Medieval axes
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 working days* (DE - int. shipments may differ)
The medieval axe is one of the oldest and most versatile weapons in history – as a battle axe in close combat, a throwing axe in attack or a tool in everyday life. The range extends from the Frankish francisca to the Nordic bartax and the two-handed Danish axe – for re-enactment, LARP, show fighting and collectors who want to buy a medieval axe.
Medieval axe – types and historical classification
The medieval axe is not a uniform type of weapon, but rather a broad spectrum of regional and epoch-typical forms that have evolved over almost a millennium. From the short throwing axe of the early Middle Ages to the long, two-handed Danish axe of the High Middle Ages, each type reflects the military and social conditions of its time.
Medieval axes can basically be divided into three functional groups: battle axes (one-handed, combined with a shield), throwing axes (lightweight, optimised for balance) and tool axes (wide cutting edge, heavy blade). The boundaries were historically fluid – a hatchet used to split wood could also serve as a weapon in an emergency. The axe was widely used as a weapon in the Middle Ages because it was cheaper to manufacture than a sword and served both craft and military purposes.
The following forms are typologically significant: the beard axe with its characteristic downward-curving cutting edge, the long-handled Danish axe (also known as a broad axe), the short Merovingian francisca, and the simple hatchet as a general-purpose tool. The late medieval halberd combines an axe blade, tip and hook on a long shaft – strictly speaking, it is already a pole weapon that emerged from the development of the battle axe.
Throwing axe, beard axe, battle axe: an overview of the most important variants
Each variant of the medieval axe fulfils a specific function – weight distribution, handle length and blade geometry vary considerably depending on the historical purpose.
Franziska
The francisca is the best-known throwing axe of the early Middle Ages. Its crescent-shaped blade and short, curved handle enable a stable rotational movement when thrown. Frankish warriors threw them immediately before close combat to destroy enemy shields. First choice for re-enactment and as a historical collector's item.
Viking battle axe
The beard axe – recognisable by its deep, downward-curving cutting edge – was the weapon of choice for Scandinavian warriors. The beard increases the effective cutting length without making the blade unnecessarily heavy. Used one-handed, often in combination with a shield. Popular in LARP and exhibition fighting due to its excellent balance.
Danish axe
The Danish axe (broad axe) has a long handle of up to 150 cm and a wide, curved blade – it was wielded with two hands. Historically attested in the Bayeux Tapestry, among other places. Its weight and reach make it an impressive exhibition weapon; the first choice for re-enactment groups of the High Middle Ages.
Late medieval battle axe
From the 13th century onwards, battle axes developed with a narrow, hardened blade that could also damage plate armour. Often combined with a back hammer or spike. In demand for historically accurate representations of the High and Late Middle Ages and as decorative replicas.
Materials and workmanship: What matters in a medieval axe
The quality and suitability of a medieval axe depend directly on the type of steel, heat treatment and type of wood used for the handle – these three factors determine cutting performance, break resistance and throwing behaviour.
| Material | Properties | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel (1075/1085) | Easy to forge, can be hardened, prone to rusting | Re-enactment |
| Spring steel (65Mn) | High toughness, impact resistant, suitable for throwing loads | Throwing axe |
| Industrial steel / cast iron | Inexpensive, sufficiently stable for decorative items, not hardened | Decor |
| Ash wood (handle) | Lightweight, flexible, classic axe handle wood, good vibration damping | Reenactment LARP |
| Hickory wood (handle) | Very hard, impact-resistant, heavier than ash, ideal for throwing axes | Throwing axe |
| Beech wood (handle) | Dense, stable, less elastic, inexpensive to produce | Decor |
Hand-forged vs. industrially manufactured: Hand-forged blades are created by repeated heating and hammering, which compacts the grain structure of the steel and makes the cutting edge more resistant. Industrially stamped blades are more uniform in shape but often less durable. For authentic re-enactments and regular exhibition fighting, hand-forged blades with hardened cutting edges are recommended. For decorative purposes and occasional LARP, solid stamped blades are perfectly adequate.
When it comes to the handle, hickory is the first choice for throwing axes because the dense wood absorbs impact energy better and resists hairline cracks longer. Ash offers the best compromise between weight and strength for combat and display axes. Beech is often used for decorative models.
Buying the right medieval axe: selection criteria according to intended use
The choice of the right medieval axe depends on the intended use – weight, blade geometry, handle length and workmanship vary considerably depending on the application.
Robust replicas with industrially manufactured steel blades and beech wood handles. Visually impressive, not designed for intensive combat use. Ideal as wall decorations, costume accessories or for first show combat experiences. Low weight, easy to handle.
Models with sufficient material thickness for regular use: solid forged blades, ash wood shaft, well-balanced. For throwing axes: spring steel or carbon steel with hickory shaft. Important: blade geometry checked for safety, blunt or rounded edges depending on event rules.
Historically accurate shapes based on archaeological models: hand-forged blade, hardened cutting edge, custom-made handle length. Franziska, bar axe or Danish axe based on original findings. Weight and balance correspond to historical specimens – for living history groups and discerning collectors.
Note on sharp specimens: Axes with hardened, sharp cutting edges are not subject to a general ban in Germany, but may be classified as weapons depending on the federal state and event context. Transport in public is recommended in a closed bag or case. Throwing axes should only be used on designated grounds and with appropriate protective equipment. Weight and handle length are the most important selection criteria: a throwing axe typically weighs 400–800 g and has a handle of 40–60 cm, while a battle axe weighs 800–1,400 g and has a handle of 60–90 cm.
Care and storage of your medieval axe
Regular care significantly extends the life of a medieval axe – especially hand-forged steel blades and wooden handles made from natural materials, which are more sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations than industrial products.
Caring for steel blades: After each use, remove dirt and moisture with a dry cloth. Then rub in a thin layer of acid-free oil – camellia oil, Ballistol or gun oil are suitable. Carbon steels such as 1075 or 1085 rust faster than stainless steels; treat the first rust spots with fine sandpaper (800 grit), then re-oil. Check sharp blades regularly for chips and resharpen if necessary.
Impregnate the wooden handle: Raw linseed oil is the classic agent for handle impregnation – apply once a year, allow to soak in, wipe off excess oil. The wood remains elastic and resistant to moisture. Detect cracks early: A longitudinal crack along the grain is not critical at first, but a transverse crack is a safety risk and requires immediate replacement of the handle.
Specifically for throwing axes: After intensive use, check the handle for hairline cracks – especially in the area directly below the axe blade, where the impact is greatest. Tap any loose axe blades before each use and secure them with a wooden wedge.
Storage: Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight, if possible not directly on stone floors (cold and damp). Always secure sharp axes with a leather sheath or wood protection. For longer storage over the winter, oil the blade more heavily and wrap it in a cloth.
Frequently asked questions about medieval axes and throwing axes
A throwing axe is an axe specially designed for throwing, with the weight distribution between the blade and the handle balanced so that it rotates in a controlled manner in flight and strikes with the blade first. In contrast to a battle axe, the handle is shorter and lighter, and the blade is narrow and precisely shaped. Historically, throwing axes were used as the first wave of attack before close combat to disrupt enemy formations. Today, axe throwing is also a recreational sport in its own right with its own competition formats.
Medieval battle axes have different names depending on their shape and origin: The bart axe (or Bartsaxt) is named after its characteristic downward-curving blade. The Dane axe (also known as the broad axe) refers to the long-handled, two-handed form used by Scandinavian and English warriors. The hatchet is the compact one-handed version. In the late Middle Ages, the hellebard emerged as a combination of an axe blade, spear tip and hook on a long shaft – it is already considered a pole weapon.
The most famous throwing axe of the 5th and 6th centuries is called the francisca. It was the characteristic weapon of the Franks during the Merovingian period and was used both as a throwing weapon and in close combat. Its crescent-shaped blade and short, strongly curved handle ensure a stable rotational movement when thrown. Numerous examples have been found in Frankish burial grounds, proving its widespread use in early medieval Western Europe.
The medieval arsenal of weapons was diverse: axes (battle axes, Danish axes, franciscas, hatchets) were considered weapons of the people, as they were cheaper to manufacture than swords. Swords (one-handed, one-and-a-half-handed and two-handed) were the weapons of the nobility and knights. Lances and spears dominated the battlefield as ranged weapons for the infantry and cavalry. Bows and crossbows enabled long-range combat. The arsenal was supplemented by clubs, maces, daggers and, in the late Middle Ages, pole weapons such as halberds and gleves. Axes remained in use throughout the Middle Ages because they were versatile and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
Browse through our range and find the medieval axe that suits your needs – from the historically accurate francisca for living history groups to the robust show combat axe for your next LARP event.