도끼·낫

An axe designed specifically for combat

The battle-axe is a purpose-built combat axe, distinguished from agricultural or logging axes by its lighter head and wider blade for faster swings and deeper cuts. Numerous variants exist across eras and regions — the Viking Dane axe, Frankish francisca (throwing type), and Scythian sagaris (cavalry type) among the most iconic. Wielded one- or two-handed with a blade of 15-30cm and total length of 60-120cm. The distinctive "hooking" technique catches and pulls down shield rims to expose the defender. Simpler and cheaper to produce than swords, battle-axes were widely issued.

The Viking two-handed battle axe

The Dane axe is a large two-handed battle-axe of the Viking age, featuring a broad crescent-shaped blade on a long shaft of 120-150cm. The blade width reaches up to 30cm, and its thin, wide design delivers cutting power rivaling swords. A weapon of the most valiant Viking elite warriors, it is famously depicted at the Battle of Hastings (1066), where Harold Godwinson's huscarls wielded Dane axes against Norman cavalry. The Bayeux Tapestry preserves images of warriors swinging these formidable weapons.