Aikidoka
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Monstrous monk in training...
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Post by Aikidoka on Sept 14, 2014 18:33:00 GMT
And now for something completely different...The video below is the first cutting session with my Legacy Arms medieval axe. I have always wondered how this type of axe would do against tatami. It cut the mat with no difficultly whatsoever, which shouldn't surprise me since it was designed for removing limbs from people rather than trees :lol: I, on the other hand, need to practice more with this weapon, particularly maintaining the proper distance from the target. I was a little too far away for the first cut. I'll work on that next week. When preparing for this cutting session, my main concern was maintaining edge alignment, but that wasn't a problem with this axe. It handles quite well. Here's the video: Notes: The Munetoshi tatami omote mat was soaked overnight and drained for 30 minutes.
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Post by Madmartigen on Sept 14, 2014 19:09:07 GMT
That's really eye opening. I always knew for a fact that an axe is a devastating weapon, but I was always thinking in terms of smashing and powering through the cut via weight&inertia instead of slicing really.
This is the first time I see axe cutting tatami and honestly I would never expect a clean cut, no to mention a clean effortless-looking double cut!
Thanks for sharing, this is really a nice video and in my opinion well worth a karma.
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Post by MOK on Sept 14, 2014 19:55:23 GMT
Interestingly, I've never had any trouble with edge alignment with axes, even ones with round or nearly round hafts. I think it might be simply that the asymmetric balance causes constant tactile feedback which automatically keeps you aware of the blade's orientation.
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Aikidoka
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Monstrous monk in training...
Posts: 1,452
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Post by Aikidoka on Sept 14, 2014 21:14:21 GMT
Thank you!
Probably so. The last half of this one has a nice oval shape, but a lot of the axes that I've seen have round hafts. Having never cut with axes before, I assumed it might be more difficult. But, if anything, it seemed easier to maintain proper alignment.
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Post by Deepbluedave on Sept 15, 2014 6:36:02 GMT
Looked like a very smooth and effortless double cut, well done Aikidoka edit.... been years since I seen that lumberjack clip
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avery
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Post by avery on Sept 15, 2014 15:01:34 GMT
Very nicely done! If you're open to a bit of criticism, I'd like to offer this; maybe not be so static in your cuts. Step into your cuts as you would with a sword. Let your foot lead you and it'll help with getting the proper distance plus it'll take even less force to cut. Here's a video I did of cutting bottles with Hanweis' Bearded a few years back. Granted, I was leaning my torso a little more than I should've, but it'll give you an idea.
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 16, 2014 1:40:54 GMT
Great cutting. Makes me want to expand my collection and add a few axes to it.
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Aikidoka
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Monstrous monk in training...
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Post by Aikidoka on Sept 16, 2014 1:58:23 GMT
Thanks Dave!
Thanks Avery! Yeah, since I was having issues with proper distance, I decided to try cutting without stepping until I got a better feel for cutting with the axe. I'll incorporate steps in my cutting this weekend.
Thanks Sean! I know what you mean. I already have my eye on another axe that looks like a good platform for customization, as well as a good cutter.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Sept 16, 2014 2:05:36 GMT
Great vid and cutting - makes me want to get some axes now :twisted:
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 16, 2014 2:17:19 GMT
Any idea where to get an axe similar to that Aikidoka? All the sudden, that style caught my eye.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Sept 16, 2014 2:18:25 GMT
You could check out Kult of Athena. Fallen could also make you one.
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Aikidoka
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Monstrous monk in training...
Posts: 1,452
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Post by Aikidoka on Sept 16, 2014 2:30:30 GMT
Thanks! Yeah, give it a try. One good thing about cutting with axes is that they're cheap
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 16, 2014 2:46:53 GMT
Not sure I can afford a custom piece at the moment, but it's a thought
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Aikidoka
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Monstrous monk in training...
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Post by Aikidoka on Sept 16, 2014 2:54:45 GMT
I actually had a conversation with Blake from CAS this morning and unfortunately this particular axe has been discontinued. I found one vendor in Europe that seems to have them in stock: www.swords-and-more.com/shop1/en/legacy-arms/knights-axe-p-2536.html?language=enAs Adrian mentioned, KOA has quite a few axes. Or you could go custom, depending on what you want. If you are specifically interested in performing multiple cuts on tatami, as in the video, one thing to keep in mind is that you'll want to be able to cut the mat with the portion of the blade beyond the end of the haft. If you whack the target with the haft, the cut piece will go flying. I plan to play around with these cuts this weekend and try out some ideas. I think a Danish axe would do well, particularly one where the blade extends forward past the haft a bit. One possibility might be the CS Viking axe. It's pretty cheap and is a potential platform for customization, since it really comes as an axe kit that you assemble yourself. I would refinish the haft, chop it down to 30" or so, and probably apply a patina to the axe head.
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 16, 2014 3:48:20 GMT
I think the Euro site is out of the question now. The 50 EU shipping is a tad steep for me, although I get why it is that high. I'll probably just lurk KOA for a bit or check out some of those viking/danish axes you mentioned.
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Sept 16, 2014 16:14:10 GMT
Talk to Fallen, his axes are VERY affordable...you'd be surprised. Just saying... Here's one I had made... viewtopic.php?f=33&t=20777
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Aikidoka
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Monstrous monk in training...
Posts: 1,452
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Post by Aikidoka on Sept 16, 2014 17:59:48 GMT
Whoa! :shock:
I hadn't seen that one. Nice looking axe!
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Post by SeanXD on Sept 16, 2014 22:44:12 GMT
Just started talking to him earlier. Definitely cheaper than I thought =) .
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