Test cutting with my poleaxe.

[Sal Bertucci]

Well, my wife got me a poleaxe for our anniversary, and while it may not be the most historically accurate, the quality is good enough that I'm not afraid of breaking it.

Anyway, I took it out to do some test cutting on some plastic bottles, and I learned a few things. First of which, when it comes to the poleaxe; my aim SUCKS! Secondly, There were times when a fairly solid hit would mainly knock the bottle over, or I'd get a really nasty cut. (On the bottle) I know it's hard to analyze without seeing it, but how much of this might be due to an edge that is dull, and how much could be poor edge alignment?

Any pointers, or opinions would be welcome.

[Shane Smith]

Well, my wife got me a poleaxe for our anniversary, and while it may not be the most historically accurate, the quality is good enough that I'm not afraid of breaking it.

Anyway, I took it out to do some test cutting on some plastic bottles, and I learned a few things. First of which, when it comes to the poleaxe; my aim SUCKS! Secondly, There were times when a fairly solid hit would mainly knock the bottle over, or I'd get a really nasty cut. (On the bottle) I know it's hard to analyze without seeing it, but how much of this might be due to an edge that is dull, and how much could be poor edge alignment?

Any pointers, or opinions would be welcome.

Even a blunt will cut a bottle with good alignment and enough speed. Try hanging the bottle from a line and cut downward diagonally. It is a more efficient, natural motion to perform and this will help you get that polearm up to speed a bit easier. A horizontal cut is a tougher cut to pull off in many cases.

[Sal Bertucci]

Another thing that my wife pointed out is that they bottles would probably cut easier if I had taken the lids off.

[Shane Smith]

Another thing that my wife pointed out is that they bottles would probably cut easier if I had taken the lids off.

That makes little difference with a good cut. If you hit flat though, since water won't compress, it may feel like you hit a brick with that cap on The cap being off doesn't make cutting easier, but it makes failing at cutting easier on your equipment because it provides a pressure relief for the bottle. I've made such a hard(yet bad) cut that I've blown the lid off the bottle...That old Deltin of mine is as stout as a longsword gets

[Steven Blakely]

can you post a pick. id love to see it

[Sal Bertucci]

Sorry. I didn't have anyone to take pictures at the time. I'll work on that for the next round.

[Steven Blakely]

did your wife get you the cold steel version? that is the one that i purchased.

[Sal Bertucci]

Yupers. I think it's a little too heavy than is historically accurate, but for the price I'm not complaining. It's just one more proof that my wife is AWESOME!

[Steven Blakely]

it is very heavy. though most of the weight is in the hammer end. I actually modified mine. i cut the the hammer end off mine to make it a more straight up axe. I will tell you one thing about that axe. it is tough as nails.