Almost every time I see a show on tv on Medieval times, or about having to use an axe in combat the programs usually sat the same ignorant things. (I am automatically ruling out modern wood/fire axe combat) 1) that axes are slow 2) axes are heavy 3)you cannot defend yourself with an axe so you must attack continuously and 4) if you swing and don't connect you are gonna be very open to counter attack. I have also noticed that on these shows either demonstrating or in the credits the 'fight masters' are usually Asians or Asian fight trained...and since few Asian schools teach any kind of axe, there are the paired Chinese axes; short and heavy, they are kinda just guessing how to use it. One of the main problems is that they are often trying to use executioner's axes or wood axes as combat axes. but also they don't seem to realize you can easily parry with an axe, although it is different than a sword esp because of balance. They also seem to think that you must parry to defend, voiding works with any weapon. But no one ever seems to ask these supposed experts why anyone would not abandon the axe and get a better weapon if it were so likely to get you killed! I have a Danish axe with a 4' haft. it's edge is about 9" long. the blade is only about 1/4 cm. wide. it is light, fast, easily parries, and although thought of as a Viking weapon, quite easily emulates much of later longsword technique.
My point to all this? Axes are a great weapon; inexpensive, versitale, and deadly! War axes were light & fast, and if someone knows how to use one well they are quite a formitable as a warrior. Just because someone from a culture that didn't use them cannot figure out how to use them properly doesn't mean that those of us who do know how to use them should not show the world more how effective they are when used correctly.
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