To
begin, aesthetically, they are pleasing to the eye, with a well-defined
hammer shape and back spike. Furthermore, the aesthetics are
functional, allowing for more realistic training. This realism is offset
by the need to balance safety and weight issues, but the tradeoffs are
understandable given the context in which these must be used. Regarding
weight, they are fairly well-balanced and present a healthy weight
similar to a steel pollaxe. In this vein, I must offer a word of warning
- a weighted head on a long stick is by definition a pollaxe. Treat it
with respect as the dangerous object it is.
The back spike, bec or
fluke, has a slimmer profile than other offerings, devoir of any
dangerous points or edges. It is remarkably rigid for such a long
appendage, and hooking actions with the fluke are possible. I suspect a
somewhat shorter spike would provide more rigidity, or perhaps a denser
rubber, but I understand safety concerns play a primary role in the
design. By providing more rigidity, the safety margin these axes provide
might evaporate, making it unsafe should someone strike a blow with the
back spike.
Purpleheart
provide two types of tips for their poleaxes, the “Purpleheart
thrusting tip” and the “spear tip.” The thrusting tip is simply a rubber
cap on the end of the haft, providing for a measure of safety while
maintaining rigidity. The spear version is a pliable rubber tip in the
form of a spear head. Again, I like the aesthetics, but the flexible tip
is too flexible for use in armoured fighting. Thrusts with the
thrusting tip can be felt solidly through armour, providing ample
purchase, while the spear heads are ideal for practising pollaxe
techniques without armour – providing the proper safety margin for such
endeavours.
The
haft is of flat octagonal hickory, and provides some flex while being
very strong. While the stock hafts are somewhat long for my particular
liking, this is a very personal choice that is also dependent on the
style practised. It is a simple matter to cut it down or simply ask Mr.
Darce to make it to your specifications. This profile strengthens the
haft considerably, while providing sensory feedback as to the
orientation of the axe.
Overall,
the quality is excellent, the balance in the hand is good, and the
aesthetics pleasing to the eye. These axes perform well, within
acceptable safety parameters, and I would heartily recommend them to any
pollaxe aficionado looking to buy an axe simulator.
Jason Smith,
Les Maîtres d’Armes
Author of the upcoming book “Burgundian Pollaxe: The Noble Art of Chivalric Axe Combat,
An Illustrated Guide to Le Jeu de la Hache” with Freelance Academy Press