In today's video Nathan introduces our new product, a Type L Danish War Axe with a reinforced, differentially hardened edge. This weapon weights a few ounces more than the non-reinforced model, and features a heavy duty bit and a new aesthetic. Both types of edge are well represented historically and their primary differences are in weight and how they look. The reinforced edge is probably somewhat more durable if you plan to be chopping hard objects, while the non-reinforced option's more acute edge geometry makes it superior for test cutting tatami or lightly armored foes.
New Type L Axe by Arms & Armor Inc.
The mailed warrior of the early medieval period relied on these large two handed axes as the heavy weapon of their day. The type L shaped providing the canted cutting edge which allowed the the full contact of the edge to arrive on an upright target when swung. There are many examples of this type of axe in the museums of Europe. These were found near the sight of the Battle of Clontarf.
Axes in Battle of Clontarf Exhibit Archeology Museum of Ireland
Reinforced edged axes from display in Museum of London
The large two handed axe is seen across the north of Europe and was a favored weapon of the Norse from their voyages of conquest to service in the Byzantine Army. These axes gained and held a gruesome reputation across the continent and beyond for their deadly economy and intimidating appearance.
Our regular Type L Dane Axe is not changed and available. Maybe you need both? You would, of course, be the coolest kid on the block if you did.
Original axe in this style from the Archeology Museum of Ireland
So check out the video below and let us know if you need an axe or 2!
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985