Chinese axes

Timo Nieminen · 12th January 2016, 09:18 PM

As a matched pair, I'd assume it's a martial artist's weapon. Doesn't mean it's just for performance - could be for bodyguard work, etc.

Twin weapons is a martial artist thing (in a broad sense of the term). We see various civilian twin weapons, for militia, gang members, personal protection, bodyguards, etc. Two weapons does 3 useful things: it can help fight against long weapons (like spears) while being easier to carry than a long weapon, it shows the public (including those who might evaluate whether you are an easy target for robbery) that you might be a skilled martial artist, and lets you do flashy martial arts demonstration on the street (so the spectators give you more money).

But twin weapons are insignificant on the battlefield. I'd expect a short axe on the battlefield to be used with a shield. So, as a matched pair, an old martial arts weapon or modern. These look traditionally made. If they have a hardened steel inserted edge, probably old (18-19th century?).

12th January 2016, 09:18 PM	#3
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	As a matched pair, I'd assume it's a martial artist's weapon. Doesn't mean it's just for performance - could be for bodyguard work, etc. Twin weapons is a martial artist thing (in a broad sense of the term). We see various civilian twin weapons, for militia, gang members, personal protection, bodyguards, etc. Two weapons does 3 useful things: it can help fight against long weapons (like spears) while being easier to carry than a long weapon, it shows the public (including those who might evaluate whether you are an easy target for robbery) that you might be a skilled martial artist, and lets you do flashy martial arts demonstration on the street (so the spectators give you more money). But twin weapons are insignificant on the battlefield. I'd expect a short axe on the battlefield to be used with a shield. So, as a matched pair, an old martial arts weapon or modern. These look traditionally made. If they have a hardened steel inserted edge, probably old (18-19th century?).