Handaxe

Handaxes were a type of light, martial melee weapon in the axe family.
==Description==
Handaxes were similar to hatchets in size and shape. Their shafts were usually made of wood, though metal was sometimes used. Their blades were single-edged and their back sides were either unadorned, spiked, or had a peen. Handaxes were heavier than throwing axes and not balanced enough to be used effectively as a thrown weapon.
==Weaponology==
Classified as a light weapon, handaxes were often used while grappling an opponent. Because some training was required to use them effectively as an off-hand weapon in conjunction with another, they were typically considered as martial weapons.
==Notable Handaxes==
* Sky Cleaver, the legendary handaxe of the giant god Annam All-Father.
* Snowbeard's avalanche axe
==Notable Users of Handaxes==
===Classes===
* Fugitive slaves that had escaped from farms were liable to be wield handaxes due to experience with chopping wood.
===Individuals===
* Belmer Oelber Rayburton
* Reiner Trall
* Saarvin
* Vaug
===Races & Sentient Creatures===
* Alaghi hunters were typically trained in the use of handaxes.
* Dwarves were known to favor handaxes as an off-hand weapon.
* Handaxes were a common weapon among both human and demihuman races all across Faerun.
* Approximately a quarter of all Scro fighting forces were likely to be armed with handaxes.
===Regions & Settlements===
* Handaxes were a commonly used weapon among inhabitants of Malatra.
===Religions===
* Handaxes were a favored weapon of the deities Gaknulak and Nomog-Geaya. They were also featured in the holy symbol of the latter.
==Appendix==
===See also===
* Throwing axes
===Appearances===
:;Adventures
::Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
:;Video Games
::Pool of Radiance • Secret of the Silver Blades • Gateway to the Savage Frontier • Treasures of the Savage Frontier • Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance • Dungeons & Dragons: Eye of the Beholder • Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II • Sword Coast Legends • Baldur's Gate III • Warriors of Waterdeep
:;Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
::War of Everlasting Darkness
===Gallery===
Handaxes_WoW.png|A pair of Waterdhavian handaxes, from the late 15 century DR.
Bone hatchets WoW.png|A pair of handaxes made out of bone, from the late 15 century DR.
File:Handaxe1.jpg|A handaxe.
===External Links===
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===References===
Category:Weapons
Category:Axes
Category:Light weapons
Category:Melee weapons
Category:Martial weapons
Category:Slashing weapons
Category:0-24 gold pieces