Medieval Flail

Medieval Flail

By Mark Moore


The medieval flail is a weapon consisting of one or more weights attached to a handle by a hinge or chain. There are many names that can be mistakenly used for this weapon: the morning star and mace are the two most common. These terms describe weapons that are very different from the chain or hinged weapon that the flail is. However there are similarities between the three weapons: they each contain a head with spikes on it. Thus it is acceptable to use the name morning star when referring to the flail. The difference lies in the whip like action in which the flail uses, due to its hinge or chain.

The term morning star actually refers to the head of the weapon, which is a small round spiked ball. This can be used either for a flail or a morning star mace. Flails sometimes do not even contain morning stars with spikes. Many times there were blunt objects attached to a shaft by chain or hinge.

History of the Flail

The flail originated as a tool for agriculture. The term flail was given first to a farming tool used to separate wheat from its husks. This beginning variation of the weapon usually contained a block of wood attached to handle by either a piece or leather or rope. It was eventually was discovered to be a useful weapon by these farmers when they were called up for military service. The tool eventually became more dangerous when spikes were added.

Eventually, special military flails were made. The pictures of these weapons are ones that most people identify them with. These pictures portray a short stick with a chain and spiked metal ball. Sometimes referred as the “ball and chain,” this infantry weapon type was most commonly used during the middle ages in the 13th century. The weapon consists of a mace or morning star, with the handle being replaced by a chain, and thus connecting to a shorter handle. Soldiers who used this weapon generally grasped the handle with either one or two hands, and made a swinging motion toward enemies during battle. Maximum damages to enemies occurred when soldiers would swing the weapon above their head in a circular motion to gain momentum.

Description of the Flail



• Flails were used as armor fighting weapons. It eventually was developed into an elaborately spiked steel war club, from a steel ball on a wooden handle.
• Flails were not only used by foot soldiers, but by those of horseback as well.
• Knights that used this weapon generally had smaller and lighter versions for comfort and less stress.
• During the Middle Ages the flail was made of a spiked metal ball attached to a handle or club by a hinge or chain.
• The morning star portion of the flail originated on the mace. The first mace was basically a metal ball mounted on a club.
• The weapon eventually became stronger and more dangerous when multiple chains and balls were attached to the shaft.
• The addition of the chain allowed for the wielder to gain a greater amount of momentum before striking the enemy.
• The flail was a highly effective offensive weapon, but it lacked a great deal with defense. There were few ways for the wielders of the weapon to defend themselves using only the weapon. A shield was needed.
• The flail was used as a close contact weapon.
• The weapon struck with so much force and momentum that it could cause a great deal of injury to knights wearing armor.
• The weapon was primarily used for bludgeoning an opponent.

Flail Training

Skills for using medieval weapons were acquired by understanding Medieval Warfare strategy. This aspect was a vital part of life during this time. The following training is required by knights to use the flail:
• The training method practiced in the use of the flail was based on strength and accuracy in hitting the target, increasing the momentum to increase the force.
• During practice flails were blunted or wooden. A hit was scored when contact was made in a defined target area.

How to Make Your Own Flail

Required Materials:

• 3 inch sphere: This will be used for the ball of the flail.
• 1.25 inch diameter wooden dowel rod at least 24 inces in length: This will be used as the shaft for the flail.
• 2 threaded screw eyes: These will be used to attach the chain to the shaft and the ball to the chain.
• 10-12 inches of chain: This will obviously serve as the chain for the flail.
• 10 inch leather strap: This will be used to make a grip for the handle
• Cabinet door knob: This will be used for that pommel of the flail. Some flails had pommels just to make the weapon have a better weight distribution.
• Needle nosed pliers
• Electrical Tape
• Super Glue

Construction:

• Cut your dowel rod to 24 inches in length. In this case I cut mine to 30 inches in length.
• Next screw one of the eye hooks into the end of the rod.
• Then use needle nosed pliers to open the eye so it is possible to put one end of the chain inside, and once inside close the eye.
• Next open the other eye hook with the pliers and attach it to the sphere.
• Attach the other end of the chain to the ball and close the eye hook.
• Put a small amount of super glue around the hole where the hook is located for strength.
• Next make the grip. Use some electrical tape to tape down one end of the leather strap and wrap it around the handle until the desired size of the grip is achieved, or until leather is gone.
• Finally, super glue the cabinet door knob to the opposite end of the dowel rod to create a pommel.

Bibliography

Devries, Kelley. Medieval Military Technology. Copyright 1992, Broadview Press
Limited, Orchard Park, New York. Pages 25-28

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flail_%28weapon%29. Pages 1-2. 3 May 2008

Poor Man’s Flail. http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Cavern/4200.pflail.html?200812
Pages 1-2. 3 May 2008