What has the a Master of Science and Technology, Technology Management and Innovation and a traditional English weapon have in common? Normally nothing, but when MSc(Tech) student Steven Wheeler started talking to Geoff Boxell of TMI (Technology Management and Innovation unit) the two found that they had a common interest in bladed weapons. Steve is the Managing Director of Wheelers Knives of Taradale, a specialist blade making company, and Geoff is a history buff who needed some specific information on the use of single edged knives in combat for his published historical novel 'Woden's Wolf'. To cut a long story short; Geoff provided measurements and specifications for an English saxe, a traditional weapon from which the Saxons took their name, and Steve made a replica using modern steel, but otherwise constructed in as authentic a manner as possible.

The saxe or sæx is a long bladed single edged knife similar to a machete. The use of the saxe was for either fighting or for hunting. The saxe was normally carried in a horizontal scabbard, either at the front, or back, of the waist. Some saxe, such as the example found at Sittingbourne in England, had a point, and Steve and Geoff's replica follows this style. Whilst usually described as a 'slashing' weapon, it is better as a cutting weapon, also, a Sittingbourne type saxe can be used for both stabbing downwards and thrusting upwards. In fact the design of the point is such that it will slip under the breastbone and pierce the heart before reappearing at the base of the collarbone! Unless slashing, the saxe is best held in the downward guard position with the cutting edge facing outwards. The length of a saxe could vary from that of a small knife to that of a sword (langseax).

Steve said that it was a very interesting exercise; recently his company had diversified from knife making into making various swords for the Japanese martial arts market. At first he thought that making the saxe would be very similar, but in fact it proved to be a very unique weapon. Wheelers Knives seem to have caught the dark ages bug, as Steve is now talking about try his hand at making a Danish long-axe, a weapon that was used by Vikings and English alike. The axe was so deadly that it could behead rider and horse alike!

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