Vietnamese Doc Phu

By Crusader1307

A common Infantry weapon, The Vietnamese Doc Phu was a hand-held Battle Axe – used from the 5^th thru 18^th Century AD. Originally, these weapons were made of two materials, Iron and wood. Later, most versions were made of iron and later steel. Medieval type Handles were made from Regional wood, with cast Heads affixed to Handles via a milled opening (fitted on and sealed with molten metal). Unlike European Axe Heads which featured a distinctive multi flanged (crescent) Head – early Types were singled edged and had a downward strike face (similar to The Norse Bearded Axe). Handles ranged from 2.5 to 3-feet long with Axe Heads seldom exceeding 8 to 12-inches in width. These were cutting, slashing and chopping weapons, capable of inflicting great bodily damage and related trauma.