Handguard on axes
So Matt Easton did a video on this topic, but he mainly focused around the reason why we don't find any Crossguard in polearms and axes. But I was wandering if there's around any surviving example of battle axe with some degree of hand protection, maybe some kind of steel disc or dome. If there were, do we even know how popular they were?
If I recall correctly, I've seen photos of glaives with a hand guard similar to that of a guard on a jousting lance. Pretty much just a round, dished-out metal plate. This is an interesting topic you have brought up. I hope to see more responses. :) ....McM
I found an online photo of an Indian one.

[ Linked Image ]
Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzUVMEyd7Yg

He's discussing ONLY single-hand axes, maces and hammers.

Many European pollaxes had rondel-type guards. Some glaives as well. A rondel guard is typical for the ahlspiess. The Swedish sword staff is a plain weapon with a long, sword-like guard. Many spears of every description had toggles or integrated stops that could have added a defensive feature.
Maces often could have rondel-type guards as well. A&A in fact makes quite a fine example with those features:

http://arms-n-armor.com/pole193.html
Sean Flynt wrote:
Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzUVMEyd7Yg

He's discussing ONLY single-hand axes, maces and hammers.

Many European pollaxes had rondel-type guards. Some glaives as well. A rondel guard is typical for the ahlspiess. The Swedish sword staff is a plain weapon with a long, sword-like guard. Many spears of every description had toggles or integrated stops that could have added a defensive feature.


That's really interesting. How common was that? And what century saw this rondelle-like guard the most? I would love to have someone reproduce a pole axe for my reenactment with some hand protection. I personally think it would be pretty interesting to see such a thing on a Bardiche or even some kind of revisited Daneaxe. It would also be great to see some photos around, if I Google search it shows completely different stuff.

(BTW the Indian one looks AWESOME! Why do Indians always get the most cool looking weapons?) XD

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