Finding the Perfect Melee Weapon for Home Defense: Small Axe Analysis
The quest for the ideal home defense weapon can be a complex and even controversial topic. It’s difficult to establish a “one-size-fits-all” solution given the plethora of factors that come into play, including the user’s physical ability, environment, and personal preference. In a recent video by YouTube channel Hard2Hurt, Icy Mike evaluates the potential of the small axe as a viable option for maintaining security within your bricks and mortar. Mike set out with a specific set of criteria, and openly contemplated whether a small axe, or hatchet, could adequately fulfill these. The possibility was perceived to be even more substantial if firearms were exempt from the options list. He initiated the evaluation by emphasizing why a one-handed weapon is ideal for home defense. In a domestic environment, the probability of wrestling adversaries in close quarters, such as hallwards, is high. That’s why a large axe, while undoubtedly deadly and eye-catching, isn’t entirely practical in these scenarios. However, a smaller axe brings versatility and allows for a two-hand grip when needed, which could potentially deliver a more substantial blow. One of Mike’s most intriguing points revolved around the predictable human reaction of shielding oneself when threatened. He highlighted that powerful melee weapon should still cause severe damage to a person in a defensive stance. To this, an axe certainly fits the bill. If a person instinctively covers their face or body with their arms upon seeing an opponent swinging aggressively, the axe would arguably still inflict significant, if not incapacitating, harm. However, in a defensive situation, control over the weapon is vital. An adversary could make an attempt to disarm you, turning your own weapon against you. Being able to securely manage a small axe in this situation could increase chances of retaining control of the weapon. Mike outlined that by holding both the handle and covering the head, you gain two points of leverage, allowing you to wrestle the weapon away from the assailant. Beyond weapon criteria itself, Mike stressed the importance of practice to accurately gauge its suitability and effectiveness. Being comfortable with your chosen defense weapon is of the essence — it should feel like an extension of your hand. So, where does the axe fall short according to Icy Mike’s evaluation? It’s about the weapon’s retractability. An axe, by its nature, is slightly slower to retract once swung due to the distribution of the weight. This delay could leave you momentarily vulnerable. At its core, Mike’s examination implores us to look beyond the aesthetics or raw power of a weapon and instead focus on its practicality in distressing situations. It shifts the onus onto the wielder and their understanding of their personal environment and preferences. In conclusion, while not perfect for everyone in every situation, a small axe might be a formidable implement for home defense. However, it’s critical that its owner familiarizes themselves with it and its limitations before relying on it for protection. As Mike points out in his video, practice makes perfect and enables someone to decide if such a weapon is suitable for them before they find themselves needing to use it in a high-pressure scenario. While small axes might not be the perfect answer for everyone, the evaluation encourages a broader conversation: embrace the responsibility of preparing for your own home defense and keep exploring the best melee weapon for your unique situation.Blablabla
The YouTube channel Hard2Hurt, run by Icy Mike, offers practical self-defense and fitness advice. Icy Mike captivates his audience with his direct, no-nonsense approach to training. With professional martial arts and security background, he provides common-sense solutions to real-world safety concerns. His videos are informative and offer accessible, actionable tips.
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If you have to fight in tight spaces a "Roman Gladius" type of dagger and something like a shield would probably be the best option. Quick stabbing and aiming for throat, armpits or groin.
I'm not licensed for a fire arm my go to home defense to protect my kids and wife Is a kukri and tomahawk combo I train with these weapons so against anything except a fire arm I'm confident I'd come out on top in that situation
I want an arming sword and a bladed mace with a spike tip
far north european folks have done it this way for generations, and it's worked great for them
Awesome channel, I only have two quick observations. My family has a pig farm in their possession so I've had a few chances to test my tomahawks on unusable deceased pigs. One, a good tomahawk you can choke up on is useful for punching into a targets soft points and tear up a lot of important tissues ( this works well with brands like winkler, I wouldn't try it with an rmj.) Second if you strike in with a tomahawk like an rmj and immediately tear down on a pig's ribcage you can sheer through 4 or 5 ribs normally. I know this video was on axes and not tomahawks but, those observations might still apply.
I have a net loaded up over my front door with a string running across the living room, through the kitchen, into my bed room. That way, no matter where i am, i can justyank on that string and instantly immobilize any kind of home intruder.
I'd still prefer a long handled hammer with a pick on the other side.
Bricklayer hammer style but a slightly longer handle.
Edit:
The hook is part of the design, it is used to hook and pull things like your opponent or what they are holding.
Ahhhh hahahaha 🤤
as a woman, thank you for making this
You should NOT use the forte axe 8:18 in that manner. The head is slip fit on from the handle end, so a solid tap on the top of the axe head down toward the handle will cause the head to slide down.
Did woox make this hatchet themselves, or did they just modify it? The hatchet looks like a Prandi German style hatchet.
you've heard of elf on the shelf but have you heard of tomahawk on the toilet?
I think if a fella or fellet knew how to fight with a tomahawk it would be dandy
I would rather die by a fire arm shot the axed axed to death fire arm is much more merciful.
Not unless you don't mind cleaning that shit up after.
Brilliant
Axe in one hand knife in the other.
For home defense, I like my framing hammer.
I think blunt impact is the easiest way to get disabling damage, Like you said about the "beard" It's got a shallower claw end which is still good for hooking without getting stuck on people.
Armor also matters less, Full plate seems nice until it has a nice dent in it that stabs you in the ribs every time you breathe.
Close second is my hori hori. Knife shovel with plenty of beating weight and typically a decent hand guard. So can be used like an arming dagger. (Wouldn't be good for any stick and poke though)
I keep a 6' hewing spear available. Though my 1911 is my first choice.