English War Hammer

As plate armor became stronger in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, traditional swords often proved ineffective against a fully armored knight. This shift led to the rise of weapons like maces, axes, and the war hammer—tools specifically designed to breach armor and disable opponents in brutal close combat. By the early 16th century, the war hammer had become one of the premier knightly weapons, valued for its speed, reach, and devastating efficiency.

A Weapon Built to Defeat Armor

This reproduction war hammer is modeled after an English example dating to around 1530 AD. The key feature is its 6 1/2" armor-piercing spike, forged to puncture plate and expose vulnerabilities. Opposite the spike is a compact hammer face designed to dent, bend, or otherwise impair an opponent’s armor with well-placed strikes. Lighter than a mace yet just as effective, the war hammer’s extended reach provided mounted knights and foot soldiers with both speed and tactical advantage on the battlefield.

Functional Reproduction with Historic Detail

Hand-forged from high carbon steel and tempered for resilience, this war hammer balances authenticity with functionality. Measuring 25 1/4" overall and weighing just 1 3/4 lbs., it is light, fast, and maneuverable—exactly what period warriors required. A faithful recreation of a weapon once feared across European battlefields, it makes an excellent addition for collectors, reenactors, or martial enthusiasts interested in the arms of the Renaissance.