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Single-Handed Medieval Flail with Studded Ball – Heavy Impact Weapon
Are you looking for a weapon that commands respect at first glance and was a terror even to the best-armoured knights in the Middle Ages? This massive single-handed flail, often confused with a morning star, is exactly the piece missing from your collection or hanging from the belt of your historical costume. We bring you a robust replica of an impact weapon that relies not on a sharp edge, but on crushing kinetic energy. It is the ideal choice for re-enactment of the Hussite Wars, Gothic tournaments, or as a striking decoration for your armoury. With this weapon in your hand, you will feel the weight of history and the raw power our ancestors had to master on the battlefields. Further product information ...
Single-Handed Medieval Flail with Studded Ball – Heavy Impact Weapon
Crushing Power on a Chain
This flail is constructed to withstand rough handling. Its head consists of a heavy steel ball fitted with five welded prism-shaped studs. These protrusions are not sharp spikes, but blunt crushers designed to deform plate armour and shatter bones beneath chainmail. The steel part is firmly attached to the wooden haft using a long socket and secured with two through-rivets, ensuring high durability of the joint.
Safety Warning: Although the flail is made of mild steel and hardwood, due to the nature of the weapon (articulated joint on a chain), we strongly advise against using it for contact sparring (man-to-man combat). The movement of the ball is difficult to predict, and there is a risk of it wrapping around an opponent's weapon or limb, causing serious injury. The weapon is suitable for practicing strikes on inanimate targets (destructive testing), for film or theatrical purposes, or as part of a costume.
Historical Context
Flails and ball-and-chain weapons saw their greatest flourish in the High and Late Middle Ages. They were a favourite weapon of the infantry, especially during the Hussite Wars in Bohemia. Their main advantage was the ability to "bypass" an opponent's guard. Thanks to the chain, the striking part could swing over the edge of a shield and hit the opponent in the head or back. At the same time, the kinetic energy of the heavy ball could cause concussions or internal injuries even through a high-quality helmet or cuirass, where swords often failed.
Product Parameters
| Total Length: | 60 cm (approx. 23.6 in) |
| Metal Socket Length: | approx. 19 cm (7.5 in) |
| Chain Length: | 17 cm (6.7 in) - 6 links |
| Ball Diameter: | approx. 50 mm (2 in) |
| Stud Dimensions: | 15 x 15 mm, height approx. 18 mm (0.6 x 0.6 x 0.7 in) |
| Haft Diameter: | approx. 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Material: | Mild steel, hardwood |
| Weight: | approx. 910 g (2 lb) |
Care and Maintenance
To ensure this flail serves you for many years and stays looking great, it requires basic care. The metal parts are not stainless, so they must be protected from moisture. After each use or during long-term storage, wipe the metal parts with a cloth and preserving oil (e.g., WD-40 or gun oil). You can occasionally treat the wooden haft with beeswax or linseed oil to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
What Not to Do
Avoid striking extremely hard materials such as concrete, stone, or hardened steel, as this could damage the chain riveting or deform the studs. Never leave the weapon in a damp environment without treatment.
To complete your warrior's look, we recommend you also acquire a high-quality gambeson and a sturdy iron helmet, which formed the basic equipment of fighters wielding this weapon.
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