Naval axe

A naval axe, also called a boarding axe, is a heavy axe designed chiefly as a tool aboard ships. Its function multi-faceted and include removing wreckage and debris, severing ropes, chopping down masts, and boarding enemy vessels. Because of their power and lethality, they have also been adapted as weapons.

Description
Naval axes are typically consist of no more than a giant axe head at the end of a large, wooden stick. While the head can vary in shape, a broad blade and a rear hook are always a defining features, as these are essential parts of their function. They are invariably quite heavy, demanding two hands to wield by a strong individual.

These axes are so-named because they were developed for the primary purpose of assisting sailors with labour aboard sailing ships. Much of their function involve removing obstacles and mitigating danger in the event of a storm, battle, or other ordeal. For example, they can be utilized to hew masts that have been damaged beyond repair or otherwise become an impediment to the ship's mobility. Ropes which have entangled the ship or crew members are also designed to be easily severed by naval axes. Their hooks are ideal for clearing decks of debris, such as wooden wreckage or burning shots.

A last function of naval axes is in boarding. In this capacity, they are adapted as weapons since their blades are typically powerful enough to hack through flesh and bone. During a boarding action, their hitherto beneficial applications can be turned into destructive potential, tearing through rigging, masts, sails, and yards vital for an enemy vessel's performance.

History
The peak usage of naval axes coincided with the in the 18th century, when Europea sailing watercraft regularly travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to their colonies in the Americas. They were an indispensable part of such voyages, and as such, they were a common sight among colonists in regions like British North America and Louisiana where they were sold in general stores.

Appearances

 * Assassin's Creed III
 * Assassin's Creed III: Liberation