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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.

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.

Hedeby

September 2024 at hervirke at trelleborg... it will happen 😊

@@hafniaanonymous7605. Those are very good news. I'll be waiting for the videos.

Our fellow martial artists and researchers from Hirdmenn are close friends indeed.

@@swordandshield . I figure as much, they often mention you.

No... atleast there is no evidence for souch a thing... on the tapestry the height is below armpits... the tallet shaft found is 120cm if I remember right... the tall axes is a reenactorism, made to suit sporting needs...

@@hafniaanonymous7605 . Well up to the height of the armpits is quite a significant length, on the average person that's about 66" inches. The rest is just shoulders and neck, which can be chopped off!

Well the axe is my own 😆 and its made according to what is the current knowledge on what lenght is "acceptable"

@@hafniaanonymous7605 . Kool !

The stats of training weapons in this video are all based on research into original weaponry. Read more on authentic axe proportions here: sagy.vikingove.cz/en/two-handed-axes/

Thanks. Axe length is historically accurate, based on period depictions and surviving examples: sagy.vikingove.cz/en/two-handed-axes/

Both are wearing gamberson that's light duty armor and padded protective clothing, often worn underneath more armor. They also have large shields that off a lot of heavy level protection. Same with the chain mail, other than medium level protection against stabbing. It's a reenactment with period accurate protection and weapons.

@@CodyHomes With a thrusting weapon and no face protection is a disfigurement waiting to happen

In my experience, the more protection is worn, the less precise practitioners become. The pros and cons of protective gear have been discussed repeatedly in this video's comments, in case you are interested.

Indeed.

Regarding gripping the Dane axe: Emil explained their approach at a conference at the Danish National Museum. A video of their complete demo and discussion can be accessed here: exciting-pioneer-6049.ck.page/68ce4e381d

Like they trained back then, right?

That's a good point that we often don't think about, and take into consideration. How would they have trained back then when protection equipment was not available? A long time ago Otake Risuke sensei explained that engaging in any kind of contest type of training, took away from the reality and seriousness of actual combat. In which you could actually lose your life or end up injured. He was always against it, and discourage anyone from doing it, you would not gain anything from it except knowing that someone won.

@@tatumergo3931 oh, very interesting. I think he is right. I often think about this too. Within only a few months of drilling with sharp blades I learned skills to protect my sword hand simply by positioning in a way that I failed to acquire in more of a decade of geared up practice. I also feel that the focus that practitioners instantly display when they train with sharp weapons is never to be seen in geared up fencing. Never ever. Another example: When I over-commit to a sword action, I occasionally cut my fingers on the edges of the metal shield edge clamps of my own Viking round shield. However, this only ever happens when fencing with blunt swords. Never with sharps.

Yes indeed. From what we can tell, two-handed axes were used by heavily armoured special forces.

Yup.

The problem with that logic is that the other guy is using a 2 handed weapon, _not_ a single handed one and he's also not using a shield. Melee combat requires a boatload of contexts to determine a given situation.

I am not so sure. There definitely is a great inherent risk of injury which calls for utmost axe control in practice which does slow down some actions. On the other hand, the two-hande axe is top heavy a weapon, and requires precise and controlled maneuvers to prevent exposing yourself. Plus, each hard blow on a shield means a clear pressure signal easy to respond to for an able opponent, and dedication to one action implies having less tactical flexibility during this action. This should be reserved for the moment when you have established control, and the decisivel blow is but the icing on the cake, in particular against a weapon moving so fast as the spear. Finally, with sharps one has to avoid getting caught in the shield. So utmost control is also called for when the opponent's safety is not a consideration.

@swordandshield Finesse and timing are always necessary. I'm not suggesting swinging an axe like a baseball bat. But the spear/shield has significant advantage of reach and cover. The only advantage the axe has is power, which I think could be used with control to move the obstacles while closing the distance. Of course, discussing it is much easier than doing it.

@@jeremiahglover6404 Plus, there is always room for improvement, no matter how long you train.

Yes agree, people should preserve their culture, heritage and history!

Indeed.

Calm down. Spend less time on RUclips, read some books, become wiser and more relaxed.