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We were talking about the axe a while back so here are some videos of the Dane axe and other viking age weapons.

Not grate but it will do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYzNG3b8Au0&NR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-NDwxFpkdg&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOneonb3IQM&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg8HA75-99g&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCN_CAsMHiI&mode=related&search=

Many don't understand the use of a long axe the whole thing is a weapon not just the head. The shaft of this long axe can be used at close range much like a Hanbox x or Jox . The head is like a cane it can hook things like armor, arms, legs and weapons you can jerk people off balance or take there legs out from under them. The weapon has an edge but also acts as a blunt force weapon chainmail may stop the cut but the force of a good swing may mess up the links and break bones or damage you enternaly. With plate armor maces and hammers work well axes do the same you have an edge but also alot of force its like a can opener it dents the armor in and breaks it open. You can thrust with an axe some axes have a nice point on the uper part of the blade not as good as a sword or spear but it will do some damage. My throwin axe would leave a cut about an inch wide and an inch deap some of these axes with biger blades have much nicer points. In all it's a good weapon when dealing with one attacker at a time I would be carfull against a group and it has good range of use close or at a distance if used right. In any case this would not be your only weapon as you can see in these videos most have a shield on their backs as well as knives called Seax and swords or a shorter axe. Also I would like to point out that the legs were a target used alot they didn't have armor around the legs and uper part of the arm normaly.

http://www.anmoddracan.org.uk/daneax.htm

http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manufacturing/text/arms.htm#axe

thats the good thing about axes, crow bills, maces and so forth. no matter what your wearing it will hurt you. i think these are the things most knights used, or at least the smart ones. an axe or war hammer is very good at opening up a helmet or breast plate.

Staffs are best cause the don't require years of training but are still practical