Robot Wars Wiki
Robot Wars Wiki
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{{Weapon
 
{{Weapon
 
|title1=Bladed axes
 
|title1=Bladed axes
|image1=[[File:Terrorhurtz vs Spawn Again.JPG]]
+
|image1=[[File:Terrorhurtz vs Diotoir.jpg]]
|caption1=Terrorhurtz hacks away at Spawn Again
+
|caption1=Terrorhurtz immobilises Diotoir with its axe
 
|category_of_weapon=[[Overhead weapons]]
 
|category_of_weapon=[[Overhead weapons]]
 
|pioneer=[[Killerhurtz|Killerhurtz (Series 2)]]
 
|pioneer=[[Killerhurtz|Killerhurtz (Series 2)]]
|notable_robots=[[The Steel Avenger]],<br> [[Terrorhurtz]], [[Thor|Thor (2016 <br>series)]]
+
|notable_robots=[[The Steel Avenger]],<br> [[Terrorhurtz]], [[Thor|Thor (Series 8-10)]]
 
|house_robots=[[Shunt]]
 
|house_robots=[[Shunt]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Bladed axes''' are a type of overhead weapon found in ''[[Robot Wars]]''. The first robot to feature this weapon was [[House Robots|House Robot]] [[Shunt]] in Series 1, who would earn fame for his diamond-edged (later titanium) axe in later series.
 
'''Bladed axes''' are a type of overhead weapon found in ''[[Robot Wars]]''. The first robot to feature this weapon was [[House Robots|House Robot]] [[Shunt]] in Series 1, who would earn fame for his diamond-edged (later titanium) axe in later series.
   
The first competitor robot to feature a bladed axe was [[Killerhurtz]] in Series 2, although it was later replaced with its more famous [[spiked axes|spiked axe]]. Other notable robots with this weapon type include its successor, [[Terrorhurtz]], [[The Steel Avenger]], and the Series 8 version of [[Thor]]. Both Terrorhurtz and Thor are also the most successful, reaching the Grand Final in Series 6 and 8 respectively.
+
The first competitor robot to feature a bladed axe was [[Killerhurtz]] in Series 2, although it was later replaced with its more famous [[spiked axes|spiked axe]]. Other notable robots with this weapon type include its successor, [[Terrorhurtz]], [[The Steel Avenger]], and [[Thor]] from Series 8 onwards. Both Terrorhurtz and Thor are also the most successful, reaching the Grand Final and placing fourth in Series 6 and 8 respectively.
   
 
==Definition==
 
==Definition==
 
[[File:Tomahawk_bladed_axe.jpg|thumb|left|Tomahawk's bladed axe in Series 7]]
 
[[File:Tomahawk_bladed_axe.jpg|thumb|left|Tomahawk's bladed axe in Series 7]]
'''Bladed axes''' typically feature an axe head with a blade featuring a much larger surface area than a [[Spiked axes|spiked axe]], which aim to provide a larger area of attack. They are specialised to chop, pound, bend, hack and shake components and armour loose rather than pierce through them, and are among some of the most common types seen in everyday usage - for example, fireaxes which are used to chop wood. Bladed axes come in various shapes and sizes, from fireaxe-style chopping blades, as originally used by [[Killerhurtz]], to curved blades with a spiked tip, as seen on [[The Steel Avenger]], and even double-headed blades as used by [[Terrorhurtz]] and the Series 3 competitor [[Shell Shock]].
+
'''Bladed axes''' typically feature an axe head with a blade featuring a much larger surface area than a [[Spiked axes|spiked axe]], which aim to provide a larger area of attack. They are specialised to chop, pound, bend, hack and shake components and armour loose rather than pierce through them, and are among some of the most common types seen in everyday usage - for example, fireaxes which are used to chop wood. Bladed axes come in various shapes and sizes, from fireaxe-style chopping blades, as originally used by [[Killerhurtz]], to curved blades with a spiked tip, as seen on [[The Steel Avenger]], and even double-headed blades as used by [[Terrorhurtz]] and the Series 3 competitor [[Shell Shock (Series 3)|Shell Shock]].
   
 
==Advantages and Disadvantages==
 
==Advantages and Disadvantages==
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[[File:Mr_speed_squared_vs_thor_2.jpg|thumb|Thor pierces M.R. Speed Squared's armour]]
 
[[File:Mr_speed_squared_vs_thor_2.jpg|thumb|Thor pierces M.R. Speed Squared's armour]]
 
[[File:Steel Avenger axes Shredder Evolution.png|thumb|The Steel Avenger scored over Shredder Evolution by striking and dragging it with its axe]]
 
[[File:Steel Avenger axes Shredder Evolution.png|thumb|The Steel Avenger scored over Shredder Evolution by striking and dragging it with its axe]]
  +
[[File:Reptirron_Flame_Pit.jpg|thumb|Terrorhurtz drags Reptirron the Second onto the Flame Pit in Series 6]]
*Alongside [[hammers]], bladed axes are more readily available than most other types of weapons, as they can be collected from any hardware or DIY store.
 
 
*A powerful bladed axe can serve as an efficient cross between a spiked axe and a hammer, being able to cause both external and internal damage with equal efficiency. [[Terrorhurtz]] demonstrated this effectively in its Series 6 Semi-Final fight against [[Spawn Again]], and [[Thor]] punched holes through [[M.R. Speed Squared|M.R. Speed Squared's]] armour and hacked off [[Shockwave|Shockwave's]] scoop in their Series 8 Head-to-Heads.
*With their large surface area, bladed axes are the most effective type of overhead weapons for use as a [[Self-righting mechanism|self-righting mechanism]], provided that there is sufficient power behind the axe to achieve this. [[Terrorhurtz]] and the Series 8 [[Thor]] demonstrated this capability quite effectively several times.
+
*With their large surface area, bladed axes are the most effective type of overhead weapons for use as a [[Self-righting mechanism|self-righting mechanism]], provided that there is sufficient power behind the axe to achieve this. Terrorhurtz and Thor demonstrated this capability quite effectively several times.
*A powerful bladed axe can serve as an efficient cross between a spiked axe and a hammer, being able to cause both external and internal damage with equal efficiency. Terrorhurtz demonstrated this effectively in its Series 6 Semi-Final fight against [[Spawn Again]], as did Thor in the 2016 series, the latter puncturing holes through [[M.R. Speed Squared|M.R. Speed Squared's]] armour and hacking off [[Shockwave|Shockwave's]] scoop during their respective Head-to-Head battles.
 
*Successful axe blows always score well on control and aggression, and bladed axes tend to show more aggression than their spiked counterparts. This is perhaps best shown in [[The Steel Avenger]]'s victory over [[Shredder|Shredder Evolution]] in Series 7, and in Thor's victory over Shockwave in their Head to Head battle in Series 8.
+
*Successful axe blows tend to score well on control and aggression, in the event of a Judges' decision. This is perhaps best shown in [[The Steel Avenger|Steel Avenger's]] victory over [[Shredder|Shredder Evolution]] in Series 7, and in Thor's victory over Shockwave in their Head-to-Head battle in Series 8.
  +
*As with [[Spiked axes|spiked axes]], the leverage offered by a bladed axe can allow robots equipped with them to drag and push opponents around if the axe head becomes embedded in them. Both Terrorhurtz and The Steel Avenger demonstrated this tactic at various moments across both of the show's runs.
 
*Alongside [[Hammers|hammers]], bladed axes were more readily available than most other types of weapons, as they could be purchased rather than manufactured, although purchased weapons proved ineffective outside of earlier series.
   
 
'''Disadvantages'''
 
'''Disadvantages'''
[[File:Tornado terrorhurtz.JPG|thumb|Terrorhurtz's axe was no help in its 19-second loss to Tornado]]
+
[[File:Vulture_pillow.jpg|thumb|The 'pillow' used by Vulture to counter blows from Terrorhurtz's axe, comprising of HDPE blocks and other materials]]
 
[[File:Thor_vents_gas.jpg|thumb|Thor vents CO<sub>2</sub> as its pneumatics system malfunctions against TR2]]
 
[[File:Thor_vents_gas.jpg|thumb|Thor vents CO<sub>2</sub> as its pneumatics system malfunctions against TR2]]
  +
[[File:Thor_CO2_Magnetar.jpg|thumb|Thor's CO<sub>2</sub> billows out following a direct hit from Magnetar]]
*Bladed axes were initially less effective as a knock-out weapon than a spiked axe, as they did not put out the kinetic energy into a point needed to damage vital components in the same way that spiked axes could, and required a lot more power to do so. [[Shunt]] and [[Terrorhurtz]] were the only two robots to immobilise another with a bladed axe in the original series of ''Robot Wars'', and it was not until the show's hiatus that other robots with bladed axes became more effective over time.
 
  +
[[File:TMHWK_broken_axe.jpg|thumb|During its ''World Series'' battle against Terrorhurtz, TMHWK's axe arm snapped in half as a result of metal fatigue and a powerful flip from Matilda's tusks]]
*A bladed axe largely specialises in knocking internal components loose, and is not as effective at causing visible damage as its spiked counterpart. As a result, it can become ineffective against robots with strong armour and chassis. Terrorhurtz and [[The Steel Avenger]] were unable to cause any damage to [[Tornado]] and [[Storm 2]], respectively.
 
  +
*Opposing teams were welcome to modify their designs before a battle in an attempt to nullify axes, by applying additional armour to the top of their robot. For example, in Series 10, both [[Vulture]] and [[Rapid]] gained extra layers of armour for their head-to-head battles against [[Terrorhurtz]], in order to protect vital components from getting damaged.
*Most bladed axes only functioned in one specific direction - usually forwards - compounding the accuracy issues regarding this and all other overhead weapon types. Terrorhurtz's axe is a notable exception, as it was designed to be double-headed in order to strike from both the front and back of the machine.
+
*Most bladed axes only functioned in one specific direction - usually forwards - compounding the accuracy issues present in this and all other overhead weapon types. Terrorhurtz's axe is a notable exception, as it was designed to be double-headed in order to strike from both the front and back of the machine.
*If pneumatically-powered, bladed axes can also fail to self-right if the weapon is low on CO<sub>2</sub>, or if the pneumatics system is damaged or malfunctioning. This was especially apparent in the defeats of [[Terrorhurtz]], [[Glitterbomb]] and [[Thor]] throughout Series 8, with all of them not being able to self-right at various stages due to problems with their pneumatics systems or their CO<sub>2</sub> supplies freezing in cold temperatures.
+
*If pneumatically-powered, bladed axes can also fail to operate if the weapon is low on CO<sub>2</sub>, or if the pneumatics system is damaged or malfunctioning. This would also remove the robot's ability to self-right, which was apparent in the defeats of Terrorhurtz, [[Glitterbomb]] and [[Thor]] throughout Series 8 and 9, with all of them not being able to self-right at various stages due to problems with their pneumatics systems.
  +
*Pneumatic axes may have their mechanisms exposed to attacks from crushers, or vertical spinners if upside-down. This was most notably shown in Thor's battle with Magnetar in Series 10, where a well-timed attack from Magnetar ruptured Thor's CO<sub>2</sub> supply.
  +
*The shaft of a bladed axe may often get damaged or even bent. This was best shown by Thor in Series 9, where Jason Marston had to turn the shaft around to try and bend it the right way, however he did note that continued attempts at this would cause the axe to break due to metal fatigue.
  +
**The effects of metal fatigue were vividly demonstrated by [[Tomahawk|TMHWK's]] axe arm during the [[Robot Wars: World Series/Episode 1|first episode]] of ''[[Robot Wars: World Series]]'', which bent and snapped in half in its Head-to-Head following attacks from Terrorhurtz and [[Matilda]].
  +
*In some cases, a bladed axe head can cause the wielder and its opponent to become stuck together, requiring separation if the axe is embedded in an opponent and cannot retract on its own. In both of its encounters with Vulture in Series 10, Terrorhurtz was unable to separate itself from the former, requiring the [[House Robots]] to prise both competitors apart. Unsuccessful attempts to retract an axe can also use up a limited CO<sub>2</sub> supply, reducing the effectiveness of the axe once the robots are separated.
  +
  +
'''Bladed axes vs Spiked axes'''
  +
*While a spiked axe focuses on piercing armour, bladed axes focus on causing internal damage by shaking components loose. For example, when the axes of Terrorhurtz and [[Iron-Awe|Iron-Awe 2]] struck the armour of [[Barber-Ous|Barber-Ous 2]], the spiked axe of Iron-Awe 2 created outward damage by piercing the plastic armour, while the bladed axe of Terrorhurtz caused significant internal damage and immobilised Barber-Ous 2.
  +
*Although bladed axes are not immune to becoming stuck in a robot's armour (e.g. Terrorhurtz vs Vulture, Series 10), they are far less likely to become stuck in a robot's armour or the arena floor than a spiked axe. This would also allow the axe weapon to strike multiple times more quickly, if it can more easily retract from a robot.
  +
*Bladed axe heads suffer less recoil damage when striking impenetrable armour, as spiked axe heads may blunt or break when failing to pierce armour. For this reason, bladed axes were far more prominent in the reboot of ''Robot Wars'', where hardened steels proved difficult to break through.
   
 
==List of Robots with Bladed Axes==
 
==List of Robots with Bladed Axes==
Robots are listed alphabetically. Robots which are not heavyweights are listed with a green background.
+
Robots are listed alphabetically. Robots which are not heavyweight entries are listed with a green background. House Robots are listed with a yellow background.
[[File:Glitterbomb.png|thumb|Glitterbomb in Series 8]]
 
[[File:Killerhurtz 2.JPG|thumb|Killerhurtz, the UK pioneer of the bladed axe]]
 
[[File:IvanhoeS2.jpg|thumb|175px|Ivanhoe]]
 
[[File:2016Shunt.jpg|thumb|Shunt as he appeared in Series 8]]
 
[[File:Terrorhurtz_series_9.png|thumb|Terrorhurtz]]
 
[[File:Thor_series_9.png|thumb|The Series 9 version of Thor]]
 
[[File:SteelAvenger7.JPG|thumb|175px|Twice Heat Finalist The Steel Avenger]]
 
[[File:TMHWK.jpg|thumb|TMHWK]]
 
 
{|class="wikitable"
 
{|class="wikitable"
 
!Robot
 
!Robot
!Series Appearances with Bladed axes
+
!Series appearances with Bladed axes
 
!Notes
 
!Notes
  +
!Image
 
|-
 
|-
|[[8645T]]
+
|[[Apocalypse]]
|Series 5, 7
+
|Series 10
  +
|Used in tandem with a pair of horizontal grabbing arms, also referred to as 'horizontal axes'.
|Combined with a rear-hinged flipper, set on the back of a flipper.
 
  +
|[[File:Apocalypse.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
  +
|[[Bonk]]
 
|Series 8
  +
|Interchangeable with a hammer-type head.
  +
|[[File:Bonk.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Comengetorix]]
 
|[[Comengetorix]]
 
|Series 6
 
|Series 6
 
|The robot only used a bladed axe in Series 6, using a spiked axe in Extreme 1.
 
|The robot only used a bladed axe in Series 6, using a spiked axe in Extreme 1.
  +
|[[File:Comengetorix.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Crippler]]
 
|[[Crippler]]
 
|Series 3
 
|Series 3
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:Crippler.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Glitterbomb]]
 
|[[Glitterbomb]]
|Series 8
+
|Series 8-9
 
|Uses the axe mechanism from [[Edge Hog]]. Returned for Series 9 with twin axes, but was withdrawn.
 
|Uses the axe mechanism from [[Edge Hog]]. Returned for Series 9 with twin axes, but was withdrawn.
 
|[[File:Glitterbomb S8.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Hydrotec]]
 
|[[Hydrotec]]
 
|German Series
 
|German Series
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:Hydrotec.png|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Ivanhoe]]
 
|[[Ivanhoe]]
 
|Series 2
 
|Series 2
 
|UK Heat Finalist
 
|UK Heat Finalist
 
|[[File:IvanhoeS2.jpg|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Killerhurtz]]
 
|[[Killerhurtz]]
 
|Series 2
 
|Series 2
 
|Pioneer of the bladed axe, although replaced with a spiked axe in subsequent appearances.
 
|Pioneer of the bladed axe, although replaced with a spiked axe in subsequent appearances.
  +
|[[File:Killerhurtz S2.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Mechadroid]]
 
|[[Mechadroid]]
 
|US Season 2
 
|US Season 2
 
|A double-headed axe using both bladed and spiked pick heads.
 
|A double-headed axe using both bladed and spiked pick heads.
  +
|[[File:Mechadroid.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
|[[Oblivion]]
+
|[[Oblivion|Oblivion 2]]
 
|Series 3-4
 
|Series 3-4
  +
|Competed only in the Pinball during Series 3.
|
 
  +
|[[File:Oblivion2.jpg|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Pathetica]]
 
|[[Pathetica]]
 
|Dutch Series 1
 
|Dutch Series 1
  +
|First robot from live circuit veterans [[Team RCC]].
|
 
  +
|[[File:Pathetica.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Pressure]]
 
|[[Pressure]]
 
|Extreme Series 2
 
|Extreme Series 2
  +
|Axe was not seen to be used in combat, with the robot relying on its lifting scoop.
|
 
  +
|[[File:Pressure.jpg|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Project One]]
 
|[[Project One]]
 
|Dutch Series 1
 
|Dutch Series 1
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:ProjectOne.jpg|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Sgt. Meikle]]
 
|[[Sgt. Meikle]]
 
|Series 3
 
|Series 3
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:Sgt meikle .jpg|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Shell Shock (Series 3)|Shell Shock]]
 
|[[Shell Shock (Series 3)|Shell Shock]]
 
|Series 3
 
|Series 3
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:Shellshock series 3 offical image.jpg|thumb|150px]]
|-bgcolor="#FF0000"
+
|-bgcolor="ffff00"
 
|[[Shunt]]
 
|[[Shunt]]
  +
|Series 1
|Series 1, Series 3-9, Extreme 1-2, US Season 1-2, Nickelodeon, Dutch Series 1-2, German Series
 
  +
|Weapon was later replaced by a spiked pickaxe, and then the more famous 'diamond-edged' axe.
|A 'diamond-edged' axe in later series, combining elements of spiked and bladed types. Made out of titanium for Series 8.
 
  +
|[[File:Oldshunt.JPG|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Storm Force]]
 
|[[Storm Force]]
 
|Series 5
 
|Series 5
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:Storm Force Series 5.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Terrorhurtz]]
 
|[[Terrorhurtz]]
|Series 5-9, Extreme 2
+
|Series 5-10, Extreme 2
|Most famous and deadly of bladed axes. Only double-sided axe that was capable of striking opponents in front of and behind the robot. Series 6 Grand Finalist.
+
|Among the most famous and destructive of bladed axes. Only double-sided axe that was capable of striking opponents in front of and behind the robot. Series 6 Grand Finalist.
  +
|[[File:Terrorhurtz 10.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[The Steel Avenger]]
 
|[[The Steel Avenger]]
 
|Series 3-5, 7, Extreme 1-2
 
|Series 3-5, 7, Extreme 1-2
 
|Only featured a bladed axe during one of its battles in Series 3, the other featuring a pick. Series 4 and 7 Heat Finalist, runners-up in Extreme 2 Tag Team Terror, paired with [[Lightning]].
 
|Only featured a bladed axe during one of its battles in Series 3, the other featuring a pick. Series 4 and 7 Heat Finalist, runners-up in Extreme 2 Tag Team Terror, paired with [[Lightning]].
  +
|[[File:Steel Avenger.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Thor]]
 
|[[Thor]]
|Series 8-9
+
|Series 8-10
|Replaced the hammer used in Series 6 and 7. Interchangeable axe heads include a pointed head and a Mjölnir-inspired head. Series 8 Grand Finalist.
+
|Replaced the hammer used in Series 6 and 7. Interchangeable axe heads include a pointed head and a Mjölnir-inspired head. Series 8 Grand Finalist. Five interchangeable heads in Series 10, some of which are referred to as 'hammers' on the official ''Robot Wars'' website.
  +
|[[File:Thor S10.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Tiger Cat]]
 
|[[Tiger Cat]]
 
|US Season 1
 
|US Season 1
  +
|Axe failed to work in both of it's appearances.
|
 
  +
|[[File:Tiger Cats Pits.jpg|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Tomahawk]]
 
|[[Tomahawk]]
|Series 7, 9
+
|Series 7, 9-10
|Rebuilt and renamed '''TMHWK''' in Series 9. Features three interchangeable axe heads in Series 9.
+
|Rebuilt and renamed '''TMHWK''' in Series 9. Its bladed axe head is spiked on the back end, and the axe head can voluntarily be reversed to change its purpose.
 
|[[File:TMHWK.png|thumb|150px]]
  +
|-
  +
|[[Trolley Rage]]
  +
|Series 9
 
|
  +
|[[File:Trolley-rage.png|thumb|150px]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[[Undertaker]]
 
|[[Undertaker]]
 
|Series 3
 
|Series 3
 
|
 
|
  +
|[[File:UndertakerRW3.jpg|thumb|150px]]
|-
 
|[[Weld-Dor]]
 
|Series 3
 
|Competed in the First World Championship
 
 
|}
 
|}
   

Revision as of 03:36, 25 May 2020

"We hated it (Killerhurtz's spiked axe). We decided to add this broad blade axe so it wouldn't get stuck, it would just keep digging at them..."
— John Reid after defeating Panic Attack

Bladed axes are a type of overhead weapon found in Robot Wars. The first robot to feature this weapon was House Robot Shunt in Series 1, who would earn fame for his diamond-edged (later titanium) axe in later series.

The first competitor robot to feature a bladed axe was Killerhurtz in Series 2, although it was later replaced with its more famous spiked axe. Other notable robots with this weapon type include its successor, Terrorhurtz, The Steel Avenger, and Thor from Series 8 onwards. Both Terrorhurtz and Thor are also the most successful, reaching the Grand Final and placing fourth in Series 6 and 8 respectively.

Definition

Tomahawk bladed axe

Tomahawk's bladed axe in Series 7

Bladed axes typically feature an axe head with a blade featuring a much larger surface area than a spiked axe, which aim to provide a larger area of attack. They are specialised to chop, pound, bend, hack and shake components and armour loose rather than pierce through them, and are among some of the most common types seen in everyday usage - for example, fireaxes which are used to chop wood. Bladed axes come in various shapes and sizes, from fireaxe-style chopping blades, as originally used by Killerhurtz, to curved blades with a spiked tip, as seen on The Steel Avenger, and even double-headed blades as used by Terrorhurtz and the Series 3 competitor Shell Shock.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Mr speed squared vs thor 2

Thor pierces M.R. Speed Squared's armour

Steel Avenger axes Shredder Evolution

The Steel Avenger scored over Shredder Evolution by striking and dragging it with its axe

Reptirron Flame Pit

Terrorhurtz drags Reptirron the Second onto the Flame Pit in Series 6

  • A powerful bladed axe can serve as an efficient cross between a spiked axe and a hammer, being able to cause both external and internal damage with equal efficiency. Terrorhurtz demonstrated this effectively in its Series 6 Semi-Final fight against Spawn Again, and Thor punched holes through M.R. Speed Squared's armour and hacked off Shockwave's scoop in their Series 8 Head-to-Heads.
  • With their large surface area, bladed axes are the most effective type of overhead weapons for use as a self-righting mechanism, provided that there is sufficient power behind the axe to achieve this. Terrorhurtz and Thor demonstrated this capability quite effectively several times.
  • Successful axe blows tend to score well on control and aggression, in the event of a Judges' decision. This is perhaps best shown in Steel Avenger's victory over Shredder Evolution in Series 7, and in Thor's victory over Shockwave in their Head-to-Head battle in Series 8.
  • As with spiked axes, the leverage offered by a bladed axe can allow robots equipped with them to drag and push opponents around if the axe head becomes embedded in them. Both Terrorhurtz and The Steel Avenger demonstrated this tactic at various moments across both of the show's runs.
  • Alongside hammers, bladed axes were more readily available than most other types of weapons, as they could be purchased rather than manufactured, although purchased weapons proved ineffective outside of earlier series.

Disadvantages

Vulture pillow

The 'pillow' used by Vulture to counter blows from Terrorhurtz's axe, comprising of HDPE blocks and other materials

Thor vents gas

Thor vents CO2 as its pneumatics system malfunctions against TR2

Thor CO2 Magnetar

Thor's CO2 billows out following a direct hit from Magnetar

TMHWK broken axe

During its World Series battle against Terrorhurtz, TMHWK's axe arm snapped in half as a result of metal fatigue and a powerful flip from Matilda's tusks

  • Opposing teams were welcome to modify their designs before a battle in an attempt to nullify axes, by applying additional armour to the top of their robot. For example, in Series 10, both Vulture and Rapid gained extra layers of armour for their head-to-head battles against Terrorhurtz, in order to protect vital components from getting damaged.
  • Most bladed axes only functioned in one specific direction - usually forwards - compounding the accuracy issues present in this and all other overhead weapon types. Terrorhurtz's axe is a notable exception, as it was designed to be double-headed in order to strike from both the front and back of the machine.
  • If pneumatically-powered, bladed axes can also fail to operate if the weapon is low on CO2, or if the pneumatics system is damaged or malfunctioning. This would also remove the robot's ability to self-right, which was apparent in the defeats of Terrorhurtz, Glitterbomb and Thor throughout Series 8 and 9, with all of them not being able to self-right at various stages due to problems with their pneumatics systems.
  • Pneumatic axes may have their mechanisms exposed to attacks from crushers, or vertical spinners if upside-down. This was most notably shown in Thor's battle with Magnetar in Series 10, where a well-timed attack from Magnetar ruptured Thor's CO2 supply.
  • The shaft of a bladed axe may often get damaged or even bent. This was best shown by Thor in Series 9, where Jason Marston had to turn the shaft around to try and bend it the right way, however he did note that continued attempts at this would cause the axe to break due to metal fatigue.
  • In some cases, a bladed axe head can cause the wielder and its opponent to become stuck together, requiring separation if the axe is embedded in an opponent and cannot retract on its own. In both of its encounters with Vulture in Series 10, Terrorhurtz was unable to separate itself from the former, requiring the House Robots to prise both competitors apart. Unsuccessful attempts to retract an axe can also use up a limited CO2 supply, reducing the effectiveness of the axe once the robots are separated.

Bladed axes vs Spiked axes

  • While a spiked axe focuses on piercing armour, bladed axes focus on causing internal damage by shaking components loose. For example, when the axes of Terrorhurtz and Iron-Awe 2 struck the armour of Barber-Ous 2, the spiked axe of Iron-Awe 2 created outward damage by piercing the plastic armour, while the bladed axe of Terrorhurtz caused significant internal damage and immobilised Barber-Ous 2.
  • Although bladed axes are not immune to becoming stuck in a robot's armour (e.g. Terrorhurtz vs Vulture, Series 10), they are far less likely to become stuck in a robot's armour or the arena floor than a spiked axe. This would also allow the axe weapon to strike multiple times more quickly, if it can more easily retract from a robot.
  • Bladed axe heads suffer less recoil damage when striking impenetrable armour, as spiked axe heads may blunt or break when failing to pierce armour. For this reason, bladed axes were far more prominent in the reboot of Robot Wars, where hardened steels proved difficult to break through.

List of Robots with Bladed Axes

Robots are listed alphabetically. Robots which are not heavyweight entries are listed with a green background. House Robots are listed with a yellow background.

Robot Series appearances with Bladed axes Notes Image
Apocalypse Series 10 Used in tandem with a pair of horizontal grabbing arms, also referred to as 'horizontal axes'.
Apocalypse
Bonk Series 8 Interchangeable with a hammer-type head.
Bonk
Comengetorix Series 6 The robot only used a bladed axe in Series 6, using a spiked axe in Extreme 1.
Comengetorix
Crippler Series 3
Crippler
Glitterbomb Series 8-9 Uses the axe mechanism from Edge Hog. Returned for Series 9 with twin axes, but was withdrawn.
Glitterbomb S8
Hydrotec German Series Hydrotec
Ivanhoe Series 2 UK Heat Finalist
IvanhoeS2
Killerhurtz Series 2 Pioneer of the bladed axe, although replaced with a spiked axe in subsequent appearances.
Killerhurtz S2
Mechadroid US Season 2 A double-headed axe using both bladed and spiked pick heads.
Mechadroid
Oblivion 2 Series 3-4 Competed only in the Pinball during Series 3.
Oblivion2
Pathetica Dutch Series 1 First robot from live circuit veterans Team RCC.
Pathetica
Pressure Extreme Series 2 Axe was not seen to be used in combat, with the robot relying on its lifting scoop.
Pressure
Project One Dutch Series 1
ProjectOne
Sgt. Meikle Series 3
Sgt meikle
Shell Shock Series 3
Shellshock series 3 offical image
Shunt Series 1 Weapon was later replaced by a spiked pickaxe, and then the more famous 'diamond-edged' axe.
Oldshunt
Storm Force Series 5
Storm Force Series 5
Terrorhurtz Series 5-10, Extreme 2 Among the most famous and destructive of bladed axes. Only double-sided axe that was capable of striking opponents in front of and behind the robot. Series 6 Grand Finalist.
Terrorhurtz 10
The Steel Avenger Series 3-5, 7, Extreme 1-2 Only featured a bladed axe during one of its battles in Series 3, the other featuring a pick. Series 4 and 7 Heat Finalist, runners-up in Extreme 2 Tag Team Terror, paired with Lightning.
Steel Avenger
Thor Series 8-10 Replaced the hammer used in Series 6 and 7. Interchangeable axe heads include a pointed head and a Mjölnir-inspired head. Series 8 Grand Finalist. Five interchangeable heads in Series 10, some of which are referred to as 'hammers' on the official Robot Wars website.
Thor S10
Tiger Cat US Season 1 Axe failed to work in both of it's appearances.
Tiger Cats Pits
Tomahawk Series 7, 9-10 Rebuilt and renamed TMHWK in Series 9. Its bladed axe head is spiked on the back end, and the axe head can voluntarily be reversed to change its purpose.
TMHWK
Trolley Rage Series 9
Trolley-rage
Undertaker Series 3
UndertakerRW3