The iconic Boarding Axe was prominently used by sailors during the Age of Sail (roughly from the mid-15th to the mid-19th century), when wind-powered sailing ships dominated global trade, exploration and naval warfare. During this time, naval combat wasn't simply a case of blasting your enemies into oblivion from a distance. In fact, opposing vessels would often close in and bombard one another at very close quarters.
Naval tactics deployed by each side during a conflict would often revolve around the use of specially trained boarding parties who were trained to storm aboard the enemy ship in the heat of battle and achieve victory by any means necessary. Common ways to get the job done involved either sabotaging the ship or overwhelming the crew entirely. The Boarding axe could not only be used in close quarters combat which must have been a terrifying prospect for sea faring vessels but it could also be used to deal with a number of different issues and obstacles.
The Properties of The Boarding Axe
First and foremost, the business end of the Boarding Axe features a sharp cutting blade which could be used to hack through thick ropes, cables and anti-boarding netting. On the reverse side of the blade edge, there would also be a spike which could be used to scale enemy ships, clear debris or dislodge so-called hotshot cannons that would be fired at such extreme temperatures that they would set the ship aflame upon impact. The handle would be short yet sturdy to allow for it to be wielded in tight spaces or amidst a crowded deck, and at its base would be a pry end. This means that it was flattened into a wedge that could be used to rip away pieces of wood if necessary.
Although the boarding axes were often used for close-quarters combat, which must have been a terrifying prospect for seafaring vessels, it's important to note that there were more effective weapons available at the time, including pikes, firearms and cutlasses, which were purpose-built for warfare, unlike the boarding axe, which was primarily used as a multifaceted tool. Take a closer look at our Raven Forge Boarding Axe to see how this would have looked.
Firefighting
Fires caused by such things as heated artillery posed a major hazard to wooden ships during the Age of Sail. Having a boarding axe meant that the crew could actively clear away debris, create fire breaks and even create emergency exits where necessary. To summarise, it was essential for getting out of tight spots... and tight spots which just so happened to be ablaze.
A Lasting Legacy
With the introduction of steam power and iron hulled ships in the mid to late 19th century, boarding actions would become obsolete. Despite them not being as relied on, the fact that The Boarding Axe was so prevalent during trade meant that they would go on to inspire the creation of some of the most iconic Axes throughout history including the Native American Tomahawk
The boarding axe was also adopted as the template for the Firefighters Breach Axe which has evolved throughout history but is still regarded as an essential tool for the job even today! Below is our antique style Fireman's Breach Axe which design would have been prominent throughout the 19th century. Axes such as this one are often presented to firefighters as ceremonial items and you can see how its design harks back to its seafaring predecessor.
Inspired by Axes used throughout history? Check out our axe collection Here
