12 Weird & Unusual Melee Weapons [Facts & Pics] - Working the Flame (2024)

Warfare is a reality in the history of world civilizations. As different cultures clashed, some weapons evolved to match the strength of the enemy. Other types of weapons have endured unchanged for centuries.

Melee weapons artifacts from history vary widely in their design and construction, but all were intended for close combat. These similarities and differences tell us much about the cultures that used them.

For this reason, weapons are some of the most prized pieces of history that explain how societies interacted and defended themselves.

The following list of 12 interesting and unusual melee weapons spans world history from ancient times to the 19th century, from Central America to Asia.

While unusual or unique to us modern readers, these weapons would have been everyday essentials for the fighters who wielded them. They help us better understand many historical cultures and how they fought.

1) Macuahuitl

The macuahuitl is an Aztec weapon usually categorized as a sword, although it is made from wood. The weapon features a wooden staff with sharp protrusions that served as cutting edges.

Oak or pine wood was common in the construction of the main body of the macuahuitl. Craftsmen used obsidian, or volcanic glass, to create the “teeth” of the weapon. These teeth, although measuring one to two inches long, were intended for maiming rather than killing.

The macuahuitl was designed as a shock weapon to frighten the enemy. Early forms of the macuahuitl could be wielded in one hand. Over time, the macuahuitl grew in size to become a two-handed weapon.

The Aztecs are often credited for the invention of the macuahuitl, but the origins of the weapon are actually debated. We do know that the macuahuitl enjoyed widespread use among the Tarascans, Mixtecs, and Tlaxcalans of Central America.

2) Sarissa

The sarissa was a long pike utilized by the Macedonians. The weapon’s earliest use by Philip II of Macedon is thought occurred in 359 or 358 BC.

This pole weapon measured a whopping 13 to 20 feet long and weighed 12 to 14 pounds. The sarissa was crafted from cornel wood and could pierce through shields.

Infantrymen carried the largest versions of the sarissa. Smaller models were adapted for use on horseback by the cavalry.

Philip II of Macedon’s famous son Alexander the Great adopted the sarissa and successfully conquered Egypt, Persia, and northern India.

3) Billhook

Originally used as an agricultural tool, the billhook became a popular weapon in England. The billhook is characterized by its outward cutting blade and spikes.

The simple design of the billhook allowed peasants to quickly make and arm themselves with the humble weapon. Civilians armed themselves with billhooks during the Wars of the Roses and other conflicts.

Although unassuming, the billhook was highly effective. Its ability to pierce through armor made the billhook a popular weapon with the English infantry. It was even used during the Hundred Years’ War as an effective weapon for close combat.

The billhook was traditionally carried by guards at the Tower of London.

4) Boarding Sword

The Italian boarding sword is one of the most unusual-looking swords in history. The sword enjoyed popularity in the 1500s, as boarding enemy ships became the favored battle strategy.

The sword measures around 33 inches long in total. Short swords were ideal for fighting in cramped ship environments. The sword’s single edge and notched blade allowed it to be used as a saw to cut ropes.

In fact, this was the main purpose of the swords “sawteeth.” The truly menacing aspect of the boarding sword was the thrusting spike at the tip of the blade. This spike could puncture the light armor worn by sailors.

An excellent photo of the boarding sword can be viewed here.

5) Chui

The chui is a Chinese mace. While maces were common weapons throughout world history, the Chinese versions stand out for their unique shapes.

Many chui mace head variations exist. One of the more common shapes is the Suan Tou Gu Duo, or pumpkin shaped mace head.

Spiked maces are called jiu Li Gu Duo and have an organic look. Polyhedral maces, or Ba Ling Chui, are some of the rarest Chinese maces for their unique and complex designs.

Most chui were intended for battle, but ceremonial versions also exist. These are hollow and used in pairs.

6) Wind & Fire Wheels

Wind and fire wheels are Chinese melee weapons wielded in pairs. They are used in baguazhang and taijiquan martial arts.

Measuring an average of 15 inches in diameter, wind and fire wheels feature flame-style protrusions for slashing, stabbing, and disarming.

The design of wind and fire wheels is inspired by the Fengshen Yanyi story.

7) War Fan

The war fan is an innocent-looking weapon wielded by samurai and their generals in medieval Japan. Several categories of the war fan existed to serve different purposes.

The gunbai fan was a signaling device used by samurai leaders to silently organize their troops. These large and solid fans were crafted from wood or metal.

The tessen variation of the war fan was used in battle. It could deflect darts or knives when open, and served as a blunt weapon when closed.

8) Tonfa

The tonfa is a weapon used in several martial arts traditions. Used as a pair, the tonfa are sticks with perpendicular handles. They measure 15 to 20 inches in average length and are crafted from red or white oak.

While they might be mistaken as modest, tonfa weapons are highly effective for both blocking and striking.

The origins of the tonfa are debated, but many attribute this weapon’s development to the island of Okinawa in Japan.

9) Kudi

The kudi is a Javanese weapon that derived from farming tools. The kudi can be fashioned in a wide range of curving shapes. Sizes also vary but can be used with one hand.

Although each kudi blade is unique, many feature an axe-like section at the base of the blade. The kudi was originally wielded as a fighting weapon, but later became a talisman to ward off tigers and other dangerous animals.

10) Patu

The patu originates from the Maori warriors of New Zealand. This weapon is characterized by its flat, paddle shape and sharp edges.

Several variations of the patu exist. Some have domestic uses. Others, like the ones described here, are effective, deadly weapons.

The Patu Onewa is crafted from basalt and is used for thrusting at an enemy’s upper body. The Patu Paraoa is made from whalebone and has the ability to dislocate or break an enemy’s shoulders. Patu weapons made of greenstone are highly prized.

11) Haladie

The haladie is a weapon with two blades and a central handle. The blades are curved and intended for thrusting and slashing. Most haladie weapons were crafted from a combination of metal, bone, and hide.

While the haladie has Indian origins, the weapon was often traded to the Middle East and North Africa. Artifacts have been found in all three regions.

In India, the haladie was associated with the Rajput, or warrior caste.

12) Katar

The katar is an Indian dagger with a grip that is perpendicular to the blade. The dagger was held in a fist and used for thrusting. Upright flanges on either side of the grip protected the hand.

Katars were wielded with or without shields depending on the type of fighting situation. The weapon was used by the Rajput caste to hunt tigers and crocodiles.

Most katar artifacts are dated between the 17th and 19th centuries. These artifacts are highly decorated with Indian gods and other imagery.