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Lochaber Axe
The Lochaber Axe was a Scottish variation on the halberd design, first
used around 1600. A formidable fighting weapon, the Lochaber Axe had a
hook to the reverse side of the blade which was used when scaling
walls. Care had to be taken not to fall on the tip of the axe once the
climber reached the top of the wall. The sharp point at the top of the
weapon could be used for thrusting while the long, undulating blade
provided an excellent cutting and slashing edge. Additionally, the
hook could be used to pull opponents off balance, off a mount, or as a
disarming tool.
This type of axe was a massive weapon used by foot-soldiers as
a defensive weapon against mounted cavalry. Last used as a means of
defense by Highlanders at Killiecrankie. By 1769, Lochaber axes were
mainly ceremonial weapons such as those carried by Edinburgh's town
guard. The Lochaber axe took many forms and shapes. As to its actual historical
origin, it is hard to say. Certainly it has all the earmarks of the
axes in many of the castles and museums in Scotland.
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