One of the well-known types of weapons for buhurt is the buhurt axe. It is distinguished as the most effective and characteristic tool on the lists (battlefield). For Historical Medieval Battle (HMB), an axe is convenient because the specifics of the rules for this type of sport do not require killing. It is rather necessary for bringing down/fighting an opponent or for knocking them off their feet directly during training or a tournament.
Since modern HMB equipment must be safe, engineers intentionally blunt it during production. It must be made this way in accordance with international conditions and rules. A high-quality buhurt axe can be found on a specialized website where armor and other equipment are also presented. This weapon is necessary for both team and individual fights. It helps you stay on your feet for as long as possible during the competition.
Why axes have always had a place in medieval combat
Axes are considered practical weapons, and their design resembles the weapons of the Vikings who waged wars in the 10th–11th centuries. Their use could be explained by their compactness and the possibility of delivering powerful blows.
- Huge striking power. An axe has its main weight concentrated on the axe head. Thanks to this, the opponent can stun the enemy, knock them off balance, knock the wind out of them, etc.
- The possibility of hooking and control. Thanks to the shape of the axe, fighters can hook an opponent by certain elements of their armor, disrupt their balance, and “throw” them to the ground.
- Balance between speed and striking. One-handed types of axes are more powerful and maneuverable. Falchions, on the other hand, are faster and suitable for quicker strikes.
In simple words, it is an excellent tool for wrestling techniques, which is effective against shields and versatile for a convenient grip.
How the axe found a new role in buhurt
Buhurt has transformed the historical axe into a modern sports weapon that is produced according to specific manufacturing rules. First of all, a blunted weapon is the main requirement. Second, the models must be authentic and correspond to medieval forms, style, and design. Third, the dimensions of the tools, weight, edge geometry, construction, and other features must comply with the rules of HMB. Therefore, one-handed axes are suitable for mass battles, while longer options are used for polearm combat. Before competitions, the equipment undergoes a technical compliance inspection.
Reach, control and tactical pressure
The dimensions, weight, construction, and other features of an axe directly affect how a fighter can use it in mass battles. Compact models are used for maneuvering and striking in tighter fights, while longer versions can provide additional distance. For example, the optimal length for modern equipment is from 50 to 90 cm, while for longer types, it is from 90 to 130 cm. Thanks to the greater length, a fighter can keep their opponent much farther away during a duel, as well as maintain better control over the situation in the arena.
Why technique matters more than raw force
Armor completely neutralizes simple physical strikes. Therefore, modern knights can achieve victory through their biomechanics, skills, knowledge, and combat control. A competitor who relies not on equipment, but on physical training and strength, may become exhausted faster. As a result, they will be an easy target on the battlefield. Thanks to effective axe handling, it is possible to balance strikes, maintain tactics, work as a team, hold the weapon longer, and attack the enemy. Therefore, it is more correct to choose axes that are as controllable as possible (not long or heavy options).
Choosing equipment for different fighting styles
Choosing a weapon for competitions is quite a difficult task. Everything depends on the tournament format and the individual characteristics of the athlete – their physical strength, skills, knowledge, etc. One-handed axes are chosen only if the fighter wants to participate in a mass battle. However, other weapons are suitable for individual disciplines, for example, axes with long handles or polearm options that allow the distance on the battlefield to be increased. To make the right choice, additional training is necessary to understand which tools are individually suitable for the athlete.
Safety and control in competitive armored combat
Modern axes for Historical Medieval Battles are produced by engineers according to specific parameters. They must be blunted and completely safe for other participants. They may also differ in the roundedness of the striking edges and the reliable attachment of the head to the shaft. Specifically, the striking and non-working edges, in accordance with international standards, must have a radius of 10+ mm. As stated in the IMCF requirements, the construction must be properly balanced to pass technical inspection before official tournaments and duels.
Medieval Extreme and the craft behind modern buhurt equipment
Medieval Extreme produces equipment that must be used strictly for buhurt or individual full-contact fights. The brand takes into account not only the historical design and authenticity of the items, particularly axes, but also pays attention to the practice and experience of athletes, the dimensions of real weapons, and technological innovations that are very valuable today. Essentially, the engineers do not sharpen the axes made of stainless steel, but instead produce them with blunted and rounded blades. This is done to comply with the requirements concerning armored official fights.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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