[@Askorti]

Damn, same here. :D

[@satibel]

hey, me too ^^

[@JustGrowingUp84]

I feel very lucky when they upload something so close to each other, like I've won a prize or something!

[@gurkfisk89]

***** manaquri And we know something that Skall doesn't know: if it has a curved blade then it is a saber. I do however agree with Skall that the valaška is a bit confusing, I'm not sure if it is a saber or rapier. =)

[@Askorti]

gurkfisk89 I would argue that it is more of a side sword, is it is something you carry around with you in day-to-day life. ;p

[@melzaz2]

I got blown away by the camera quality, I approve of the purchase! :)

[@grimthane]

I've always had an affinity for tools that can serve as weapons, especially my machete and my engineer's hammer.

[@Cosmoline]

That A&A Dane two hander is my current favorite medieval weapon. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in Viking weapons. You can cut with it just like a longsword using the standard Liechtenauer methods, or you can hook and prod with it like a pole arm. It must have been particularly effective in left-to-right attacks against sword and shield men, since it can reach into their flank. It's also shockingly nimble for such a large weapon.

[@ThaetusZain]

5:16 I usually have something in most my rpgs I run called a "thieves axe" or "Raiding Axe" that looks like that Shepard's axe except with a somewhat shorter handle and a thickish short spike on the other side of the blad. It's meant to be both a weapon and a way to break in between wooden planks, break open cheap locks and work as a survival axe. I even have a history for it that it used to be used by an army or maybe the town guards, but it fell out of use for a variety of reasons and was picked up by the underworld as a tool.

[@Its_just_cosmetic]

what rpg do u play :) ??

[@ThaetusZain]

A bunch, my favorite system is GURPS but I'm warming up to 5e a little. I also really like Blade of the Iron Throne (and it's predecessor)

[@sharpblades4118]

Cool Chris! ,)

[@secthay]

Chris Dron 5e is fun. I like 5e.

[@joemccullough5882]

It's funny to see Skall so popular, because I subscribed to him many years ago now for his video game and philosophical rants. lol Now I see his videos pop up quite often.

[@JakeMcNaughton]

I generally consider skeggoxes as being designed specifically for crossover between the two functions. The blade tends to be thinner than many modern wood axes and its light enough to be used as a weapon (and also for ease of carry when on the move), but all the design elements of the blade profile seem to be for making it a useful tool as well. The thick square design to the beards reinforces the lower half of the blade so it won't bend under impact with wood and the deep beard makes the axe great for small carving tasks with the hand choked up directly behind the blade. The lack of a horn also seems to point toward being specifically designed to have the structural integrity when used for mundane tasks in addition to battle. I also think some design elements of the axe stem from its need to preform all the tasks your average farmer/raider needs to preform while on the move. A traveler or ship probably wouldn't be carrying an entire set of carpenters axes specifically designed for either small carving or hewing or felling to repair any damage to the boat and set up camps so the axe they had on hand had to do all those tasks.

[@TheSpeep]

1:55 "nope, thats not an axe its a Tomahawk" you remind me of my sister, who keeps insisting a pony is not a horse...

[@tomauth8016]

Hi Skall, I thought it would be worth mentioning a good point about the bearded ax. The "beard" portion of the ax head, while great for hooking a shield, leg, or other bits in combat also comes in handy for wood working. I personally find that if I'm trying to flatten/reduce a section of a log, gripping the axe near the head gives you much more control for more precise strokes. The beard looks like it would act like a saber guard to keep you from barking your knuckles on the wood. I believe I've heard same principle applies to hewing axes. Keep it up!

[@bwcmakro]

Have you ever accidentally struck your camera when you do swings in front of it? :)

[@Skallagrim]

Killjoy Nope.

[@TreeCamper]

***** That's good, but please don't edit it out if you do. :-P It would be hilarious.

[@1RYTY1]

Erik Rimes if it will happen i'm not 100% sure the camera will live to tell about it

[@Skallagrim]

RYTY THE TRIPOD MAN LLA LLA Of course. But the camera needs to be pretty far away regardless because I currently only have a 35mm lens.

[@aidansumner8364]

HA HA HA HA YOU HAVE NOW >: )

[@EltonThorson]

Axes and forks are common weapons used in the Fyrd. The common people who can't afford to a good sword, use this tools like weapons. Great vídeo and cheers from Brazil!

[@Its_just_cosmetic]

the walking stick axe was beauitful i really want one how much was it

[@JohnpRayer]

Google valaška :-)

[@Its_just_cosmetic]

sucha beauitful axe

[@MarekDohojda]

This is also called a "Ciupaga" which was used in Poland's highlands (Czech and Polish highlanders don't exactly respect nor care for the border, and never did). It is an all purpose tool for them. They use it for chopping wood, walking, and a weapon both against Human and animal. The interesting thing about these axes is that they can also be used for throwing. I personally seen it used that way and it is pretty amazing. A trained user (which is just about everybody there since it is such a prevalent implement) can throw it from a above, just like any other axe (i.e. the axe is held by the pole) OR it can actually be thrown while still on a ground. Which is to say used as a walking stick, by the head and thrown that way. This is obviously isn't as strong, but darn surprising. I've seen a guy thrown this like that and embed it pretty deeply into a wooden target. It is important to note that real ones are very much kept SHARP. Side note, they are in pretty big demand so they are a lot made for the tourist market. Beware of those! they tend to be very cheap, not balanced, and dull. They do LOOK better (typically rather ornate) but are not good representation of this tool.

[@jasoncaesar112]

Sharp Blades lol

[@eitkoml]

With it's usability as both a tool and a weapon by combining the characteristics of both I'll be that fucking guy and say that it is an excellent choice of melee weapon for the zombie apocalypse. It's a combined skullcrusher and a wood chopper.

[@SHDWSNP]

Firstly Skall I thoroughly enjoy it when you review or talk about axes on your channel. On to the subject of the video, great video you covered many points to and went into enough detail to answer some of the more common questions asked, while still keeping it short. Top notch video as per usual Skall :)

[@srspower]

Aren't linguistics cool? I mean no matter what you are discussing or debating it always comes down to linguistics. What is an axe? Battleaxe? A tool? All it ends up as is defining what words mean :) Battleaxe for a 'grumpy old woman' is a very common term here in the UK by the way. I think the Aussies say that too.

[@KaiCalimatinus]

Indeed it is, to both points. I guess an older woman pulls no punches and strikes hard when she sees need for confrontation; you wouldn't want to get into an argument.

[@srspower]

David North Absolutely, it means cantankerous and to 'not suffer fools gladly'. You could see it as a compliment.

[@Raz0rking]

it is how one uses it. a pen can be used as a tool..or a weapon. for me knives are tools to make food..for others they are weapons

[@BellumCarroll]

Yep Aussie's say it too :)

[@Mitjitsu]

I've never heard of battleaxe being used in that way. Mostly because terms like "bitch" and "cow" are more commonly used.

[@jamessarvan7692]

I would love to see more videos like this about the advanteges/disadvanteges of different weapons!

[@sharpblades4118]

Awesome video Skall !!!

[@vladone97]

Hey, Skall, first of all I want to say that I'm a big fan. Most of what I learnt about swords, knives, daggers etc I learnt from you, including some tips on turning fantasy weapons into realistic designs. Secondly, I'd like to give you two clip ideas: 1. Using wooden swords for actual combat, not just training. I saw your Weapons without metal: Far from primitive! clip and it got me thinking. More specifically, thinking about the practicability of wooden swords as actual weapons. The first thing I thought was that if one were to make a thick wooden sword to fight with, the mechanics would be a little different from those of a steel sword. Basically, they would be a combination of the mechanics of a sword and those of a club, mace or any other blunt weapon that you can think of (since that's what it would be, a blunt weapon). Please, correct me if I'm wrong with this one. 2. Using swords in reverse grip. You see a lot of video game and anime characters doing this, but in real life, would it give you any advantages over the forward grip, or would it at least serve any purpose besides looking cool? I know that it's good with knives or daggers since, contrary to popular belief, it can give more cutting power at the expense of reach. It's not just the grip of the random criminal who only knows how to stab downwards with it. But at the same time, it reduces the ability to maneuver the blade, which is definitely not something you'd like when using a sword, because you can't parry as well or at all.. Or are there certain techniques I don't know about? I'm really curious about this.

[@Xc31]

I know you dont asked me but I still like to talk about it :3 in regards to point 1, do you mean an actual sword shaped piece of wood or more like a weighted stick with a crossguard, like a lot of wooden training swords? I think the first one would be useless, as it would weight next to nothing and would have no cutting power at all and only stabbing power if someone is unprotected, as a blunt weapon kills by impact, and I dont think that someone was ever caned to death in combat. a weighted stick on the other hand can easily kill, an 8 year old kid with a 2 meter broom handle can generate enough impact force to crack a skull, so I'd reckon an adult swinging a 1 meter piece of wood with or without weighted tip would be at least somewhat dangerous in a fight. in regards to point 2, reverse grip is almost useless when used as main form of attack/defence, also for knifes, as it dangerously limits your defensive capability. especially when it comes to swords, you cannot parry, you have no defence below the elbow and cannot deflect any stabbing motions. imho reverse grip is only usefull for offhand rondel or dagger when fighting heavy armoured opponents because it makes stabbing into a helmet possible when you close distance and render swords ineffective, it would be very hard to poke into eye holes using normal grip when grappling.

[@Munich22100]

What is it about people who confuse maces, flails , and morning stars , a lot of people think there the same. Please , talk about the ridiculousness it is. Also pleas also tell people not to buy cold steel polyprohene or practice swords or what not, because it stupid how heavy they are.

[@awesomemusicmixes3932]

I always really enjoy your videos. As someone who is learning Eskrima and has several friends in the SCA I have never seen a video of yours that was not fascinating or helpful in some way. Keep up the good work!

[@elfarlaur]

I think that a small axe with a small head like the one you showed when you were talking about it getting stuck in bones could have been like that on purpose. It could have been used as a trowing axe and as we all know, when you throw something at an enemy, it's generally a good thing if they can't get it out easily.

[@bobbybourgoin9129]

From my understanding, if you chock up on a long beard ax, the blade then comes aligned with the hand facilitating control for more precision work, like making wood splints to start fires.

[@I..cast..fireball]

more axe vids please. me like axes

[@KainYusanagi]

I could actually see that horned axe used for wood-cutting; specifically for splitting. The horn would allow for a decent cut through the radius of a log, and can be used as a spike to man-handle around large pieces.

[@TurtleGamingNL]

Didn't vikings use their axes as tools and weapons?

[@broadbandislife]

Peasants have forever adapted household tools suited for such purposes into weapons as needed. Since the average Scandinavian peasant warrior wasn't exactly wealthy they duly liked to use their everyday implements for as many purposes as possible - and the ubiquitous hunting spears and wood axes (if now fitted with new shafts for the role) worked quite well for killing people. Those with dosh of course got purpose-designed weapons instead, and then had them decorated six ways to Sunday with the spare change for additional swag...

[@ryksalmons6303]

Cis White Male With Extra Privilege yeah to agree with that I have to say I remember reading that the bearded axe which is my favorite weapon I've always personally just love to that weapon I like the way it looks the groove in the bearded portion of the axis very useful in combat and also it's very useful in just working as you can grip things and drag them to you etcetera etcetera either way that was used I believe I read that it was used specifically for making their long-ships was for hewing wood

[@martinlarsson8947]

Bearded axes are great woodworking tools because they allow the hand to be behind the blade for greater control.

[@LOKIS333]

From what I know from the dark ages till around 13th century maybe even bit later battle axes were common in Baltic lands now Lithuania Latvia, the main way to tell apart a battle axe from domestic tool axe would be that battle axes would have things engraved onto the head of the axe like symbols and handle would have sometimes leather wrap for grip and design purposes or sometimes string at the bottom so that you won’t drop it if disarmed. I am not an expert but read some things in books and saw some examples in museums there.

[@ruolbu]

Why does the hungarian axe have three holes in its blade?

[@SantaJesus1]

Because every male loves holes.

[@Skallagrim]

ruolbu Decoration.

[@1RYTY1]

those sexy holes oh yeah they make it a lot better

[@SirKaldar]

Those are speed holes, they make the axe swing faster.

[@Uatemysoul]

SirKaldar skall's right on this one cutting 3 little holes in a axe will not make it faster. It does however display some skill for the smith. It isn't easy punching holes in heated metal that close together.

[@jacobticknor2037]

Bearded axes are often broad axes in function. A lot of northern Europeans used a bearded ax style for axes used for hewing or carving or carpentry. Models similar to the one you show are available from woodworking companies.

[@dattebenforcer]

Why do you axe?

[@GirlyKat9001]

I'm Axecited!

[@SantaJesus1]

We don't axe questions around here.

[@sharpblades4118]

Guys you need more axercise!

[@rimandries]

This conversation is axeually quite axetatic

[@rimandries]

Lets see if we can keep up this axecellence

[@TheChillimouse]

@Skallagrim often a bearded axe was used by vikings as a bushcraft Viking axe they crafted matterials with it and a lot of vikings had one as either main weapon or as a tool/secondary

[@aethlwulf777]

Thank you, great video! I'm very interested in axes. Maybe you could do a video about how axes were actually used in battle.

[@TheDevilock666]

First off thanks for making another video on Axes. Sword videos are everywhere and so are the opinions on them. Now I am in no way an expert on this but I have some thoughts on the subject I dont think has been discussed too much. For me they became so prevalent by societies that still chopped their own wood not because of just the brutality but because of familiarity. In societies that were advanced enough to have a few individuals who cut wood and sold it, the rest of the population wasn't familiar with using an ax. How ever societies where each person was still in charge of his or her own wood for heat and cooking they would have been very familiar with the ax. Why I think that is important is as you well know with your sword training it takes months or years to build up the muscle memory, stamina, and strength to wield a sword with great effectiveness. Well if you spend everyday cutting or splitting wood then you already have those things with the ax. Making the same repetitive motion everyday with this tool and you already know the feel of it, the balance of it, and probably very good at aiming. If I spent 10 years splitting wood with an ax and a battle was coming up I had to fight in I would chose taking my ax as apposed to a sword I have not had training in cause I was to busy living day to day to train with it. Just my humble opinion. The reason it became such a powerful weapon was because it was a tool first. BTW the ax is my favorite weapon, thank you again for doing another video about them.

[@kendon81]

just a thought on the small headed battle axe.......to me they seem like they would have been used in conjunction with a dagger or other long thin blade against armoured opponents and they would make good camp axes for splitting kindling and small logs at the fire dressing game and crafting where you need more than a small knife but a larger ae would be to unwieldy.

[@tetsubo57]

I have always wanted a Valaška, though I had originally heard it called a fokosh. The Chogan tomahawk is just so nice. A highly versatile piece of gear.

[@FolkMetalProject]

the part around 8:00 about heads getting stuck made me curious for a compare/contrast with maces -- heft and spikes for penetrating power, not as likely to get stuck. but obviously not effective for slicing.

[@rjjr7064]

Nice video! I love axes, best tool and weapon ever. Only problem with the video is you stated the felling axe had a good angle to split wood when in my experience the splitting maul is far superior. Felling axes just like to stick into the wood and don't really split well.

[@dilutedrep2864]

bill hooks were village garden tools often used in battle when swords and other weapons weren't attainable so i can see how many axes can end up in battle that were originally meant as tools .

[@dylang2255]

Many tools actually became weaponized.

[@aleclitvinov]

well there are many axes because there are many uses for these tools. in addition to felling trees (which requires a heavy axe) and chopping firewood (an even heavier and very thick axe) you can do many finer things like flattening boards, carving sculptures etc. if you look at the axes people use for building traditional houses and ships in russia, norway or elsewhere in northern europe, you'll find many tools with long and thin blades. one thing i have noticed about battle axes is that the handle is usually very long and straight.

[@gravisamurai89]

I'm curious about your opinion on the "Weapons Triangle" of Fire Emblem. If you're unaware, the basic system is that using a sword against an axe gives you a bonus, using an axe against a lance (spear) gives you a bonus, and using a lance against a sword gives you a bonus. There are also weapons designed to reverse this, though. I'm just curious if there's any sort of historical accuracy to this triangle, if there are any advantages to using a sword against an axe-wielding opponent, and axe against a spear-wielding opponent, and a spear against a sword-wielding opponent.

[@tomwilliams2705]

Sometimes the distinction is necessary, as you said, other times it isn't. But when choosing a weapon/tool you should make sure you know what you want out of it and make sure that the implement you choose is made for that purpose and/or can function for that purpose. Don't just choose a convenient one to get/use/carry

[@punteroism]

The wider axe head is called a maul. Mauls are designed with an emphasis on splitting logs. Felling axes are much thinner than mauls so that they can bite deep into the wood. However a felling axe isn't as thin as a weapons axe.

[@Colt3d]

I think you could make a distinction between a weapon and a tool if its base design is primarily for causing efficient flesh wounds or if its designed for efficient wood chopping. When the design is more efficient at one of both things, then you got a weapon/tool.

[@alyssabrooks2762]

I feel like you could use the "tool axe" to fight with as well. Would make for some nasty chops for splitting shoulders, ribs, skulls, and other dense bones. And of course, could still be used effectively against shields, hooking arms, and all the other great qualities that you included in your axe video a while back.

[@gunther4244]

I think there is a misunderstanding. There are several axe types for woodworking: 1. Forest Axe: Light axe with thin blade to cut deep into wood for disassembling limbs or felling trees. They are NOT for splitting. 2. Universal Axe: Jack of all trades. It’s thin enough to cut and thick enough to split. This is the most common axe and most people would think of this type if they hear the word "axe". Most hardware stores have only this type of axe. The American felling axe is the largest variant of this type. 3. Splitting Axe: As the name tells, it’s made for splitting. In terms of cutting: You can shave yourself with it but it won’t cut that deep. 4. Splitting Maul: Take a Splitting Axe crossbreed it with a sledgehammer and have fun. Needless to say it’s heavy and you need enormous stamina to wield it for longer times but in terms of splitting its unbeaten. Whatever it is; logs, skalls, engine blocks, a knight in armor including horse, etc.: You need one strike and it’s done. 5. And of course several specialized carpentry tools I won’t go into. Of all these axes the light forest axe is the most likely battle axe. Even if the splitting maul would crack even the thickest armor and most likely kill everything on the first proper hit.

[@omega1231]

I was in a scout group in Denmark that held both 1-handed and 2-handed axe throwing competitions, and we also fell trees with a bearded 2-handed axe which in my opinion was very effective compared to a normal wood axe because the center of mass aws so close to the area of impact, i kinda miss throwing axes around though, chopping wood not so much.

[@shaitforbrains1445]

that "dane axe" is the cutest thing i've ever seen! the "duel axe" of the vikings were 1,82cm long, and the war-axes were about 2m long :)

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

That Sheperd's Axe is reminiscent of Lloyd's Sling-Spear in terms of versatility. I'd like to see if you could combine them...

[@cosmicmousse]

My understanding of Viking axes is pretty much what you said, that is was easier to get an axe to fight with. Axes were common tools and were used widely for every day tasks. "I'm off to battle but I have no weapon. I do have an axe and that's good for stuff, I'll take that". Dane axes are probably still useful as tools, to an extent. When training for reenactment I've been told that the blunt ones used in reenactment combat can still split logs.

[@tasatort9778]

Many of the weapons used (pre-firearm) had their origins in agricultural tools. The flail started out as a grain threshing tool that eventually became a weapon, the battle axe and war hammer also had agrarian roots. As you pointed out; some axes are clearly weapons, some are clearly designed as tools. The others however are possibly, either attempts at a "multi-tool" or possibly a transition from pure tool to pure weapon.

[@officialnomnerdsofminecraf1442]

I know its not a good source but according to google's definition of tool: a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function. That would make all weapons tools. (in the same way that all apples are fruits but not all fruits are apples)

[@trulshansson9738]

So Norwegian battle axes (I hesitate to say peasant axes because the English word "peasant" and Norwegian word "bonde" aren't necessarily interchangeable) from the 1600s usually had a shaft that was bent upwards at the end where the ax head was attached. This was done to enhance cutting power, and in my opinion probably also to help with edge alignment. I wonder if at least some of the Viking era axes were made in the same way. Probably hard to know since there aren't many surviving ax shafts.

[@KaiCalimatinus]

I also had the thought that outfitting traveling troops or being a warrior/hunter, using a weapon capable of dual purpose use similar to the shepherd's axe would be efficient. Your weapon also is used to make camp. I would suggest that thick headed short bladed straight handled axes in this role would be used more for notching limbs to bend and make shelter or preparing firewood than for felling a whole tree through the trunk.

[@monkey111871]

Also not really related, but I will mention anyway. Valaška (shepherd's axe) was also cavalry weapon. It was used by Eurasian nomads, that's other reason why it has such a long handle.

[@davidcarson7855]

some of Cold Steel's machetes fall into the grey area--their barong machetes (both old style and new) can be used as tools and weapons as can the sax machetes (the 12 inch sax would work well as a santuku with a sheath)

[@howdoilogin]

These videos are perfect for any D&D player. My dwarf's axes are now all officially bearded axes.

[@TheUlfarnator]

Dane axes where first used to slaughter cattle as it was effective to slice through the neck of a cow or bull, not really trees or wood. Also they are described to be the height of the user.

[@garthsegura4440]

If you got used to using a forest axe as a weapon you could build your body up to make your swings faster and get less tired. Plus you can more easily use it for its original purpose as a tool for chopping wood or getting through doors.

[@Stamenbelchev]

I would like to see a video on "halberds" - I always found the combination of axe and a spear interesting.

[@jancello]

I might be mistaken, but I would have shafted your daneaxe the other way round, with the longest horn up (for thrusting).

[@enistrgt]

First difference i realized is that tool axes have generally wider joint because you put very high stresses on them while chopping wood but war axes get wider to edge because stresses are less so you don't need much material near the joint. If you try to fall a tree with battle axe with wide edge you more likely to crack the head. Also tool axes are desirable heavier because you can deliver more energy to tree with the same speed. Since this is an evolution, there are species between two.

[@Kaptinark]

The new camera you got is amazing, love it.

[@TheMrWaffelyum]

From my understanding the bearded axe was heavily used by both vikings and saxons/britans during the raids of the british isles during the 800'. Mostly in the shield walls where the man in front would use the the bearded axe as a hook to pull down the opposing enemies shield and let the man behind himself deliver a blow with either an other axe, spear or sword.

[@572891]

Skall, you said in one of your videos quite a while ago that you cut your hair very short in order to try something new once it grows back in the right length. But so far it seems you go for pretty much the same style you had before.... which is a nice one. I was just wondering if you decided to give up on your hair "project" or if you are still waiting for a certain length.

[@meltybrain404]

There is a question that was itching me for a while for what I never found a proper response, and it's about those tiny holes in the axe head, sometimes shaped like a cross, just for what's function they serve? At first I believed they were used to reduce the weight of the metal, but can those tiny holes really decrease the weight of the axe significantly?

[@Skallagrim]

brain bleach Decoration.

[@meltybrain404]

***** thanks! Other doubt I have not related with axes that's maybe you can discuss in another video is about those sword with undulating or wavy shapes such as the flamberge and the kris; I have heard that such shape can actually have some significant advantages in combat. Also I would like to see your review about other weird shaped swords like the seven-branched sword or Shichishitō.

[@martinlarsson8947]

I was sorely tempted to comment along the lines of "Why not both?" before watching. Now I'm glad I didn't make a fool of myself since that's the point you made. Many items were made with multifunctionality in mind. Why pay for two axes? Why carry two axes around? Imagine carrying the stuff you do in role playing games IRL. Most people in the past lacked a pickup truck to throw their axe collection into.

[@elderwaters9570]

Could you make a video that features all your axes?

[@Tomasmoravia]

Hi Skall, good vid, solid facts! And yeah, any stick can be used as a weapon, so when you put a thing (rock,nail, chain, blade..) on a stick you get stick on steroids! From stone age to nowdays axes were used and many variations of them were made (double bladed for berzerkerzz!). In any case it is gonna leave a mark even with the dull side (if you have some). I would love to see flail vid and the viking axe chopping the zombie head off that would be sweet. Keep up the good work!

[@hermitcard4494]

I have 2 axes(tool), one short(one handed) and a longer one(two handed). Chopping wood with those is so invigorating, and the feels in the upper muscles :D

[@dervoss3841]

In antiquities, especially before common use of metal, it's even more indistinguishable what's a weapon and what's a tool. The only exeptions i can think of off the top of my head are bow and arrow which were always for killing (either man or game) and the wooden swords with obsidian or sharkteeth edges from micronesia

[@NateXSaber]

Skall, I swear that one day, you're going to find your new camera on the receiving end of one of your 'demonstration strikes.' Like the video though. The video quality has improved greatly.

[@GabrielVelasco]

The bearded ax is an odd one because the beard gives it as many advantages as a woodworking tool as it does a weapon. I don't think we know for sure whether the beard was added first to give you a bigger cutting edge with less weight, or to give you the ability to choke up behind the bit to make wood shaving and carving more precise. The one you show specifically seems too small to use as a battlefield ax. It would definitely be fast, and the beard would be useful for possibly disarming someone with a spear or sword, but it seems more useful as a general purpose household or personal defense weapon. As far as a tool, without a pole to counterbalance the blade it won't be very good for chopping or felling. It's a bit too narrow to be good for splitting. It would be OK for deliming. If it can hold an edge, it would be great for slicing, feathering, carving. Overall, it seems like a general purpose homestead tool for a farmer to do general purpose woodwork and for homestead defense.

[@thiagodunadan]

Instead of tagging axe models as "weapons" or "tools", we perhaps should just describe how well would each model perform as one and the other. "This axe is excellent as a weapon, but rubbish as a tool. This one, in the other had, is pretty good as a tool and medium-quality as a weapon."

[@Ecthelion_2nd]

On the subject of the Dane axe, I have used a broad axe about the same size. You said a tool axe that size would be un- useable. Just thought I would mention it otherwise good video.

[@Zonic0000]

finally some more axe video. Great work skall.

[@TheZombieburner]

I'm not so sure about the short-headed axe getting stuck between bones. It's pretty possible that getting one of those embedded like that would break bone. Not always, but it would happen with some regularity, I'd suspect.

[@SebastiaanvanderHeide]

Interesting, this is mostly about semantics though as you gave quite a good definition of both the weapon and the tool. The tool needs weight to be able to cut into and split wood and the weapon needs agility. As this is a continuum you will find axes all along the line from pure agility to pure brute force. One thing I expect is that the reason the 2 categories were much more overlapping is because of scarcity, now we can afford to have both a specialized tool and weapon, back then, well I suppose most people wouldn't.

[@rossfaulstichjunior7628]

Very nice description of ancient axle !

[@anter176]

one confusion that you didn't bring up would be the broad-ax, which was used to debark or shape lumber

[@benjaminkeepfer8968]

So Skallagrim, in your opinion, what is the difference between a Tomahawk and a Hatchet?

[@antonmarkov2893]

i thing the one difference between small axe ant tomahawk is that the tomahawks head is hold in place because the end of the handle is wider than the bottom the tomahawk head was inserted from the bottom and axe head is secured by wedge

[@Skallagrim]

Anton Markov Yes, that is what characterizes tomahawks but it still fits the general "axe" definition.

[@antonmarkov2893]

***** yes it is an axe just different type of axe to say that tomahawk is not an axe is like saying longbow is not a bow

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

Anton Markov Yes, but the method of attachment you described was used also in european axes. Besides weapon which we today call tomahawk was known in europe before the discovery of America.

[@MadNumForce]

Kamil Szadkowski In fact, as far as I know, Natives never made tomahawks before meeting the White man. This kind of axe heads were traded (along with rifles and booze) with Natives for furs and other goods, and right from the 18th century you find european-made "trade axes" of very basic design.

[@arkhtyi9456]

MadNumForce Tomahawks did exist before the contact with white men, but they were just made with bones, stone, and wood. The tomahawk was just a native weapon, more like a club. The native americans didn't have metal forging abilities before the contact with Europeans. So after they did obtain it, they started making tomahawks that had the newly applied metal heads. Many argue that the tomahawks were actually originated from Europe because of similar designs and such but I think it's just silly to argue where the origin is because a simple axe is commonly found with the same similar designs in literally every civilization, and the native americans simply made their version of an axe and called it the tomahawk(or made a metal version of their tomahawks which turned out to look and be an axe).

[@wigon]

I hope you add some stone axes to your collection eventually. These were commonly made of chert (flint) but can be found in some other stone materials as well.

[@vladdracula2643]

Weapons: 1). A device or implement used to stop a person from doing something deemed wrong. Not to kill but to stop them from doing something or achieving a goal. 2). Any object used in manner of damaging or causing harm to a person or group of people. 3). Word used to describe something used to cause harm. Usually frowned upon by those not educated in common sense. 4). An object [usually a tool] used to help someone do damage to, all weapons are tools. Tool: 1). An object used to make, repair, or deconstruct an object. 2). Anything used in the helping or aid of the achievement of a goal. 3). Something that aids or makes a job easier. *A weapon is a tool it is not evil, it is not cruel, it is not to be feared. Weapons are just instruments in the hands of a user. A gun is not a weapon it is tool used for fun, gathering food, or to STOP SOMEONE OR SOMETHING FROM DOING WHAT IS DOING. Only the person holding the "weapon" or using it for the wrong reasons can be called evil. It is unfair to call a tool like a knife, axe, or gun an evil thing or a weapon. They are tools until they are being used as a weapon. Also, you don't shoot to kill or injure a person you shoot the because they are doing something that is deemed wrong and you a shooting them to stop them from doing this thing. Guns and knives and bombs and all things called weapons don't kill people we used them to kill people. It is wrong to ban things like that because people will still break the law to get them if they want it do an illegal act. I hope this will help enlighten or make clear any misconception you the reader may have had.