Medieval English Longbowman's Axe with Nail Puller - Outlet

Medieval English Longbowman's Axe with Nail Puller

A Camp Tool and a Weapon of Last Resort

Historically, axes of this type were absolutely crucial for English longbowmen during the Hundred Years' War, in legendary battles such as Crécy or Agincourt. An archer needed a tool to easily sharpen the tips of massive wooden stakes. These stakes were driven into the ground to protect against the devastating charges of heavy French cavalry. The blunt poll (the back of the axe head) served as a hammer to drive these stakes into the earth. The practical slot in the blade acted as a pry bar for pulling out nails when setting up or breaking down the military camp.

However, if the enemy breached the defensive line and it came to close-quarters combat, the longbow became useless. At that moment, the archer reached for his secondary weapon. Thanks to its thoughtful design, this axe was deadly in hand-to-hand combat. Its weight and balance allowed for crushing blows, and in a pinch, it could even be thrown over a short distance.

Choice of Materials and Craftsmanship

We offer the axe head in two material variants. If you choose mild steel, you get a more affordable option, primarily suitable as a decoration, costume accessory, or for light stage combat. For more demanding uses, such as HEMA training or cutting tests, we highly recommend the hardened spring steel version, which can withstand much higher mechanical stress. The handle is carefully crafted from durable hardwood, which excels at absorbing impact shocks.

Safety Guidelines and Maintenance

This axe is primarily a historical replica of a European cold weapon. If you choose the sharp blade variant, please remember that handling it is entirely at your own risk. The sharp version must never be used for contact combat or man-to-man sparring! There is a real danger of serious or fatal injury. For combat training in re-enactment or LARP, always choose the blunt version and make sure you have appropriate protective gear.

To keep your axe in perfect condition for a long time, we recommend cleaning the steel parts after each use and treating them with a thin layer of gun oil to prevent corrosion. Occasionally rub the wooden handle with linseed oil so the wood does not dry out or crack. If you selected the variant with the leather sheath, treat the leather regularly with a leather balm to keep it supple and protected against moisture.

Recommended Accessories

To carry this axe easily and safely, we highly recommend getting a sturdy leather belt with a historical brass buckle. If you are preparing for a LARP or a medieval festival, a padded gambeson and a linen tunic make excellent additions, giving your outfit the right period-accurate look.

Technical Parameters of the Axe