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WABUKAN Arsenal · Axes · Europe

Francisca

The throwing axe of the Franks in the Early Middle Ages, thrown in a volley just before hand-to-hand combat to break shields and the enemy line.

Francisca
Francisca WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

francisca, francesca; francisque; securis (Gregory of Tours)

Origin and history

The francisca was a characteristic weapon of the Franks under the Merovingians (about 500 to 750) and is known to have been used under Charlemagne. Other Germanic peoples also used it, and several have been found in England. The name first appears in Isidore of Seville, who says it was used in Hispania “because of their use by the Franks”. The Byzantine historian Procopius wrote that each Frank carried a sword, a shield and an axe, and that they threw their axes at one signal in the first charge to shatter the enemy’s shields.

Martial arts that use it

Seen in traditional practice, historical reenactment and demonstrations; no art page on WABUKAN yet.

Construction

An arch-shaped iron head that widens towards the edge, with a point at the upper and lower corners, on a short wooden haft. Modern replicas measure about 40 to 45 cm in the haft, with a 10 cm edge and about 600 g; heads found in Norfolk measure 14 to 15 cm from edge to socket.

Basic techniques

Training

Axe training starts with grip, stance and footwork, then the basic cutting lines practised slowly in the air or on a padded target with a wooden or rubber trainer. The hooking and blocking uses of the head and the haft come next, in paired drills at controlled speed.

Safety

Use wooden or rubber trainers for partner work and keep live axes for solo cutting under supervision. Check that the head sits tight on the haft before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never swing towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

Even when the edge missed, the weight of the iron head could still injure, and a volley could make the enemy fear another was coming.

More weapons

Poleaxe Bardiche Lochaber axe Dane axe Tomahawk Tabar (tabarzin)

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Francisca
  2. Wikipedia — Throwing axe