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axes-msg - 4/29/17

 

Viking axes, throwing axes.

 

NOTE: See also the files: Norse-msg, SCAweapons-msg, knife-throwing-msg, swords-msg, bladesmithing-msg, metals-msg, weapons-msg.

 

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NOTICE -

 

This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.

 

This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

 

I have done a limited amount of editing. Messages having to do with separate topics were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the message IDs were removed to save space and remove clutter.

 

The comments made in these messages are not necessarily my viewpoints. I make no claims as to the accuracy of the information given by the individual authors.

 

Please respect the time and efforts of those who have written these messages. The copyright status of these messages is unclear at this time. If information is published from these messages, please give credit to the originator(s).

 

Thank you,

   Mark S. Harris                  AKA:  THLord Stefan li Rous

                                         Stefan at florilegium.org

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From: corliss at hal.PHysics.wayne.EDU (David J. Corliss)

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Viking War Axes

Date: 24 Feb 1994 09:45:30 -0500

 

Thorfinn Magnussuon asks for information on where to purchase a period viking

war axe....

 

Well (like most things), there's period, and then there's _period_.

 

In particular, heavy viking axes were made with an iron head into which was

set a steel edge. A sheet of iron was wrapped around a bar to form the socket

and welded together almost to the ends of the sheet: the very ends were left

slightly open. A strip of steel (in the better axes, pattern welded steel) was

inserted and and the whole welded together. This left exposed a very fine

cutting edge on a weapon that was mostly iron. Apart from the cost, an

all-steel head is more likely to crack in use than an iron head, which may

deform slightly but can be reshaped, if neccessary, after its work is done.

 

One can find axes from several sources that bear a striking resemblance to

viking war axes but are, in fact, made entirely of steel. I have not yet seen

one made the the period fashion. I am sure that someone out there is doing this

process, though, and would love to hear about it.

 

Just as an aside, questions of this sort can often be directed to your local

Minister of Sciences: that's one of the things they should be glad to do

(at least, in my opinion). There happens to be a fine MOS in your Shire and

in your Region and I am sure that they would be very helpful.

 

                                               Beorthwine

 

"....So, Thorkil, I need a new axe. Do you know anyone who makes a good one?"

 

"Well, Bjorn, I got mine from Eirik over in Trondheim and it's been great. I

have had this axe for 15 years and I've only replaced the handle three times

and the head twice!"

 

 

From: ayotte at milo.NOdak.EDU (Robert Arthur Ayotte)

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Re: Viking War Axes

Date: 26 Feb 1994 01:24:48 -0500

Organization: North Dakota State University ACM, Fargo ND

 

In article <9402241444.AA02358 at hal.physics.wayne.edu> you wrote:

: Thorfinn Magnussuon asks for information on where to purchase a period viking

: war axe....

 

: Well (like most things), there's period, and then there's _period_.

 

: In particular, heavy viking axes were made with an iron head into which was

: set a steel edge. A sheet of iron was wrapped around a bar to form the socket

: and welded together almost to the ends of the sheet: the very ends were left

: slightly open. A strip of steel (in the better axes, pattern welded steel) was

: inserted and and the whole welded together. This left exposed a very fine

: cutting edge on a weapon that was mostly iron. Apart from the cost, an

: all-steel head is more likely to crack in use than an iron head, which may

: deform slightly but can be reshaped, if neccessary, after its work is done.

 

: One can find axes from several sources that bear a striking resemblance to

: viking war axes but are, in fact, made entirely of steel. I have not yet seen

: one made the the period fashion. I am sure that someone out there is doing

: this process, though, and would love to hear about it.

 

: Just as an aside, questions of this sort can often be directed to your local

: Minister of Sciences: that's one of the things they should be glad to do

: (at least, in my opinion). There happens to be a fine MOS in your Shire and

: in your Region and I am sure that they would be very helpful.

 

:                                                 Beorthwine

 

:   "....So, Thorkil, I need a new axe. Do you know anyone who makes a good one?"

 

:   "Well, Bjorn, I got mine from Eirik over in Trondheim and it's been great. I

:   have had this axe for 15 years and I've only replaced the handle three times

:   and the head twice!"

 

        Very good information, and well worth considering.  It leads to the

Smith, and the learning of manufacture.  I like, and will file the

information for future use.

 

        To the places to buy Axes that will work for our needs (throwing)

I was informed by a local Dark Ages GOD (Really very well read and researched

in the time of the Viking, Baron Thrym) He found that J.R. Townson (gad

I am not sure of the spelling) who deal with Rev/Civil/F&I War eara stuff

make a good axe that looks well and functions smoothly from the hand.  It's

also about $24 bucks US.  They have an 800 number, call Dir assistance as

I do not have the number on hand.

 

Horace

 

 

From: corliss at hal.PHysics.wayne.EDU (David J. Corliss)

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Oak and ash: a thorny question

Date: 2 Mar 1994 11:39:55 -0500

 

As an answer to the question: "What wood is used for spear shafts and axe

hafts" in the Viking Age quiz, it was written:

 

> Ash or Oak

 

Allow me to be more specific. We must recall that there are many differents

kinds of ashes and oaks, including cork (oak). The answer should be (my opinion

only): _Black_ Ash (now used for poles for pole vaulting, baseball bats, etc)

and _White_ Oak. All oaks have natural open spaces in the wood. Some are so

extensive that they leave no strength (see cork, above). In white oak, these

voids are filled with the glue that holds the wood fibers together to form the

tree. Thus, it is exceptionally strong.

 

While on the subject, white oak is a pain in the neck to work (by hand) and so

is not used except when neccessary.  Red oak is the variety most commonly found

in this country. In the middle ages, black oak was generally used. However,

the differences between black oak and red oak are so slight that lumber yards

make no distinction. (Red is New World; black was brought over by early

colonists.) I am informed that about 10% of all wood sold as "red oak" in the

U.S. is, in fact, black oak. Thus, red oak should be the oak of choice in our

recreations, except when another is specifically required in a particular

project.

 

           .......... This has been a public service message from the Middle

Kingdom College of Sciences...........

 

                                                              Beorthwine

 

 

From: Jester.Of.Anglesea at f120.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Jester Of Anglesea)

Date: 08 Apr 94 14:19:00 -0500

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Frankish axes

 

       Greetings,

 

         You're in luck.  I put down my current book and then read

       your message.  A double source quote follows.

 

       Refering to the battle-axe:  "Although it could be used for

       hand-to-hand combat, it was chiefly a throwing weapon which

       the Franks, according to Procopius, `at a given signal and

       at the first encounter' all threw together at the enemy."

               Philippe Contamine, War in the Middle Ages, pg. 176

 

       He goes on to give an effective range: 12 meters

         a weight: 1.2 kg

         two lengths: handle: 40 cm, blade: 18 cm

         and notes that varying examples are found in Frankish

           graves beginning in the mid-5th century and ending

           sometime around the 7th century.

 

                               Jester of Anglesea

                               MKA: Tony Jordan

                               Shire of Rochesburie Mill

                               Atlantia

 

 

From: lsteele at mtholyoke.edu (Lisa Steele)

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Re: Historical information on axes

Date: 19 Feb 1995 16:07:29 GMT

Organization: Mount Holyoke College

 

There is a short article called La Jeu de la Hache, a translated essay

on medieval judical axe combat. I just loaned my copy, but I think it is

pulbished by the Antiquarian Society of London.

 

--Esclarmonde

 

 

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

From: v081lu33 at ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu (TRISTAN CLAIR DE LUNE/KEN MONDSCHEIN)

Subject: Re: How To Use A War Axe

Organization: University at Buffalo

Date: Tue, 28 Feb 1995 18:04:26 GMT

 

Suze.Hammond at f56.n105.z1.fidonet.org (Suze Hammond) writes:

>Am I right in assuming from the axe itself, and from the armor it was used

>against (heavy plate) that the war axe was used to disable the armor,

>rather than necessarily kill or stun?

>It looks to me as a wonderful tool for denting joints into unusability...

>Sort of like a can opener in a way...

>.... Moreach NicMhaolain

 

        More or less. War axes were some of the more deadly hand-held weapons,

since they could concentrate the force of the blow into a smaller surface

area. Therefore, they could probably punch through if they hit right. However,

armor was often of a very high grade, and so only dented-- the joints, for

instance. Or, pieces can be pulled off if you hook them right. The concussive

force could alos stun or perhaps cause internal injuries and concussion,

thus opening the for up to a dagger through the ocularium. A long-hafted axe

is also a lever to knock your opponent down. Finally, there's "Armor Bite":

damaged armor in itself is a dager, as jagged metal ends rip your flesh open

as you move, thus opening you up to infection.

        In conclusion, war axes and hammers were very deadly weapons that

generated quite a bit of force, and could disable an armored man even without

totally destroying the armor.

 

               --Tristan

 

 

From: "Bill Schongar" <bills at lcdmultimedia.com>

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Re: Throwing Axe Questions

Date: 15 Oct 1997 19:19:53 GMT

Organization: The Destek Group, Inc.

 

Opus T. Penguin <rhkaloge at mtu.edu> wrote

> I am looking to get a throwing axe, but I personally have no idea

> what makes a good axe or a bad axe.  Also, being in the northern

> wastes, mail order is my only option, so I can't even examine

> things up close.  Could anyone give suggestions where I could

> find a good throwing axe, based on quality, price and in period

> (1300 German, if they even used axes, Viking if not) in that order.

 

As far as reasonably made and easily available, I like the Starfire throwing

axes. The double-bladed looks more "authentic" than the single-bladed,

due to their proportions and materials. Museum Replicas recently had a

few throwing axes in their catalog as well...

 

-Bill

 

 

From: ctas_dan at ACM.ORG

Newsgroups: rec.org.sca

Subject: Re: Throwing Axe Questions

Date: 15 Oct 1997 18:32:35 GMT

 

>I am looking to get a throwing axe, but I personally have no idea

>what makes a good axe or a bad axe.  Also, being in the northern

>wastes, mail order is my only option, so I can't even examine

>things up close.  Could anyone give suggestions where I could

>find a good throwing axe, based on quality, price and in period

>(1300 German, if they even used axes, Viking if not) in that order.

>Kedric

 

Museum Replica's (Windlass Steelcrafts or Atlanta Cutlery)  1-800-883-8838

 

In their latest catalog there is a german throwing axe (I believe 1300's), all

steel. reasonable price. Copy of one in a German Museum.

---

   Dan of Hamildoon           SCA since AS IX             CTAS_DAN at acm.org

   Dan Hamilton                                           dch at swbell.net

 

 

From: reza gilman <gilmyn at YAHOO.COM>

Date: September 12, 2011 3:26:51 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Axe Vendor Question

 

I would personaly recommend the Stillman axe from www.ByTheSword.com they are really great axes and at only 20.00 per axe they are completely affordable to both beginner and experienced throwers

HL Blackleg Gilmyn

 

 

From: Michael DeStefano <gwydionmaurmatauc at YAHOO.COM>

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 3:59 AM

Subject: Axe Vendor Question

 

Original Email:  "I have not been in the SCA very long and I've tried throw weapons which I enjoyed.  I am looking to buy a couple of throw axes from Ragweed Forge and would like any info on this vender.  I never brought anything off the internet so I don't know much about venders (I like to see and touch what I am buying).  I am looking to buy a couple of the French Lady Hawk axes and would like to hear from anyone who has brought them and could tell what they think of them.  I am from the EK the Barony of Carolingia.  Aine Oliphant" abaltrush at yahoo.com    

 

If anyone has any information or alternative suggestions please email them & copy the list so we all have the chance to get more stuff! Thank you.  

 

-Gwydion

 

 

From: "Schuster, Robert L." <SchusterRL at UMSYSTEM.EDU>

Date: September 12, 2011 8:27:17 AM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Axe Vendor Question

 

When I was running in LH circles Ragweed had a very good reputation for quality and dependability.

I haven't ran in those circles for a few years now but I would bet that the rep still stands true.

 

Halv

 

 

From: Bil Hansberry <bilhansberry at EARTHLINK.NET>

Date: September 12, 2011 6:23:01 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Axe Vendor Question

 

http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/Stillman_Tomahawk_AH-3908.html#aAH_2d3908        This is a better link to the axe he was referring to.

William Shadowheart

 

From: Historical Recreation in the Kingdom of Calontir [mailto:CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu] On Behalf Of reza gilman


Sent: Monday, September 12, 2011 3:27 PM


To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu


Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Axe Vendor Question

I would personally recommend the Stillman axe from www.ByTheSword.com they are really great axes and at only 20.00 per axe they are completely affordable to both beginner and experienced throwers

HL Blackleg Gilmyn

 

Subject: Re: Vender info

Posted by: "Maris" mariswell at gmail.com maris_well

Date: Mon Sep 12, 2011 6:53 am ((PDT))

 

I have thrown with these axes and they are my favorites.  They are quite nice and I would purchase some for myself were I looking to buy right now. They are lighter but still throw nicely.  Ragnar (of Ragweed Forge) has good axes in my opinion.  Several people in my barony enjoy his axes and some of my friends bought axes from him at Pennsic in 2010.  I don't know if he was there in 2011. If you are newer to throwing, I respectfully suggest that you also purchase a few extra handles.  Even the best made handle will be evaluated as unsafe by the marshall if it is split by the blade of another axe.

 

Have fun throwing the sharp and pointy things!

 

Elizabeth

 

<the end>



Formatting copyright © Mark S. Harris (THLord Stefan li Rous).
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Comments to the Editor: stefan at florilegium.org