I agree. The only flaw with blunt weapon testing is that a sharp edge has significantly more potential to dominate a wooden shaft. In this respect, all blunte weapon fencing distorts the reality of historical combat. Here is a comparison of how a sharp edge fares as opposed to a blunt: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/asdpf6his8nDl58.html Here is a video which shows how many axe blows a spear shaft might cope with before snapping: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nJx3atOQ1dbSqHU.htmlsi=5oT3KmcAQCu4Zw2c

@@swordandshield Interesting. However I think major obstacle in reconstuction of basically any form of close combat is still human psychology. The level of fear and excitement combatants with sharp weapons must endured must have had massive influence over how this combat worked. Sharp pointy stick 20 cm from ones face is something entirely different when wielded by your sparring friend and actual enemy. Probably spear just because of its length had additional advantage in this respect (?), while those big axes were very specialized weapons demanding guts and good armour. The axed combatant here, without any helmet and face protection, would most probably be dispatched quite easily in real fight.

Nothing compares to training with friends in reconstrcucted gear in an appropriate venue.

There are so many aspects and variables in such a scenario that are impossible to address in a comment section. But measure is indeed key, as always. And the fact remains that the party with shorter weapons first has to get past spear points before they can do damage. Never an easy task, in particular when spears can come from multiple angles.

Good point. Based on previous tests, we considered spear shots to a hauberk as a valid, fight terminating hit in this form of training. Slices, however, would have no cutting ability. You can see Mikkel addressing this issue in the full 10 minute video: exciting-pioneer-6049.ck.page/e291efd8de This being said, while e.g. a thrust from a Viking sword has a lot less armour piercing capability, the impact of being stabbed would feel like a massive punch and could hardly be ignored. At any rate, armour offers protection when e.g. your skill has betrayed you. But it was never made to replace skill.

You are welcome. But what makes you conclude that the spear and shield fighter is at a disadvantage in this scenario?

Thank you for your concern. This is but one training method of many, and like all training, the level of what can be done safely depends on the level of skill. The context of the training in this video is a museum demo. It would have looked silly with modern protective gear. Anyway, the subject of appropriate protection, and its pros and cons have been discussed in this video's comments repeatedly. So you can learn more if you are interested.

I actually do not know where the fighters in the video got their axes from. Thor's Forge by Tord Bergelin is known for making great Dane axes. I am sure you can track him down.

Good thing this is only training.

Well, I think he is doing pretty well, isn't he? And why launch a complex maneuver when you could just simply thrust at the face from a distance?

From what we can tell, two-handed axes were used by heavily armoured special forces, such as the Varangian guard, or the Huscarls. The latter are shown in action on the Bayeux Tapestry. I am not aware of any detailed sources. But you can find a video with an introduction to the research approach and a demo given at a conference at the Danish National Museum here: exciting-pioneer-6049.ck.page/68ce4e381d

Well for one its a training setting, and ment to be that... also broad axes are shown in civilian contekst on the tapestry.. and in some sence being a "professionals" weapon there is probably also use outside of battlefield.. some mentions in medieval texts and sagas... but again its written in the 1200's... However it is definately a disadvantage going one on one against spear and shield with a broadaxe 😆 but a great challenge...

@@hafniaanonymous7605 No *fighting* is shown in a civilian context in the Bayeux Tapestry. They are carrying these axes around as status symbols. And the fighting is done in armour and in formation. As for the sagas as I wrote it's unclear, there are axes yes, broadaxes are very rare, and in active use out of a pitched battle / armoured context event rarer.

I agree no civillian fighting is shown =)...

All im saying is that they will have trained with the axe... as do we... I 100% agree that the merits of the broadaxe is with armour and in the contekst of infantry combat on a specialized level

All good points. Mikkel does indeed change into the overam grip occasionally. I would like to see it more often too. The reason why it is difficult to use in this training context (that is without additional protective gear) is that it is much more difficult to safely apply it, in contrast to the underam grip (which is confirmed by period images too, by the way). This is presumably the reason why it was so widespread a ward: A slide-thrust delivered from the overarm ward is extremely efficient! As for evidence of Dane axe use in duelling contexts: No, none that I am aware of. One could argue that, with the Varangian Guard being equipped with two-handed axes, there might have been contexts other than battles. but that as highly conjectural. Anyway, the scarcity of sources would never keep us from exploring various training contexts for the simple reason that we can. And if only to confirm that it is extremely challenging for the axe fighter to confront a shielded spearman in duel.

So true.

It is indeed.

We do train a lot, and the mindset is important too. Thanks for the appreciation.