The francisca is a throwing axe used as a weapon during the Early Middle Ages by the Franks, among whom it was a characteristic national weapon at the time of the Merovingians from about 500 to 750 AD and is known to have been used during the reign of Charlemagne (768–814). Although generally associated with the Franks, it was also used by other Germanic peoples of the period including the Anglo-Saxons, and several examples have been found in England. More information...
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Francisca axe II
The francisca is characterized by its distinctly arch-shaped head, widening toward the cutting edge and terminating in a prominent point at both the upper and lower corners. The top of the head is usually either S-shaped or convex with the lower portion curving inward and forming an elbow with the short wooden haft. Sometimes the head is more upswept forming a wider angle with the haft. Most franciscas have a round or teardrop-shaped eye designed to fit the tapered haft, similar to Viking axes. Based on the measurements of modern replicas the francisca had a haft length of around 40-45cm (16-18 in) and a 10cm (4 in) cutting edge with an average weight of around 600 g (21 oz, 1.3 lb).
- 15*10cm – approx. size of the axe head
- 38,5cm - approx. shaft length
- sharp edge!
- shaft from oak or beech wood
- weight approx. 748 g
Instructions for use:
Note that a throwing axcan cause severe injuries! It does not belong in the hands of children!
- Before you throw the ax, make sure that it is not damaged or soiled.
- Do throw with put on leather gloves to protect your hands from abrasions.
- Before you proceed to throw, create enough space around yourself (at least a circle with a radius of 2 meters) and always see to it that nobody is standing beside or in front of you!
- Choose a target from soft materials (such as soft woods or special target boards of hi-tech materials). Avoid throwing on living trees or soil.
- The distance from the target should correspond with your skills and experience. Acceptable is a distance of 5 meters and more.
- Remember that the ax sometimes misses the target and bounces off of objects around the target.
- Sharpen a damaged blade with a diamond file.
- After use, make the throwing axe dry and clean. Then you should oil it to preserve from rusting. Acceptable is e.g. the oil WD40.
- Keep your throwing ax out of reach of children!
Guarantee for breaking a throwing axe
A throwing ax is extremely stressed when throwing on the target. Critical is the sudden slowdown, whose character depends in particular on the exerted throwing power, material stiffness and structure of the target. Breaking of a throwing ax cannot be completely ruled out at such use. We experimented with different steels as well as with their heat treatment. We were able to break all throwing axes! The warranty for breakage refers exclusively to steel defects, such as hairline cracks. Throwing axes are always exposed to tear and wear. We will swap (or reimburse) your ax for free if it breaks due to a material defect. In such cases, a material defect is clearly visible on the steel fracture surface. In such cases do not hesitate and send the ax back to our address. A break of the wooden handle is also excluded from the warranty! A replacement wooden stock can be bought in hobby markets such as Hornbach, OBI, Baumax, UNIHobby, etc.