I would be interested in your results. What did you find out?Originally Posted by Ars Moriendi
I would be interested in your results. What did you find out?Originally Posted by Ars Moriendi
Ok then, here it is :Originally Posted by BlackAxe3001
First, the tools o' destruction :
Test method : I tried to see how many hits I could apply within 20 seconds, swinging as fast as I could. Smaller axes were used one-handed, the bigger one (no.3) and the hammer - two handed.
Note - the weights listed below are approximative, as I don't have a way to measure them exactly. They're pretty accurate, though, as I compared the tools with different household items the weights of which were known.
1. Small meat axe - one handed. Weight 0.4-0.5 kg (~1 lb). Length 32 cm. Speed 25-30 hits in 20 seconds, avg. 1.4 hits/sec.
This one is small but easy to use, and I think it would make an excellent weapon versus not too heavily armoured opponents.
2. Small wood axe - one handed. Weight 0.9-1.1 kg (~2 lbs). Length 47 cm. Speed 19-24 hits in 20 seconds, avg. 1.1 hits/sec.
I think this is about the right size for a one handed battle axe.
3. Big wood axe - two handed. Weight 3-3.5 kg (~7 lbs). Length 91 cm. Speed 12-14 hits in 20 seconds, avg. 0.65 hits/sec.
Probably accurate enough a representation of a two-handed battle axe, although those seem to usually have longer handles and wider heads.
3. Heavy hammer - two handed. Weight 11-13 kg (~26 lbs). Length 87 cm. Speed 6-8 hits in 20 seconds, avg. 0.35 hits/sec.
Much too heavy for a weapon, I included it for comparison only.
A big issue was how long you can actually swing such weapons. With no.1, I felt like I could hack forever. No.2 got my hand somewhat tired in 20 seconds. With no.3 I definitely needed some rest after testing. With the hammer, well, I nearly fainted after 2 test runs.
Finally, as you've probably guessed, I'm not any kind of athlete. I'm also below average in size and strength. There's no doubt a trained medieval soldier would go at it much faster & longer than me. But this is hardly rellevant for the purpose of this test, which wasn't to see the absolute speed of the weapons, but their relative "rate of fire".
"That's what we need : someone who'll strike the most brutal blow possible, with perfect aim and with no regard for consequences. Total War."
I have a well-balanced two-handed sword, and while the thing is very heavy, once you have it up and poised it swings quite easily; the momentum it generates is substantial. I doubt you'd want to swing it all day though.
Yes but if you look at those tests, you'll see the difference is not huge. If you look at the standard 2h axe animation in play, they are easily 10 times slower than even two handed sword units. They're that bad.
Fear nothing except in the certainty that you are your enemy's begetter and its only hope of healing. For everything that does evil is in pain.
-The Maestro Sartori, Imajica by Clive Barker
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