Hurlbats: Late Medieval Throwing Axes

The hurlbat, also known as a Wurfbeil, was a throwing axe used in the late Medieval period, which originated from the Francesca Axe and Goosewing Axe. The throwing cross was known as a Wurfkreuz.

The hurlbat was developed in the Germanies, in the late 14th century as a disposable cavalry weapon. However, over the next two centuries, the hurlbat slowly lost favor to the simpler ""Wurfkreuz"", or throwing cross.

The hurlbat was a throwing axe made entirely of metal, fitted with blades or spikes such that it should cut or pierce a target in any orientation when thrown. Historic examples of hurlbats that still exist range from the 13th to the 17th century.

Hurlbats and Wurfkreuzen are wonderful tools for teaching thrown weapons to beginners in the SCA.