axe with hammer 16th centuryAxes like this appeared from the second half of the 15th century. Battle axes such as this were developed in response to the increasing effectiveness of plate armor. The axe blade tapers in a rounded shape, reducing weight and making the weapon lighter than a standard felling axe. The blade features decorative punchwork, which also reduces weight without compromising the quality of the weapon. The blade continues onto the haft with metal strips