Orleans Battle Axe

Description of the Product

The increasing use of sturdy plate armor across Medieval Europe was shadowed by the development of crushing weapons like war hammers and battle axes. Since swords were almost useless against a fully armored knight, mounted knights used hammers, axes and maces to defeat their opponent's improved protection. The battle axe often had a beak-like spike opposite the blade, as well as a pike at the top. The weight of the metal head concentrated on the sharp point of the beak after a full swing easily pierced both chain and plate mail.

This imposing battle axe is named after the famous siege of Orléans from the Hundred Years war. Armour, and with it weaponry and tactics, had developed substantially during the long century of the Anglo-French conflict from 1337 to 1453. The tactics used by the English, such as chevauchée, had proved successful at first. By the 1420s, many important French towns were under English control, which meant there was no more need for the old “hit and run” tactics, which had been so successful for the Black Prince and his father Edward III in the earlier part of the war.

The siege of Orléans took place from 1428 to 1429, and it proved to be a turning point in the war, turning the tide from English domination towards gains by the French. The city of Orléans held symbolic significance, and the dukes of Orléans supported the claims of the Dauphin Charles to the French throne. The Duke of Orléans was one of the few combatants from the battle of Agincourt who still remained a prisoner of the English, fourteen years after the battle. As he was in English captivity, it would have been against knightly code to seize his possessions. And so at first it was agreed to leave the city alone, but the English commander changed his mind, and soon Orléans was under siege. After a winterlong siege, the city was ready to surrender conditionally, but the English were so certain that Orléans was on the verge of falling, that the offer was refused. That decision proved to be a terrible mistake in the long run for the English, for a new player was about to enter the war on the French side. The arrival of Joan of Arc meant that French morale and tactics were boosted, and soon the siege was lifted. Volunteers of men and supplies swelled the French army, eager to serve under Joan of Arc's banner. After liberating Orléans they reached Reims and the Dauphin Charles was consecrated as King Charles VII of France.

This medieval Orleans Battle Axe has a back spike and a sharpened top spike. The long langets are pinned and riveted to a stained hardwood shaft. As with the rest of the Battlecry series, this battle axe is designed specifically to be used. Hand forged by Windlass Steelcrafts, the 1065 high carbon steel is tempered in computer controlled ovens to a hardness of low 50’s RC. This ensures strength, resiliency and edge retention.

• Total length: 79,5 cm
• Shaft length: 63 cm
• Spike length: 11,5 cm
• Back spike: 9,5cm
• Weight: 1,28 kg
• Axe head: 20 cm
• Blade material: 1065 carbon steel
• Sharpness: Sharp
• Made by: Windlass Steelcrafts

Each model has been put through rigorous physical testing to exceed industry standards. These battle tested weapons have a stone washed, blackened finish. The blued patina protects the blade from the frequent rust spots and stains that occur so often from everyday practice and exposure to the elements. Each is individually inspected at every step of the manufacturing process, and only after passing inspection they receive the armorers stamp on the blade. A certificate signed by the smith who wrought your weapon is included.