Are there any advantages to putting a blade in front of the haft (like an axe, or voulge) compared to in-line with the haft (like a sword, or yanyuedao)?
In: Physics
Yes, applied force will be different. An axe has much more weight in a concentrated area at the end of a fulcrum. This means a much stronger impact per swing.
That’s why we chop wood or execute vie decapitstion with an axe (except for guillitine) and not a sword
For combat purposes – very different weapons used by different groups of people. I think with two professionals sword wins.
With two amateurs axe wins
Moving the centre of mass further from your hands increases the inertia of a swing. This is good if you want to cut something because it gives more penetration, but bad if you want to suddenly change direction.
We use swords against people because agility is important in a fight, but axes against trees since they don’t usually fight back but are harder to cut through.
Swords have other advantages too. You can thrust with a sword and drive it through a small opening. Not really centre of mass related (though moving it further towards you hand does help you aim). Doesn’t really work with an axe.
Axes have the advantage that you don’t need to cut, and can deliver blunt force trauma to kill someone who’s armour you can’t penetrate, but if you have a sword you can just turn it around, grab it by the blade (gloves are recommended) and bash their head in with the cross guard or pommel.
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