battle axe Orleans, sharp

Product description

Axes like this emerged in the second half of the 15th century. Around this time, armor was becoming increasingly effective, creating a need for weapons capable of penetrating the gaps in plate armor. The back of this axe features a point, similar to that of a war hammer. The main weapon, the axe head, has a tapered, rounded edge that ends in a “beard.” The beard was designed to unseat enemy cavalry, while the rounded edge keeps the weight of this axe lower than that of a standard woodcutter’s axe. The top point allows this axe to also function as a short spear or “goededag” (a Flemish type of polearm). This type of axe was used by both cavalry and infantry and remained in use until the late 16th century, even seeing action during the English Civil War.

This battle-ready replica axe has an antique appearance thanks to its patina finish while being crafted from modern, high-quality steel. The axe features a cutting edge and two points for thrusting. The axe head is made from high-quality 1065 carbon steel tempered to 50 HRC and is secured to a wooden shaft with rivets. It comes with a certificate of authenticity, listing the names of all the smiths involved in its creation.

The Battlecry line of historical swords, daggers, and axes was designed in collaboration with John Clements, who has unparalleled knowledge of historical fencing and medieval and Renaissance combat techniques. All pieces are hand-forged by Windlass Steelcrafts from high-quality 1065 tempered carbon steel, making them strong and resilient. The swords feature an extra-wide full tang, and all weapons are sharp and suitable for cutting tests.

Each model undergoes rigorous physical testing to exceed industry standards. These battle-tested weapons have a patinated finish, enhancing their authentic, historical appearance. Every piece is individually inspected at each stage of production, and only after passing inspection is the smith’s mark applied to the blade. Each weapon comes with a certificate signed by all craftsmen who worked on it, along with a matching scabbard and, where applicable, a sword frog.