Arioch IV I'd hate to ruin my scabbard from Tod's Stuff. Come to think of it, I don't want to damage my edge. I guess I'll just try to parry only with the flat of my sword.
I love how open to interpretations of things you are. For like the first half of this video, I was wondering, "is he gonna talk about if you flipped the axe around? that would be awesome!" and then there you were, saying how you want to personally try that exact thing. Good stuff, man.
Tomahawk and Knife. Common combo for many North American native nations. Rapier and Main-Gauche. Well known duelling combo. I believe there's a Thai two-sword fighting style and certainly a Phillipine two-weapon style with sticks or knives. Two weapon fighting has historical context, though not a larger axe + sword style to my knowledge.
My favorite version. While the Musketeers usually did not have that entertaining of duels, less choreographed to impress than many modern sword fights, this made them look more realistic. These were people just trying to feel out their opponents while not getting hit themselves. I love how Porthos, in the fight in the convent courtyard, thows his rapier into the air, and when his opponent looks up at it flying, gets smacked across the face by a rather large rock. It is funny, but it also shows a little more of brawling, and not fancy choreography. There were also many techniques shown throughout the Three and Four Musketeers, using various weapons besides a single rapier, including sticks, pistols, muskets, daggers, cloaks, hats, dual rapiers, and even acid filled glass bladed knives. Oh, and at one point an entire tree, haha. I love the movies, but the last fight, with Rochefort and D'Artagnan both using rapier and dagger is the only one that I can still watch and take very seriously.
Interesting commentary, Matt. As a Filipino Martial Arts practitioner, my thoughts on 'duel wielding' are a bit different. However, your thoughts on why an axe might not be the #1 choice are I believe spot on. I would say an axe & saex would perhaps be great for close-in work, or combat inside a building. Anyway, thanks for the commentary. Have a great summer. Cheers
Regarding examples of historical sword/axe combos: While it's not from the treaties or manuals, the Icelandic Sagas contain some evidence of Vikings being forced to (or indeed choosing) to fight sword/axe over sword/shield in certain very specific situations. As far as I can tell, it seems to be a way of saying "I'm so awesome I can fight you handicapped" - it was mostly used in duels (Holmganga) as far as I can tell.
There is a guy in my fencing group who uses sword and kukri combination a lot. When he fights people with shields he would strike with the blade, then hook the ax on the far side of their shield and pull on it so his opponent couldn't turn their body around to counter attack as he brought his blade around to knock them on the back of the leg.
I love that you actually showed the axe and sword side by side to show the range disparity. This was a really good video. You avoided going on on tangents and all of the info was relevant or at least interesting.
Glad you brought this up! Rapier and axe is actually a pairing I've been thinking about for a little while now, and I like how many bases it covers. Vs a single weapon and no armor, I'd disregard the axe for the most part, except as a parrying aid/counterweight you could move backwards to benefit a lunge/short weapon that might be useful in a bind. Against an opponent in armour, the rapier becomes useless offensively, but would excel in creating a bind, and producing an opening to nail them with the axe. Finally, if you're fighting someone with a shield, my impression is that you'd have a good chance to bury it near the rim, choke up to the head, and use the leverage to rotate the shield until they were forced to drop it. Might only work if you could sink the blade into the rim itself, or maybe a spike on the reverse of the head into the face itself, and obviously any shield with an Argive grip is out of the question, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the system. Main drawback I'm seeing is that in any context where ranged weapons are in play, it suffers the same problem as any two weapon system, in that neither of them are a shield.
You could throw the axe. Matt your one of the world's greatest sword masters a plethora of knowledge always great to learn from you. Please give him thumbs up.
I can't say much about SWORD and axe... but I do practice with tomahawk and knife as well as occasionally mixing it up with a spear or staff. If the tomahawk is the shorter weapon of the pair I've found it does make sense to hold it in the off-hand close to the head but with the handle sticking out beneath in an "icepick grip". While it's slightly less useful defensively it allows for easier and more powerful punching with the edge as well as allowing for quick transitions between "normal grip" for striking and "choked up" for defense and infighting.
during the video i was thinking if it would make sense gripping the axehead while the handle covers the underside of the forearm (like a baton), but considering your comment, the cover for the forearm would be the same with what you explain, but the offensive capabilities are bigger. (and with the right axeblade the there could be some hand protection as well)
We also know that axes with a beard were often used by extremely offensive fighters as a method of removing shields and indeed weapons from play by hooking and angle locking the edge of the shield or the body/blade of the opponent's weapon.
When I was in reenactment (Glasgow Vikings) I commonly used sword & axe for a change of pace (but usually used either sword or axe with shield). While I agree with everything said, I found the axe quite good in defence if it had a weighty head as it would stop a sword blow dead with little effort or shock.
Congrats for the channel, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos :D I know it's more related to dual wielding swords (Actually it is exactly that.. ehm) but i heard somewhere that Brian Boru's son, at the Clontarf battle, was famous for fighting with two swords (a certain Murchad mac Briain if i recall well). The second thing, i think more interesting honestly, popped in my mind when you talked briefly about fighting with a cloack as offhand... correct me if i mistake but it's something typical of latter XV century and on, especially in the XVII century (the classical technique of the swashbucklers, or for my school formation, the "Bravoes" from "the Betrothed") but few months ago, reading the Satyricon, i noticed a interesting part: the protagonist prepares for a fight, and he says something like "i was already wielding my gladius and wrapping my cloack around my left arm" ... i guess even in these things history tends to repeat itself xD (thinking about it, back then it could be a sort of imitation of sleeve armors like the manica used by the retiarii and ehm some other gladiators -i think at least another pair of the currently known ones-)
It seems like an off-hand plate gauntlet worn in a way that would allow it to be put on quickly, perhaps at the hip with the opening facing upwards, would make an excellent off hand weapon for defense and offense (punching). It would be small and not hard to wear when out on the town (unlike a shield) and could provide even more defense than a dagger or wrapped cloak. I wonder if people ever used gauntlets in this way.
So something I've seen done mostly in SCA fighting that could be an option you didn't seem consider. Holding the ax like you said at the end with your hand by the ax head, but keeping the ax head at the top. So instead of flipping the ax upside down, you just change your hand placement. I see a few advantages of this, the biggest being the hand protection. Basically the ax head would guard your hand from many strikes that wouldn't be protected when you hold the ax upside down. Also allows you to keep the punching strikes with the ax head, some of the hooking., and it would be easier to switch your hand placement if you did want to go for a big strike with the ax or a hook with the ax head. Just something you didn't seem to consider that seems like it gives most of the benefits without many of the disadvantages.
Sorry about bringing up an old thread, but I had an idea to expand on this: what about having a ball or catch on the handle end of the axe as well? This would allow you to quickly and reliably let the axe slide up for a powerful strike without risking it flying out of your hand. And if the ball it weighted it would be more maneuverable, and attacks hitting the axe handle would be absorbed more due to the weight.
Lefthander here, I had a collarbone injury and my offshoulder was droopy and weak/painful so I started using my offhand for formwork to help build it back up, then I started carrying my shortaxe in my left, mostly as a weight in my hand kind of feeling, my balance just felt better for some reason, hand slid right up the haft at the head itself, and over time I started using it. So now I'm a lefthander who uses a 30" shortsword, bit longer than a gladius but just as whippy, in the wrong hand and a vicious little finisher in my main hand, which of course can also be used at its full reach as desired. Only advice I'd give anyone looking to learn/use unusual techniques or pairings would be go for it, we only get good at that which we train.
In a book that I am writing, there is a character whose shield takes severe damage in a battle, and continues the fight by having a sword in his off-hand and a spear in his main hand. Does this make sense? Is this a good combination?
I think it makes also sense, when an opponent gets behind your spear head. with no shield you would normally have a problem, when that would happend. But when you have a sword in your off hand and that would happen, you can just stab him with your sword.
What about using the axe in the off hand rondel dagger style (ice pick grip and in the case of the axe by choking way up on the handle)? With the head siting right above the hand, this will actually offer better hand protection, allow the handle to be used as a hook, the axe blade can be used as a hook, punches with the axe blade, and the natural "u" shape created by the top of the axe can be used to catch a push away stabs to the upper body. If I were to use an axe in the off hand. It would be that way.
I thought the same. Especially with a pointy axehead. I wonder if you you held and axe just under the head if you could slide your hand down the grip in a swing and make a "cast blow".
I know commenting this late I have little to no chance for some reply, but I'll do it anyway since I tried many so called 'dual wield' combinations sparing with my HEMA friends. I mostly agree with Matt here, shields and bucklers are most effective off hand weapons, I was particularly pleased with buckler and dagger off hand combo as it makes hooking or pushing stabs aside so much easier as buckler often struggles with those by itself, and there are evidence for that in period manuscripts and in India also and probably middle east as well. baselard type handle, especially narrow H shaped ones really go nicely in same hand as buckler for that purpose. On topic of sword and axe combo, yes it can be effective, personally I prefer two swords if shield is not available as they give much better bind and crossguad is so nice to have while axes, warhammers and maces, I tend to keep in dominant hand reserved for killing blow, but it is all up to the preference of the fighter in question. On account of axe used in defense, I found out that for blocking resolute blows from long bladed weapons (swords sabres etc.) trusting with axe head into the blow works really well, sort of like having crossgurd on top of your weapon and the axe being so top heavy and inert, catching blows like that will hardly move your weapon while stopping and often damaging incoming weapon, even with blunt sparing ones not to mention true sharp edge if blow is not pulled back, so that might be good experiment as well trying in your sparing practice (all who prefer axe as an off hand weapon in this context.). Cheers!
Off the top of my head Fiore does it at least,and I think some other treatises show it,check out wiktenauer and it's page on fiore+ask around in groups like HEMA International Discussion
When you are facing the choice of stopping the attack or die, I think any solid object that can be wielded by a human was at some point used to parry :D
speaking of axe and sword i was reading about the battle of Lincoln witch king Stephan was captured according to the historical souses of the time Stephan fought till both his axe head came off his axe and his sword broke being tackled to the ground before he could pull i dagger. i know you have spoken before about swords snapping but I wandered what your take on an axe head coming lose mid battle is . and if you have come across other souses that mention this happening
ahh any idea on how it may happen. i supose if the ace was poorly made or the combat was partulaly intense the consent coping motion and impact recoil for lack of a better term could cause the head to come lose
Tommy Breitwieser I've had a wood axe head come off while chopping fire wood. There's nothing unlikely about it coming off while hitting shields and armour and bones
hey, this is kinda un-related,but i was wondering if i could get an answer on this video to:what if you're ambi-dexterous,what would,then, be the best way to use this combo of sword and axe?
Yeah, that top-heavy nature of the axe makes me inclined to just choke up on the grip all the way and strictly use it defensively, keeping the shaft along my left forearm to block or deflect, and maybe butt with the bottom when possible. I do really like your upside down axe idea. Can whack with a stick, and axe punch. I think it gives less hand protection than choking up on it though.
would also be cool if the axe head is attached onto two points with an area to hold onto in the middle thereby making a hand guard in that reverse position.
Regarding "Anything in the off-hand can be useful" - what about bows? There's been a bit of discussion on how viable bows are in melee, and I've done more than a few videos responding to suggestions and rebuttals, but a sticking point is whether retaining a bow in the off-hand is 1) of any practical use and 2) more harmful to the wielder, given that it's not just a long stick, but a stick with a string on it that makes it a really awkward shape. Thoughts?
I can recall an example of holding the axe at the head: Vikings Season 1, the dual between Ragnar and the Earl. For a short sequence, the Earl held his axe at the head. I think it was used as the only weapon at that pint and I'm not sure if he really held it with the handle upwards, but that's as close as it's going to get, I believe. Aside from having to face the same issues with a sword in reverse grip, this might be an interesting point as well... Actually, I just found another scene where Bjorn grips an axe upside down in Vikings: Season 2, Episode "Answers in Blood". After he is pushed to the ground and disarmed, he grabs an axe lying around near the head, stick up. He parries the first attack at him like that, before he switches back to the normal grip - so it is already being done in TV shows.
Cheers man! There is a system in silat where they use a little axe in a reverse grip. The handle of the axe also ends up in a very pointy wooden dagger. The name is Kapak Kasil. It looks very painful.
Please do keep us posted about wielding axes upside down as a parrying weapon, that's quite interesting. Besides, if it works, you could write your own treatise about it and people might quote: "In the postmodern era, as Easton mentions, people even used axes as defensive devices..."
Another reason for using the axe in the off hand is that it is top heavy, making it stronger in the pery. Once in motion, as it were, always in motion. Very good for swatting away thrusts specifically. I personally rock an axe offhand and a Warhammer in the onhand. Very powerful combination.
I'm part of a 15th century reenactment group. We use bucklers, daggers and axes as off hands with swords. Axes are a very popular choice with some members. A big reason for this is the ability to trap (as mentioned) especially useful against an opponent with a single weapon e.g. a long sword. Another reason is that thrusts aren't common attacks that we use, due to heath and safety, so daggers need to be used a little bit differently making axes a little more appealing. In terms of hand protection we usually wear gauntlets as we are mostly fighting on a battlefield. This is just one reenactment group so can't say if other groups fight the same or not.
I have been messing around on the pell with sword and axe with the hopes of trying it out in some free-play eventually. I know someone probably already mentioned it, but it does occur several times in the Scandinavian Sagas. Granted it should be taken with a grain of salt, but it is interesting and I must satisfy the academic part of my brain that wonders how feasible it is. Thanks to your video, I now have a few variations to try. I will keep the axe in my left (we practice Dimicator's style of Viking Martial Arts). Against sword & shield, you will likely be correct that sword & axe are at a disadvantage, but I think that perhaps against spear, it would have an advantage. Only time, practice and experimentation will tell.
I seem to remember in the late 90's BBC version of Ivanhoe, the last fight has Ivanhoe fighting Brian De Bois-Guilbert who is using a sword and Axe combo for part of the fight. I really liked the choreography in that fight but not seen it for a while.
Great vid Matt. I have been wondering how to balance this particular combination. I would think that it would be better to hold the axe with the head up but with the hand as near to the head as possible. You do have a punching capability both as a jab (which is more comfortable with the weight on top of the hand) but also doing the motion as if you were stabbing with a dagger (I am thinking more for punching in the temple area). In that grip you can have the stick resting on your arm, sort of like a reverse grip dagger (at angle maybe the risk of your fingers being hit is reduced). Finally in that grip you can continuously move your hand up and down the handle in case you want to use the head for hooking or delivering a strike or if you want to return your hand towards the head.
Hello, Matt! I recently subscribed to your channel, and I thoroughly enjoy your informative, academic approach to historical weaponry. A touch of a martial arts enthusiast myself, I have found that the axe, particularly the shorter, bearded variety, lends itself well to use in the style of Praying Mantis kung fu as the hooking and chopping techniques of that art translate almost seamlessly with axe in hand. In short, I'm a big fan. My question, though, is in reference to your reversed grip theory. It makes sense, especially the pommel and stickfighting concepts, but it seems that in the midst of a block, the blade orientation of the axe might cause the blade to shift toward the opponent when the stick comes under heavy pressure, breaking the grip and weakening the block. Thoughts?
Lately I find myself missing mr. Tobias Capwell and quality of the content Matt was producing. It did not have the penetration and butts, but it was a good thing.
As an archer, I like axes, or alternatively hammers or small spades, as a defensive melee weapon. Useful and versatile tool likely to be present in camp, and then an intimidating thrown weapon.
I generally use the ax (Or hammer) as the primary weapon, and the sword in the offhand, for 2 reasons: First of all, the ax (Or hammer) works better against the Shield arm, and the Shield is generally on the other side. The main hand facing you, so making that your primary opposes their shield. (If any, but that's one of the better roles for ax, or hammer, and sword.) The other reason is Measure. You have to contact with the blade of the ax, which is much shorter than the edge of the sword. It's better to strike with the "Sweet spot" of the sword, but if you're a few inches closer, or farther away, then you're not missing anything. If you strike their shoulder with the haft of your ax, it can be jarring, to say the least. So, you want the smaller head in your primary hand for striking more accurately.
I would absolutely use the axe in the main hand and the sword in the off hand personally. If you need to reach further, I could simply switch the weapons I was leading with, I could thrust with the sword as I could in my main hand, and It would be easier for me to do specialist techniques like grappling and hooking in the main hand like you demonstrated. I know the sword wouldnt be as good as it would be in my main hand, but everything comes wih trade offs
Last of Mohicans seem to show tomahawk and dagger use, which looked interesting. As an everyday carry in the wilds of North America, a civil war D guard bowie and tomahawk would be a good combo of Bush craft utility with scary fighting power.
I feel you forgot the navy, We have to remember that the navy did develop axes and on a ship it is bound to happen that someone grabbed a hatchet, tomahawk, or any other version of an axe with a sword when they were being boarded or boarding. The axe was commonly seen on ships in the British navy along with cutlasses.
I love all your work Matt.. the whole concept of HEMA is a true concept of which happened at the time (and maybe still does).. however.. would it be possible for you to do a documentary on the good old fashioned Head Butt? I would love to see a tactical description of this.. Often combat arms are based around flailing limbs.. it would be nice to see tactical use of the head as a weapon :-) Am asking because it's a vital piece of weaponry.. and basically untouched (too my humble knowledge)
My new favorite ancient warfare expert! My question is, knowing axes and shorter one hand swords were both weapons used by Danes and Northmen in the late 8th and early 9th century battles against the Britons and Anglo-Saxons in England, if you were a Viking raider and lost both shield and spear, and having sword and axe available, which would you choose to wield in your dominant and non-dominant hands? The difference here being the sword is shorter than the one posited by you in your video, and closer in size to the top-heavy and more cumbersome axe.
its kind of funny, but the best pvp combo in dark souls isn't the crazy big weapons or magic its the sword and shield just like Matt shows at the beginning. I love these videos and learning about history.
At what level or armor does the greater impact of an ax/mace/war hammer (with or without a shield) become more important than the greater reach and nimbleness of a sword (again with or without a shield)?
I was about to write "I have this crazy idea", when i got to the point were you gripped the axe the other way around under the beard. But I would hold it head up - effectively using the "stick" in a underhand grip, covering your lower body. (I do a bit of Escrima and I find holding the offhand stick bottom down absolutely awesome.) The beard acts as a natural handguard, you can "box" with an axehead (I think the heavy part on the thumb is more instinctive for this) - and you can even change your grip at any time to give your opponent a nasty surprise ;)
Gunnar Haumundarson in Njall's Saga is reputed to have used two weapons simultaneously on a regular basis. The main weapon being (depending on which translation you read), a halberd (anachronistic), a dane axe or a spear with a sword in the off hand. He is, however, an idealised and comically exaggerated character - not intended to be taken seriously and he seems to deliver all of his attacks with the axe/spear/halberd and not with the sword. Outside of a few characters such as Balin (the knight of the two swords) and Gunnar Haumundarson there's virtually no mention in historical literature of anyone using a second weapon in their off hand prior to the popularity of sword & dagger fencing as we near the Renaissance. Well, not that I can recall at this early hour anyway :P.
Its been some months and it has been mentioned before with a tomahawk but I think its quite possible to use viking era bearded axes for defense. Considering that a lot of warriors were equiped with a spear and a shield with an axe beneath it, it would be plausible to use the axe (bearded in this case) both as an offensive weapon for shorter distances or to hook on shields and weapons, and as a defensive weapon holding it by the head like a batton. It would protect the forearm and fingers quite well as well as enabling powerful punches.
I love your videos! Keep up the great work! If you ever find time, would you mind. To do a video on which weapon is best stand alone, like sword, axe, spear, fail, etc.
He has several videos on the subject, and it's all about the particulars of the situation. If I can summarize his conclusions: in most battle situations, a spear or polearm is usually best as a primary weapon, and in a one-on-one situation in which you can only have one weapon and it must be a sword, a rapier is his choice.
Centergripped shields do seem pretty similar to parrying sticks, yeah. Compare to developmental African shields, they sit on a spectrum from "stick" to "stick with handguard" to "stick with more sticks attached", to "tall, three-stick-and-hide shield.". Really neat, been comparing it with migration era/scandi/Norse stuff lately. Wondering what differences/similarities could be wrung from it.
It's probably worth mentioning here, that one of the more famous Italian duels of the 1500's took place using sword and mace for both fighters. Which seems to me to fairly analogous to sword and hand axe. Why this was agreed to, I cannot say, other than perhaps one of the fighters actually wanted to negate the defensive potential of the off hand weapon, while the other refused to not have an off hand weapon at all, so the first guy said "fine, maces it is" :)
I think that you can hook with many axes even if they are held reversely - especially if they are more pointed types. Although hook is under hand, not above it, which means worse reach.
The top heaviness of the axe isn't purely a defensive weakness, though. You can use the axe head very similarly to how you use a buckler, to simply stop attacks dead, and at some distance. Further, you can attack their sword to put it in disarray.
now this is a meme-ready thing: a picture of Matt Easton charging into the camera with a sword and upside-down axe, and good old Impact-font "CONTEXT!" under it. "Why is he holding the axe upside down?" "BECAUSE CONTEXT!"
Mr. Easton, I'd definitely recommend you try saber and a lighter axe for fun sometime at your regular practice. (Think saber and tomahawk, for a very American take on things.) It's a really good time.
I think the best argument for an ax as an off hand weapon is that an ax is supper useful outside of combat. If you need to travel you can do a lot with an ax, a shield only does a couple things.
As far as historical examples go, I do recall hearing some time ago that the boarding axe and saber/cutlass were used simultaneously, and people did train to use both at once, but that is a very uncommon example and I can't recall the source. Since boarding was actually quite rare in the grand scheme of things it likely only saw use a handful of times.
If I had to make a guess of where to find sword & axe dual wielding in historical literature, if it exists at all, try material covering Germanic trial-by-combat. You can find all kinds of unusual things there. Another thought might be gladiatorial combat, since they loved to do weird combinations. And an axe might not be at such a reach disadvantage compared to typical Roman swords (i.e. the gladius), so it might even make more sense in that time period. The downside being that if such a combat took place, it wouldn't have been a standard weapon set, so it might not have been documented.
I would imagine the 17th-18th century in the Americas would be the most common context for seeing sword and axe in a pair. Combinations like hanger/tomahawk, sabre/hatchet, and cutlass/boarding axe are just a couple of combinations that come to mind.
I have seen a number of picks, war hammers, and maces with a small guard past where your hand rests on the grip. Typically they are not very large, but one would imagine that even a small rondel of metal just past the hand grip makes the top-heavy weapon a much more effective guard piece. For one the handle can be metal, and hence more able to absorb blows than a wooden stick (like on the tomahawk). For two that rondel could be very critical for preventing or deterring wounds to the hand when used to parry say a sword. I think if you were planning on using an axe that way, you would vastly prefer a metal handle and rondel. If you ended up with an axe like in the video, it would only be because you could not come up with a better off hand weapon.
The whole time I was thinking hold the axe at the head end. Great minds think alike apparently. I'd also add that holding the axe that way will give some level of hand protection mitigating the other drawback especially if the axe is bearded.
i guess though if you use your offhand weapon to block the axehead - as it is massive - can withstand much more punishment than the stick it is attached to. thats also why swords histricly were not used to block if it didnt have to as swords tend to break rather easily, a problem sticks share while axeheads are massive enough to withstand quite the blow. id actually say if you parry with the axehead, its more likely that your wrist or arm would break than the axehead
How many people in history have looked around for an improvised weapon and been disappointed to only find purpose built weapons?
If I had a nickel...
The best thing to duel wield with a sword is a fire spell, units on fire take more damage
I would hope most things on fire would take more damage 😂
"I'm looking around for something random to grab, and all I can see are weapons..." #Matt Easton problems :)
#MattEastonProblems Let's make this a thing Twitter-folks!
Brent O'Dell we now need a video on sword and stool
I'd watch it!
THE Brent O'Dell?
Stools with legs. Not the other kind.
"I'm looking around for something random to grab and all I can see is weapons" - Medieval warfare prepper's house.
"I was looking around for something random but all I could see were weapons"
I wish I had that problem.
Sword plus mug/tanker. It gives hand protection. You can sploosh your opponent in the eyes to distract them. Mid combat refreshment.
pocket booze!
me: Has an Igcse exam tommorow
me: "I wonder if i can duel wield a sword and an axe"
subhanhasan99 Cal2 test tomorrow. I feel you buddy. I just had to know.
^^Best of luck!!
subhanhasan990 good luck dude, no one understands the scoring anyway so just tell people whatever you get is the best possible:)
Fintan Mcguinness thanks man!
So, how did it go?
"Looking around for something random to grab, and all I can see is weapons." Man, that is an awesome room.
Also sword and scabbard, if it's rigid enough.
Indeed.
Arioch IV I'd hate to ruin my scabbard from Tod's Stuff. Come to think of it, I don't want to damage my edge. I guess I'll just try to parry only with the flat of my sword.
Sword and a machinegun is even better.
I think you need two hands for the machinegun.
uzi?
I love how open to interpretations of things you are. For like the first half of this video, I was wondering, "is he gonna talk about if you flipped the axe around? that would be awesome!" and then there you were, saying how you want to personally try that exact thing. Good stuff, man.
Tomahawk and Knife. Common combo for many North American native nations.
Rapier and Main-Gauche. Well known duelling combo.
I believe there's a Thai two-sword fighting style and certainly a Phillipine two-weapon style with sticks or knives.
Two weapon fighting has historical context, though not a larger axe + sword style to my knowledge.
'For making videos, your voice is super important.'
Nonsense. We want to see a Matt Easton interpretive dance video about historical sword fighting!
It would be really nice (and appreciated) if you could analyze some of the sword fights from the classic 1973 The three musketeers.
My favorite version. While the Musketeers usually did not have that entertaining of duels, less choreographed to impress than many modern sword fights, this made them look more realistic. These were people just trying to feel out their opponents while not getting hit themselves. I love how Porthos, in the fight in the convent courtyard, thows his rapier into the air, and when his opponent looks up at it flying, gets smacked across the face by a rather large rock. It is funny, but it also shows a little more of brawling, and not fancy choreography.
There were also many techniques shown throughout the Three and Four Musketeers, using various weapons besides a single rapier, including sticks, pistols, muskets, daggers, cloaks, hats, dual rapiers, and even acid filled glass bladed knives. Oh, and at one point an entire tree, haha.
I love the movies, but the last fight, with Rochefort and D'Artagnan both using rapier and dagger is the only one that I can still watch and take very seriously.
Interesting commentary, Matt. As a Filipino Martial Arts practitioner, my thoughts on 'duel wielding' are a bit different. However, your thoughts on why an axe might not be the #1 choice are I believe spot on. I would say an axe & saex would perhaps be great for close-in work, or combat inside a building.
Anyway, thanks for the commentary. Have a great summer. Cheers
So... if you bsaically turn the axehead into a pommel and then strike with it... does that mean you axe them rightly?
Regarding examples of historical sword/axe combos: While it's not from the treaties or manuals, the Icelandic Sagas contain some evidence of Vikings being forced to (or indeed choosing) to fight sword/axe over sword/shield in certain very specific situations. As far as I can tell, it seems to be a way of saying "I'm so awesome I can fight you handicapped" - it was mostly used in duels (Holmganga) as far as I can tell.
There is a guy in my fencing group who uses sword and kukri combination a lot. When he fights people with shields he would strike with the blade, then hook the ax on the far side of their shield and pull on it so his opponent couldn't turn their body around to counter attack as he brought his blade around to knock them on the back of the leg.
I love that you actually showed the axe and sword side by side to show the range disparity. This was a really good video.
You avoided going on on tangents and all of the info was relevant or at least interesting.
I was, from about half way through, thinking of the reverse grip on the axe. Very glad to see you give it a shot
I was practicing my thrusts with the spadroon but then i dropped it cause i saw you popped up in my notifications
Glad you brought this up! Rapier and axe is actually a pairing I've been thinking about for a little while now, and I like how many bases it covers. Vs a single weapon and no armor, I'd disregard the axe for the most part, except as a parrying aid/counterweight you could move backwards to benefit a lunge/short weapon that might be useful in a bind. Against an opponent in armour, the rapier becomes useless offensively, but would excel in creating a bind, and producing an opening to nail them with the axe. Finally, if you're fighting someone with a shield, my impression is that you'd have a good chance to bury it near the rim, choke up to the head, and use the leverage to rotate the shield until they were forced to drop it. Might only work if you could sink the blade into the rim itself, or maybe a spike on the reverse of the head into the face itself, and obviously any shield with an Argive grip is out of the question, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the system. Main drawback I'm seeing is that in any context where ranged weapons are in play, it suffers the same problem as any two weapon system, in that neither of them are a shield.
You could throw the axe. Matt your one of the world's greatest sword masters a plethora of knowledge always great to learn from you. Please give him thumbs up.
Thanks so much for making this video. I've been searching on and off for MONTHS for content on precisely this topic.
I can't say much about SWORD and axe... but I do practice with tomahawk and knife as well as occasionally mixing it up with a spear or staff. If the tomahawk is the shorter weapon of the pair I've found it does make sense to hold it in the off-hand close to the head but with the handle sticking out beneath in an "icepick grip". While it's slightly less useful defensively it allows for easier and more powerful punching with the edge as well as allowing for quick transitions between "normal grip" for striking and "choked up" for defense and infighting.
during the video i was thinking if it would make sense gripping the axehead while the handle covers the underside of the forearm (like a baton), but considering your comment, the cover for the forearm would be the same with what you explain, but the offensive capabilities are bigger. (and with the right axeblade the there could be some hand protection as well)
We also know that axes with a beard were often used by extremely offensive fighters as a method of removing shields and indeed weapons from play by hooking and angle locking the edge of the shield or the body/blade of the opponent's weapon.
Last of the Mohicans has a great fight with tomahawk and dagger. it'd be a good candidate for one of Matt's fight reviews.
Gunstock Warclub FTW!!
When I was in reenactment (Glasgow Vikings) I commonly used sword & axe for a change of pace (but usually used either sword or axe with shield). While I agree with everything said, I found the axe quite good in defence if it had a weighty head as it would stop a sword blow dead with little effort or shock.
the more you talked about it the more I thought hold it upside down. Glad that occurred to you. Please post a video of trying that out
not the video I was expecting,THIS IS GOOD!
Congrats for the channel, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos :D
I know it's more related to dual wielding swords (Actually it is exactly that.. ehm) but i heard somewhere that Brian Boru's son, at the Clontarf battle, was famous for fighting with two swords (a certain Murchad mac Briain if i recall well). The second thing, i think more interesting honestly, popped in my mind when you talked briefly about fighting with a cloack as offhand... correct me if i mistake but it's something typical of latter XV century and on, especially in the XVII century (the classical technique of the swashbucklers, or for my school formation, the "Bravoes" from "the Betrothed")
but few months ago, reading the Satyricon, i noticed a interesting part: the protagonist prepares for a fight, and he says something like "i was already wielding my gladius and wrapping my cloack around my left arm" ... i guess even in these things history tends to repeat itself xD (thinking about it, back then it could be a sort of imitation of sleeve armors like the manica used by the retiarii and ehm some other gladiators -i think at least another pair of the currently known ones-)
It seems like an off-hand plate gauntlet worn in a way that would allow it to be put on quickly, perhaps at the hip with the opening facing upwards, would make an excellent off hand weapon for defense and offense (punching). It would be small and not hard to wear when out on the town (unlike a shield) and could provide even more defense than a dagger or wrapped cloak. I wonder if people ever used gauntlets in this way.
So something I've seen done mostly in SCA fighting that could be an option you didn't seem consider. Holding the ax like you said at the end with your hand by the ax head, but keeping the ax head at the top. So instead of flipping the ax upside down, you just change your hand placement. I see a few advantages of this, the biggest being the hand protection. Basically the ax head would guard your hand from many strikes that wouldn't be protected when you hold the ax upside down. Also allows you to keep the punching strikes with the ax head, some of the hooking., and it would be easier to switch your hand placement if you did want to go for a big strike with the ax or a hook with the ax head.
Just something you didn't seem to consider that seems like it gives most of the benefits without many of the disadvantages.
Sorry about bringing up an old thread, but I had an idea to expand on this: what about having a ball or catch on the handle end of the axe as well? This would allow you to quickly and reliably let the axe slide up for a powerful strike without risking it flying out of your hand. And if the ball it weighted it would be more maneuverable, and attacks hitting the axe handle would be absorbed more due to the weight.
Lefthander here, I had a collarbone injury and my offshoulder was droopy and weak/painful so I started using my offhand for formwork to help build it back up, then I started carrying my shortaxe in my left, mostly as a weight in my hand kind of feeling, my balance just felt better for some reason, hand slid right up the haft at the head itself, and over time I started using it.
So now I'm a lefthander who uses a 30" shortsword, bit longer than a gladius but just as whippy, in the wrong hand and a vicious little finisher in my main hand, which of course can also be used at its full reach as desired.
Only advice I'd give anyone looking to learn/use unusual techniques or pairings would be go for it, we only get good at that which we train.
In a book that I am writing, there is a character whose shield takes severe damage in a battle, and continues the fight by having a sword in his off-hand and a spear in his main hand. Does this make sense? Is this a good combination?
Yes it makes sense. Anything can be used in the off-hand as a parrying device, but some things are better than others. A sword is fairly good.
I think it makes also sense, when an opponent gets behind your spear head. with no shield you would normally have a problem, when that would happend. But when you have a sword in your off hand and that would happen, you can just stab him with your sword.
This sounds awesome. What book is it?
@@sxintst7414 I am still writing it. In fact, I had to put it aside to finish a different book.
What about using the axe in the off hand rondel dagger style (ice pick grip and in the case of the axe by choking way up on the handle)? With the head siting right above the hand, this will actually offer better hand protection, allow the handle to be used as a hook, the axe blade can be used as a hook, punches with the axe blade, and the natural "u" shape created by the top of the axe can be used to catch a push away stabs to the upper body. If I were to use an axe in the off hand. It would be that way.
I thought the same. Especially with a pointy axehead.
I wonder if you you held and axe just under the head if you could slide your hand down the grip in a swing and make a "cast blow".
I know commenting this late I have little to no chance for some reply, but I'll do it anyway since I tried many so called 'dual wield' combinations sparing with my HEMA friends. I mostly agree with Matt here, shields and bucklers are most effective off hand weapons, I was particularly pleased with buckler and dagger off hand combo as it makes hooking or pushing stabs aside so much easier as buckler often struggles with those by itself, and there are evidence for that in period manuscripts and in India also and probably middle east as well. baselard type handle, especially narrow H shaped ones really go nicely in same hand as buckler for that purpose. On topic of sword and axe combo, yes it can be effective, personally I prefer two swords if shield is not available as they give much better bind and crossguad is so nice to have while axes, warhammers and maces, I tend to keep in dominant hand reserved for killing blow, but it is all up to the preference of the fighter in question. On account of axe used in defense, I found out that for blocking resolute blows from long bladed weapons (swords sabres etc.) trusting with axe head into the blow works really well, sort of like having crossgurd on top of your weapon and the axe being so top heavy and inert, catching blows like that will hardly move your weapon while stopping and often damaging incoming weapon, even with blunt sparing ones not to mention true sharp edge if blow is not pulled back, so that might be good experiment as well trying in your sparing practice (all who prefer axe as an off hand weapon in this context.). Cheers!
I've never heard of a madu before, that's pretty cool! Great video!
Question: was parrying with scabbard historically done?
You would have to take off belt
Gad Yariv Yes. Matt have already done a video about this topic.
thanks, i will look for it.
Off the top of my head Fiore does it at least,and I think some other treatises show it,check out wiktenauer and it's page on fiore+ask around in groups like HEMA International Discussion
When you are facing the choice of stopping the attack or die, I think any solid object that can be wielded by a human was at some point used to parry :D
This sets the stage for Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow review.
speaking of axe and sword i was reading about the battle of Lincoln witch king Stephan was captured according to the historical souses of the time Stephan fought till both his axe head came off his axe and his sword broke being tackled to the ground before he could pull i dagger. i know you have spoken before about swords snapping but I wandered what your take on an axe head coming lose mid battle is . and if you have come across other souses that mention this happening
It's actually shown in the Bayeux Tapestry! Also in other medieval art sources. So yes it seems it probably happened sometimes.
ahh any idea on how it may happen. i supose if the ace was poorly made or the combat was partulaly intense the consent coping motion and impact recoil for lack of a better term could cause the head to come lose
Yeah and imagine it coming loose and then trying to swing without realizing it, it can just fly off and hit somebody in the head XD
Tommy Breitwieser I've had a wood axe head come off while chopping fire wood. There's nothing unlikely about it coming off while hitting shields and armour and bones
hey, this is kinda un-related,but i was wondering if i could get an answer on this video to:what if you're ambi-dexterous,what would,then, be the best way to use this combo of sword and axe?
206 comments, but only 10 likes??? Like that video before your rant! He deserves it.
Yeah, that top-heavy nature of the axe makes me inclined to just choke up on the grip all the way and strictly use it defensively, keeping the shaft along my left forearm to block or deflect, and maybe butt with the bottom when possible.
I do really like your upside down axe idea. Can whack with a stick, and axe punch. I think it gives less hand protection than choking up on it though.
would also be cool if the axe head is attached onto two points with an area to hold onto in the middle thereby making a hand guard in that reverse position.
You have covered what I found while fighting Sword & Axe in SCA combat.
Regarding "Anything in the off-hand can be useful" - what about bows? There's been a bit of discussion on how viable bows are in melee, and I've done more than a few videos responding to suggestions and rebuttals, but a sticking point is whether retaining a bow in the off-hand is 1) of any practical use and 2) more harmful to the wielder, given that it's not just a long stick, but a stick with a string on it that makes it a really awkward shape. Thoughts?
Skallagrim made a video about using bows in melee, if you haven't watch it.
Btw, big fan of your vids!
I've made several response videos to it, in fact.
Back in my LARP years this was actually my go-to sparring combination. Hook+strike was an effective technique for me.
I can recall an example of holding the axe at the head: Vikings Season 1, the dual between Ragnar and the Earl. For a short sequence, the Earl held his axe at the head. I think it was used as the only weapon at that pint and I'm not sure if he really held it with the handle upwards, but that's as close as it's going to get, I believe. Aside from having to face the same issues with a sword in reverse grip, this might be an interesting point as well...
Actually, I just found another scene where Bjorn grips an axe upside down in Vikings: Season 2, Episode "Answers in Blood". After he is pushed to the ground and disarmed, he grabs an axe lying around near the head, stick up. He parries the first attack at him like that, before he switches back to the normal grip - so it is already being done in TV shows.
Cheers man! There is a system in silat where they use a little axe in a reverse grip. The handle of the axe also ends up in a very pointy wooden dagger. The name is Kapak Kasil. It looks very painful.
Please do keep us posted about wielding axes upside down as a parrying weapon, that's quite interesting. Besides, if it works, you could write your own treatise about it and people might quote: "In the postmodern era, as Easton mentions, people even used axes as defensive devices..."
"I'm looking around for something random to grab and all I can see is weapons." Alright matt no need to boast :D
Another reason for using the axe in the off hand is that it is top heavy, making it stronger in the pery. Once in motion, as it were, always in motion. Very good for swatting away thrusts specifically. I personally rock an axe offhand and a Warhammer in the onhand. Very powerful combination.
I'm part of a 15th century reenactment group. We use bucklers, daggers and axes as off hands with swords. Axes are a very popular choice with some members. A big reason for this is the ability to trap (as mentioned) especially useful against an opponent with a single weapon e.g. a long sword. Another reason is that thrusts aren't common attacks that we use, due to heath and safety, so daggers need to be used a little bit differently making axes a little more appealing. In terms of hand protection we usually wear gauntlets as we are mostly fighting on a battlefield. This is just one reenactment group so can't say if other groups fight the same or not.
I have been messing around on the pell with sword and axe with the hopes of trying it out in some free-play eventually. I know someone probably already mentioned it, but it does occur several times in the Scandinavian Sagas. Granted it should be taken with a grain of salt, but it is interesting and I must satisfy the academic part of my brain that wonders how feasible it is. Thanks to your video, I now have a few variations to try. I will keep the axe in my left (we practice Dimicator's style of Viking Martial Arts). Against sword & shield, you will likely be correct that sword & axe are at a disadvantage, but I think that perhaps against spear, it would have an advantage. Only time, practice and experimentation will tell.
I seem to remember in the late 90's BBC version of Ivanhoe, the last fight has Ivanhoe fighting Brian De Bois-Guilbert who is using a sword and Axe combo for part of the fight. I really liked the choreography in that fight but not seen it for a while.
I would say that the disadvantages of top heavy weapons are countered by the axes' ability to hook.
Before I watch this, don't break my heart matt. I love this idea.
Great vid Matt. I have been wondering how to balance this particular combination. I would think that it would be better to hold the axe with the head up but with the hand as near to the head as possible. You do have a punching capability both as a jab (which is more comfortable with the weight on top of the hand) but also doing the motion as if you were stabbing with a dagger (I am thinking more for punching in the temple area). In that grip you can have the stick resting on your arm, sort of like a reverse grip dagger (at angle maybe the risk of your fingers being hit is reduced). Finally in that grip you can continuously move your hand up and down the handle in case you want to use the head for hooking or delivering a strike or if you want to return your hand towards the head.
Hello, Matt! I recently subscribed to your channel, and I thoroughly enjoy your informative, academic approach to historical weaponry. A touch of a martial arts enthusiast myself, I have found that the axe, particularly the shorter, bearded variety, lends itself well to use in the style of Praying Mantis kung fu as the hooking and chopping techniques of that art translate almost seamlessly with axe in hand. In short, I'm a big fan. My question, though, is in reference to your reversed grip theory. It makes sense, especially the pommel and stickfighting concepts, but it seems that in the midst of a block, the blade orientation of the axe might cause the blade to shift toward the opponent when the stick comes under heavy pressure, breaking the grip and weakening the block. Thoughts?
Lately I find myself missing mr. Tobias Capwell and quality of the content Matt was producing. It did not have the penetration and butts, but it was a good thing.
As an archer, I like axes, or alternatively hammers or small spades, as a defensive melee weapon. Useful and versatile tool likely to be present in camp, and then an intimidating thrown weapon.
I generally use the ax (Or hammer) as the primary weapon, and the sword in the offhand, for 2 reasons: First of all, the ax (Or hammer) works better against the Shield arm, and the Shield is generally on the other side. The main hand facing you, so making that your primary opposes their shield. (If any, but that's one of the better roles for ax, or hammer, and sword.) The other reason is Measure. You have to contact with the blade of the ax, which is much shorter than the edge of the sword. It's better to strike with the "Sweet spot" of the sword, but if you're a few inches closer, or farther away, then you're not missing anything. If you strike their shoulder with the haft of your ax, it can be jarring, to say the least. So, you want the smaller head in your primary hand for striking more accurately.
I would absolutely use the axe in the main hand and the sword in the off hand personally.
If you need to reach further, I could simply switch the weapons I was leading with, I could thrust with the sword as I could in my main hand, and It would be easier for me to do specialist techniques like grappling and hooking in the main hand like you demonstrated.
I know the sword wouldnt be as good as it would be in my main hand, but everything comes wih trade offs
Last of Mohicans seem to show tomahawk and dagger use, which looked interesting. As an everyday carry in the wilds of North America, a civil war D guard bowie and tomahawk would be a good combo of Bush craft utility with scary fighting power.
10:50 the way you said "which could be all kinds of useful" coupled with that smile made me laugh. that was a genuinely evil combination.
I feel you forgot the navy, We have to remember that the navy did develop axes and on a ship it is bound to happen that someone grabbed a hatchet, tomahawk, or any other version of an axe with a sword when they were being boarded or boarding. The axe was commonly seen on ships in the British navy along with cutlasses.
I love all your work Matt.. the whole concept of HEMA is a true concept of which happened at the time (and maybe still does).. however.. would it be possible for you to do a documentary on the good old fashioned Head Butt? I would love to see a tactical description of this.. Often combat arms are based around flailing limbs.. it would be nice to see tactical use of the head as a weapon :-)
Am asking because it's a vital piece of weaponry.. and basically untouched (too my humble knowledge)
I only ask because it's very relevant given the different styles of helmet.. I look forward to your response.. thank you for any response :-)
My new favorite ancient warfare expert! My question is, knowing axes and shorter one hand swords were both weapons used by Danes and Northmen in the late 8th and early 9th century battles against the Britons and Anglo-Saxons in England, if you were a Viking raider and lost both shield and spear, and having sword and axe available, which would you choose to wield in your dominant and non-dominant hands? The difference here being the sword is shorter than the one posited by you in your video, and closer in size to the top-heavy and more cumbersome axe.
Also, could you do a video on tomahawk and long knife and what you would recommend for learning or coming up with a system for use?
Glad you're feeling better.
its kind of funny, but the best pvp combo in dark souls isn't the crazy big weapons or magic its the sword and shield just like Matt shows at the beginning. I love these videos and learning about history.
RUclips bitching about family friendly environment... And then I get an ad for lingerie
Remember: NEVER PENETRATE when you are super dry
this is what happens when you cant think of a good comment and havent even watched the video yet
Unless you're a giant
Captain Dickmann
in your direction
This fart procedes
The butt especially.
At what level or armor does the greater impact of an ax/mace/war hammer (with or without a shield) become more important than the greater reach and nimbleness of a sword (again with or without a shield)?
I was about to write "I have this crazy idea", when i got to the point were you gripped the axe the other way around under the beard.
But I would hold it head up - effectively using the "stick" in a underhand grip, covering your lower body. (I do a bit of Escrima and I find holding the offhand stick bottom down absolutely awesome.)
The beard acts as a natural handguard, you can "box" with an axehead (I think the heavy part on the thumb is more instinctive for this) - and you can even change your grip at any time to give your opponent a nasty surprise ;)
I used sabre and axe in 30years war re-enactment to quite good effect :) As you described: Axe for blocking and sabre for attacking.
Gunnar Haumundarson in Njall's Saga is reputed to have used two weapons simultaneously on a regular basis. The main weapon being (depending on which translation you read), a halberd (anachronistic), a dane axe or a spear with a sword in the off hand.
He is, however, an idealised and comically exaggerated character - not intended to be taken seriously and he seems to deliver all of his attacks with the axe/spear/halberd and not with the sword. Outside of a few characters such as Balin (the knight of the two swords) and Gunnar Haumundarson there's virtually no mention in historical literature of anyone using a second weapon in their off hand prior to the popularity of sword & dagger fencing as we near the Renaissance. Well, not that I can recall at this early hour anyway :P.
Its been some months and it has been mentioned before with a tomahawk but I think its quite possible to use viking era bearded axes for defense. Considering that a lot of warriors were equiped with a spear and a shield with an axe beneath it, it would be plausible to use the axe (bearded in this case) both as an offensive weapon for shorter distances or to hook on shields and weapons, and as a defensive weapon holding it by the head like a batton. It would protect the forearm and fingers quite well as well as enabling powerful punches.
I love your videos! Keep up the great work! If you ever find time, would you mind. To do a video on which weapon is best stand alone, like sword, axe, spear, fail, etc.
I can answer that. CONTEXT.
He has several videos on the subject, and it's all about the particulars of the situation. If I can summarize his conclusions: in most battle situations, a spear or polearm is usually best as a primary weapon, and in a one-on-one situation in which you can only have one weapon and it must be a sword, a rapier is his choice.
Let's not forget the popular offhand choice in media: the flaming torch or candle.
I'm a Railway engineer and the 2 things i could use as a weapon when i'm outdoor is a hammer and a small axe, useful against stray dogs.
An axe with a smaller head would be better suited for an off-hand weapon. Still deal good damage if it hits but is far easier to parry with.
I vaguely remember some artwork of a famous pirate using a boarding axe offhand.
Centergripped shields do seem pretty similar to parrying sticks, yeah.
Compare to developmental African shields, they sit on a spectrum from "stick" to "stick with handguard" to "stick with more sticks attached", to "tall, three-stick-and-hide shield.".
Really neat, been comparing it with migration era/scandi/Norse stuff lately. Wondering what differences/similarities could be wrung from it.
That champion gladiator with the mask had an axe and gladius in the movie Gladiator. The one Maximus fights before the Emperor.
It's probably worth mentioning here, that one of the more famous Italian duels of the 1500's took place using sword and mace for both fighters. Which seems to me to fairly analogous to sword and hand axe. Why this was agreed to, I cannot say, other than perhaps one of the fighters actually wanted to negate the defensive potential of the off hand weapon, while the other refused to not have an off hand weapon at all, so the first guy said "fine, maces it is" :)
when you are holding the axe by the head it give you a slightly bit of hand protection
Very interesting to hear your thoughts on buckler vs dagger.
I think that you can hook with many axes even if they are held reversely - especially if they are more pointed types. Although hook is under hand, not above it, which means worse reach.
From what I understand several south african natives would do just that. They would grasp the Knobkierre by or near the head and use it for parrying.
The top heaviness of the axe isn't purely a defensive weakness, though. You can use the axe head very similarly to how you use a buckler, to simply stop attacks dead, and at some distance. Further, you can attack their sword to put it in disarray.
now this is a meme-ready thing: a picture of Matt Easton charging into the camera with a sword and upside-down axe, and good old Impact-font "CONTEXT!" under it.
"Why is he holding the axe upside down?"
"BECAUSE CONTEXT!"
Mr. Easton, I'd definitely recommend you try saber and a lighter axe for fun sometime at your regular practice. (Think saber and tomahawk, for a very American take on things.) It's a really good time.
I think the best argument for an ax as an off hand weapon is that an ax is supper useful outside of combat. If you need to travel you can do a lot with an ax, a shield only does a couple things.
Another examples of fighting with axe is seen in the movie Valhalla Rising.
As far as historical examples go, I do recall hearing some time ago that the boarding axe and saber/cutlass were used simultaneously, and people did train to use both at once, but that is a very uncommon example and I can't recall the source. Since boarding was actually quite rare in the grand scheme of things it likely only saw use a handful of times.
If I had to make a guess of where to find sword & axe dual wielding in historical literature, if it exists at all, try material covering Germanic trial-by-combat. You can find all kinds of unusual things there. Another thought might be gladiatorial combat, since they loved to do weird combinations. And an axe might not be at such a reach disadvantage compared to typical Roman swords (i.e. the gladius), so it might even make more sense in that time period. The downside being that if such a combat took place, it wouldn't have been a standard weapon set, so it might not have been documented.
I would imagine the 17th-18th century in the Americas would be the most common context for seeing sword and axe in a pair. Combinations like hanger/tomahawk, sabre/hatchet, and cutlass/boarding axe are just a couple of combinations that come to mind.
I have seen a number of picks, war hammers, and maces with a small guard past where your hand rests on the grip. Typically they are not very large, but one would imagine that even a small rondel of metal just past the hand grip makes the top-heavy weapon a much more effective guard piece. For one the handle can be metal, and hence more able to absorb blows than a wooden stick (like on the tomahawk). For two that rondel could be very critical for preventing or deterring wounds to the hand when used to parry say a sword. I think if you were planning on using an axe that way, you would vastly prefer a metal handle and rondel. If you ended up with an axe like in the video, it would only be because you could not come up with a better off hand weapon.
The whole time I was thinking hold the axe at the head end. Great minds think alike apparently. I'd also add that holding the axe that way will give some level of hand protection mitigating the other drawback especially if the axe is bearded.
I would assume a sword axe combo would be useful for dealing with an armored opponent
I'm looking around for something random to grab and all i see is weapons. Only at Matt's house.
i guess though if you use your offhand weapon to block the axehead - as it is massive - can withstand much more punishment than the stick it is attached to. thats also why swords histricly were not used to block if it didnt have to as swords tend to break rather easily, a problem sticks share while axeheads are massive enough to withstand quite the blow. id actually say if you parry with the axehead, its more likely that your wrist or arm would break than the axehead