The axe-wielding maniac is a common scenario in many slasher films out there though in reality it is not all that common of a weapon compared to say knives or guns. However, there have in fact been some rare instances where axes have been used to attack people and you should know how to defend against it and how it differs compared to standard bladed weapons like knives.

In this video from self-defense expert Nick Drossos, he gives us some tips on how to deal with a axe-wielding attacker.

The most important factor in this kind of scenario is preventing it before it even happens by always being aware of your surrounding when out in public. Axes tend to be big, bulky weapons, not easily concealed and if you see someone walking around with an axe and they’re not wearing plaid, they’re probably not a lumberjack and may be looking to harm others.

Nick recommends moving in on an axe wielding attacker and blocking as well as controlling their arm but of course the best move when someone has a weapon and you don’t is get out of there and look to escape. If you are with loved ones though or there are vulnerable people present that’s a different scenario and Nick’s advice here could come in handy.

When closing the distance, which is the main goal against this type of weapon (besides running), timing is crucial and Nick recommends using whatever is at your disposal in order to create that opportunity.

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Nick also breaks down the axe as a weapon and it is really only dangerous around the blade (and the rear blunt part in reverse) which is actually quite a small area. You can even grab the handle to gain control of the weapon without being in too much danger like you would be against a large knife that would have a big blade and very small handle.