These are certainly intimidating looking items and while incredibly basic tools, clearly were effective in use for many centuries. Although they were used against armour clad individuals (intendedly of course) it is interesting that the impact from these weapons could severely dent armour, even to the point of transmitting blunt force wounds to the individual.
The force of impact could also unhorse the opponent, as well as compromise the integrity of the armour so that the unhorsed combatant might be attacked on foot.
The writhen or roped support elements on the 15th century examples makes me wonder if that feature was a strengthening rather than aesthetic use.
Best regards,
Jim
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