The double edged / headed / bitted axe, or Labyrs, or whatever you want to call it, is one of the most iconic weapons in RPGs and other video games, movies, and other fictional art. Dwarves, minotaurs, barbarians, and other mighty warriors are fond of its heft and intimidating looks. Does it make sense though?
Many history enthusiasts have a certain disdain for the idea of a symmetrical twin blade as opposed to a more versatile addition like a spike or hammer. After it has been trashed so much, how about we see if there is anything redeemable about the idea of a twin bladed battle-axe? Is it completely pointless or could there be some practical merit to it in certain situations?
Part 2 (Real Historical Examples):
https://youtu.be/JG0MFuWjQ7w
The video I'm responding to:
The double edged axe is STUPID! - Pop-culture weapons analysed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNbXU0ndRIs
About edge grinds"
The Pros Cons of Single-Edged Swords vs. Double-Edged
https://youtu.be/SeoTj3-tLQ0
What Makes Swords & Knives Cut Well (Sharpness, Blade Geometry, Etc)
https://youtu.be/V0O4eqnmREs
*** Sources / links ***
Example from India with large head, for weight reference
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/30803
17th century bardiche
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/32747
Huge version
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/30812
Minoan bronze axe
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252403
Double-bladed processional axe, India, 19th or 20th century
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/30822
Double halberd, 1600
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/25916
French halberd, 17th century
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/25852
French halberd, 1712
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27026
Info about double-bitted tools
https://uh.edu/engines//epi1497.htm
Pictures:
Druss the Legend
https://www.deviantart.com/slaine69/art/DRUSS-60133309
Female dwarf
https://index.artstation.com/artwork/3o1noD
Extra serrated fantasy thingie
https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/military/melee/medival-fantasy-axe
*** Music ***
Music: "Spirit Waltz" by HorrorPen
https://opengameart.org/content/spirit-waltz
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
https://vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/illuminate
Used with artist's permission
"Atmospheric Synthwave Movie Trailer Music - Night Dweller" by White Bat Audio (Karl Casey)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVitUtofDWg
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/
Used with artist's permission
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