Billhook

Description of Billhook
The weapons used during the Middle Ages include the Billhook. The description of the Billhook which provides basic facts and information about the weapon is as follows:

  • Billhook - This weapon originated as a cross between a broad curved knife which was hook shaped at the end and an axe. It was originally used as a farming tool
  • Names of other types of billhook -  Bill, Hook bill and Hand bill
  • Used as a versatile, close contact weapon
  • The blade between 8 and 10 inches long and curved towards the end giving a hook-like appearance
  • The wooden handle was a short staff which measured between 6 and 8 inches long
  • However bills came in a large variety of shapes and dimensions
  • Hooks of various types were also attached to this lethal weapon of the Middle Ages
  • A blow could apply tremendous force and could inflict significant injury to a knight in armor and his horse
  • Horse armor was developed to counteract injuries inflicted by such weapons as the bill. The Medieval horse, called a Destrier was the favored horses of knights in the Middle Ages
  • The hook end was used for grappling the target's armor or the reins of a warhorse
  • The weapon was used as a grappling or cutting weapon and capable of cutting off the limbs of an enemy in one stroke
  • The weapon was particularly effective against opponents wearing plate armor and reducing the effectiveness of the shield
  • Type or group of weapons - Cutting Weapon

   
  

The Middle Ages was an extremely violent era in history featuring battles in both Europe and the Holy Land when the crusades, and the crusaders who fought them, were numerous. Feudal Lords and Knights used such weapons as the Billhook in different types of warfare. The quest for power led to invasions of lands and territories which had to be fought for. Siege warfare, waged to win a castle or a walled town or city, was a frequent occurrence during the Middle Ages. Warfare during the Middle Ages, or Medieval era called for a variety of weapon expertise. Knights and men-at-arms ( foot soldiers, or archers ) used different types of weapons. The Billhook was predominantly used by a Foot Soldiers. The weapons used were dictated according to status and position. The weapons, armor and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers.

Billhook aka Bill

  • Interesting Facts and information about Medieval Billhook used in warfare during the Middle Ages
  • Description of the Billhook
  • Billhook training
  • The Makers and Making of the Billhook
  • The maintenance of the Billhook Medieval Weapon

Billhook ( aka Bill)

A weapon used in the Middle Ages ( Medieval period ) by a Foot Soldiers

Billhook Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The training required by a Foot Soldiers to use the Billhook :

  • Training method - The training method practised in the use of the Warhammer was based on strength and accuracy in hitting the target
  • A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area or in the accuracy when hurling the battle axe at a practise target
  • Foot soldiers were familiar with this weapon as similar implements were used as agricultural tools

The Makers and Making of the Billhook
This Medieval weapon was made by a blacksmith. The materials required to make this weapon were:

  • Iron
  • Steel
  • Occasionally bronze

Blacksmiths are usually associated with making weapons in a village smithy but blacksmiths were an important part of a fighting army, making new weapons and repairing and the maintenance of old weapons.

Billhook aka Bill
Each section of Middle Ages Weapons provides interesting facts and information about Medieval warfare in addition to the Billhook. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Medieval period of the Middle Ages!

Billhook

  • Middle Ages era, period, life, age and times
  • Middle Ages Castles, Knights, Crusaders, Crusaders and Weapons
  • Interesting Facts and information about Medieval Billhook used in warfare during the Middle Ages
  • Description of the Billhook
  • Weapon Training methods
  • The makers and making of the weapon

Billhook

The Billhook - History of Billhook - Interesting Information about Billhook - Billhook Facts - Billhook Info - Middle Ages Weapon - Middle Ages Weapon - Middle Ages Wepon - The Billhook - Billhook History - Information about Billhook - Billhook Facts - Billhook Info - Knights weapon - Crusaders Weapon - Wepon - Training - Use - Makers - Crusades - Castle - Castles - Armor - Siege - Weapon training - The Billhook - History of Billhook - Information about Billhook - Facts - Billhook Info - Middle Ages Weapon - Middle Ages Weapon - Middle Ages Wepon - Billhook History - Information about Billhook - Facts about Billhook and Info - Knights weapon - Crusaders Weapon - Wepon - Training - Use - Makers - Crusades - Castle - Armor - Siege - Weapon training - Written By Linda Alchin