Which is Better for Self Defense? Hammer vs. Machete | Sneak Peek at Hammer Grappling Techniques
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
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Question for Viewers: Which do you think amd why? Anything else we should take a look at?
Love hammers 💪 too
Reverse grip the hammer if you're curious as it can help with strike speed, and lets you keep it at different guards. My main experience is with Warhammer, so it's a good technique to use as you're not holding the weight of the hammer against gravity so much as using it to your advantage when inverted.
Spike end out, rest flat end on forearm/ elbow and practice throwing a few punches like hooks.
Watch "OldBoy" on repeat for inspiration
Axe, as in hammer with blade/spike
hard2hurt I would guess that judicial repercussions would be less if you had used a hammer for self-defense. The hammer also requires less skill in my opinion, and for self defense that matters.
As a fighting tool, machete has the edge(pun) and the range. But in self defense I just want to gtfo.
Icy mike is like the weird small bully in elementary school putting together a small army of bigger dudes in order to raid the middle schoolers.
Spot-on dude! Haha!
😂
Hes a grown up version of jimmy from bully
Omg
@@borisnk9434 or the fat kid from king of the Hill show..
The hammer is indeed better to carry around without raising suspicion, but I think the machete wins everywhere else
I'm a carpenter, I have many hours of practice with a hammer. I'd wager that I'm more dangerous with a hammer than 90% of people with a machete.
@@siegethompson3194 I'm knife fighting enthusiast, took 3rd place in regional competition on machetes, although barely trained with it, I bet I'm more dangerous with it than 91% of people with hammers
Now if we can stop flexing, how is it relevant to how good one or another in self defense?
Definitely! The hammer can get caught on something or grabbed..I don't see anyone grabbing the machete until they are about the check out.oh yeah and simply put their aren't any slave revolutionaries that used hammers to fight
Depends on if you want to beat their brains out or chop off their snout .
@@siegethompson3194 absolutely, training makes all the difference here i agree
Machette has an intimidation effect that could stop an attack before it starts or at least makes the attacker think twice. For the record, there are some places in the world that people don't sharpen their machetes and still attack people with them, dull machetes just make the attacks less lethal but they still can mess you up.
I have the black Gerber machete only $20. Just looking at it scares me.
RIP Sean Taylor ⭐ 21
He went at his home robbers with TWO machetes and YES, the burglars were scared shitless. So scared they shot him in the leg while fleeing and he died.
Agreed, it's still effective as a bludgeon weapon.
I have a old THICK machete that has chopped nails in half. Idk if someone could just walk away from a gash from that.
@@alexmoquin9994 Let's face it if someone was using it for self defense or even if they're psycho using it for wrong I don't think they'll stop whacking after one hit unless it was accidental (like when you hear about people showing off and their weapon misfires). I just feel the potential of the machete being the more dangerous has more advantages over the hammer.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be hit by neither of them nor hit multiple times by them, it's just that theoretically if I was in Mad Max III Thunderdome and my opponent and I had to each grab a weapon I think most of us would grab the machete to ensure reach which is a big advantage in most fights.
Mike: “there’s no information on fighting with hammers”
Hammer fighting combat manuscripts: “am I a joke to you”
Warhammer, mace, club.... Yup no history of fighting with hammers....
Didn't they make a hammer weapon specificly to get threw armor?....
Shhhh we don't talk about them.
Exactly,These fool is a clown.But who will choose a hammer for self defense.
@@Ashtor1337 I mean we don't typically fight opponents wearing plate armor in self defense situations, it's not the 1300's lol
@@razorsharplifestyle101hard9 for legal reasons a hammer doesn't look real suspicious in your vehicle with other tools so long as you have an excuse to go with it. Bikers sometimes carried ball peen hammers because legaly they have to prove you intended to use it as a weapon. If you have a baseball bat in your vehicle carry an old glove and ball.
@@razorsharplifestyle101hard9 hammers are phenomenal for self defense . Like the guy above stated there were warhamners etc and Norseman used basically Hatchets or small axes a lot because they also just like the hammer were also common and popular tools as the Vikings built a lot of things out of wood( ships, buildings etc) and their axes were carpenter axes and hammers and self defense and offense all in one.
One of the biggest problem with impact weapons in general is you need room to swing them. Blade in close up grappling can still be used to cut.
Yeah. As someone who is trying to learn how to use a sword, if you have a decently long blade you can just hold it out in front of you and the attacker can't do anything. If they get touched they get cut.
sometimes i am wondering if he is using his brain correctly
@redimane
Try harder...lol
so i assume you are not familiar with half-swording then?
Has training hammers, shows training hammers, proceeds to train with real hammer, drops hammer on training buddy's head.
That's why you separate training weapons and real weapons. The way he kept switching between real and fake machetes was really scaring me. If you aren't paying attention you can seriously hurt your friend.
They could. But they're hard 2 hurt so
@@Kirinoji Huh?
@@matthewfalkner it was a pun, lol
@@Kirinoji Oh, now I see you were replying to Tyler.
Icy Mike's new martial art: HAMMER-kwon-do. "Be the HAMMER - not the nail!"
😂
Stealing that.
hahahahaha
Daum that asshole ripping technique looks killer...i wont troll you again Mike. .
Lol Tell Nick that...
any one else see Mike drop the hammer on his buddy’s head when he was flipping it?
He lived.
@@hard2hurt Was that a real hammer? That guy is pretty trusting if so lol XD
at least it wasn't the machete
Yup. I wonder why they cut to a later point immediately afterwards? Based on their positions with him standing open legged, over his friend, I'm guessing he got a revenge punch right in the balls. That's what I would've done lol.
I'm starting to really like this guy and his channel. He doesn't claim to be the All-Correct Authority on anything and is just presenting what he personally believes is most effective based on his experiences. How can anyone disrespect that?
When I worked construction, I always thought of my hammer first as a self-defense implement. I had control, accuracy, ease of access and a strong blow will break bones. It’s easier to retract, and the type of pain is more intense generally. I used a 24-oz framing hammer, or a 22oz framing hatchet. An 18-20oz model would be wicked In a flurry of hits.
Yes but to you the hammer was a part of you. You know it well, and are most likely strong enough to use it in combat. Most people are not.
@@longrider42 very true, which is why I thought of it that way. It has been years since I used a hammer that much, or had that much expertise with one. Practice really is the key to any weapon...
Also, my armchair view of it is the pychological factor. The idea to slice someone to ribbons with blood and gore all over the place is literally harder to stomach than bludgeoning someone.
@@Raz0rking For me it's the opposite. I can see a person being sliced a few times and maybe even dismemberment shortly after passing out from shock due to blood loss. The hammer on the other hand I can see the person in intense pain as multiple blows rain down without them passing out... which to me is a heck of a lot more frightening circumstance to be in or trying to survive.
@@MrWirelesscaller It's also a matter of which of the two have you been exposed to a lot, like mutilation kind of gore or blunt force trauma kind of gore
You dropped that hammer on buddy's face... 9:29
hahaha! I saw that too!
Haahahaha
I was going to point that 🤣
@digduck Stop! Hammer time.
isn't funny he's stupid
For armored opponents a heavy blunt weapon and unarmored sharp edges. That said... you’ll not be fighting a mid evil knight.
Armored or unarmored, hammers hurt, dude.
Medieval knights in their plate armor were not killed by blunt weapons but by daggers pushed through openings at the joints (i.e. armpit) or visor in the helmet after they were grappled to the ground.
What about a low morally ambivalent knight?
@@angelsjoker8190 Blunt force was a lot better to deal with armor, you didn't need to go for a super close range precise stab in a small hole (that is still armored by the way... except the eye slit) and risk getting whack in the head by an iron corverd fist or something like that, you just swing a hammer/flail/pole hammer/etc and hit the guy is going to hurt a lot, if you get him in the head you may not kill him but you can knock him out, and is not like you could just go and wrestle them to the floor... it was hard to hit them standing alredy.
That’s why your hammer is 2 pounds instead 5
gonna pretend I didn't see you drop a hammer on your friends face
Lol he's ok.
He missing a tooth🤣
@@D-FIANT415 *toof
When?
@@catalyst3713 9:28
This is why I enjoy hard2hurt. Your energy is top notch, shows passion. And your video ideas are unique and really interesting to follow. :)
European Frankish axe/tomahawk were used very effectively against swords. The hammer has the same characteristics. Claw can be used to trap, block and redirect blades.
"Its cooler... and less people are doing it"
Sold!
For those, like me, who prefer a less-than-lethal option if possible with their defensive equipment, the hammer has the option of striking joints and so on. A blow with the head or the side of the hammer head to a kneecap or elbow would be agonising if not outright destructive, and you can use the claw or head to strike at the skull/neck etc if you want to kill. You can also jab, hook or uppercut with the hammer 'choked up' on the grip, making a devastating 'knuckle duster'-type force multiplier.
It's very tough to strike with a machete, without causing a wound that could lead to bleed-out, even if you aim for extremities. Also, although you can strike with the back edge of the machete, typically the grip is designed to be held in a very specific, edge-forward way, unlike the hammer grip which is way more versatile. Blows with a machete held unconventionally might weaken your grip and cause you to drop it at the worst possible time.
Great content as ever Mike, and good to see you courting other opinions rather than dogmatically proclaiming yourself right.
Those are some of the best pro-hammer points that I've seen here. That said, if we're looking to minimize harm while still providing effective self defense, I think that intimidation & deterrence is important, too. I wouldn't want to mess with someone wielding either weapon, but if I had to choose between them, I'd got after the guy with the hammer. So, I think that the machete has more potential to end the fight before any violence occurs.
Jason Coleman dude idk I’ve accidentally chopped through a bush with a machete into my leg 🤣 it wasn’t deep but definitely didn’t feel good. But hitting your finger with a hammer trying to nail something in hurts worse so I couldn’t imagine someone swinging it full force to the side of the head or ribs
I actually practice combinations with the hammer as knuckle-duster just for fun xD and it integrates easily into striking.
Lol "you could drop the machete I'd you strike with the handle"
If you have fucking baby hands yeah.
I'm Australian and we Arnt aloud to have any "weapons" for self defence so much easier to explain why you have a hammer then a machete. I'm going hammer too
@@darealmacpower5702 You're from the US? The country where people are less safe in the streets than when they did their time in Afghanistan? Great work citizen :)))
@@darealmacpower5702 oh yeah...typical question of "I love guns but don't stand a chance against armed and prepared criminal"... in civilized coutries only law enforcers and criminals have guns...and they shoot EACH OTHER...
You wouldn't uderstand a culture, when there is no shootings at schools :)
@@darealmacpower5702 and you rule the state...don't make me laugh :)
@@darealmacpower5702 he's right, you think because you have guns you're not a slave to the state? lolz
@@darealmacpower5702 no. No you don't. The elites have fkin seal team 6, you have no chance.
Easier to explain having a hammer on you than it is explaining why you were carrying a machete, better looking in court.
I like to clear trails and make cool sitting spots to read in the woods, and i saw in this video its better for self defense and might deter danger. Would probably be easier in an open carry state
Watched this video a little while ago and as a carpenter a hammer just feels like an extension of my arm. I feel the hammer is possibly easier to wield and also could be used with more success in a life and death struggle (short range grappling)with the head of the hammer used as the ultimate hammer fist , claw to gouge. I agree I think a more versatile weapon . Great content 💯
Hammer techniques would be a variation on tomahawk fighting.
Tomahawk is great for home defense
Still craving for that "how to attack from behind in self defense"-video. Also wanna see a how to use chloroform & kidnap somebody in selfdefense video 😆
We did that video lol
@@hard2hurt whats your thoughts on the jagdkommando knife, mr icy mike?
Upwards kick to the gonads, from behind :)
I'm just waiting for the "How to escalate a conflict, then claim defense" video lmao
''How to hide a body in self defense.''
The Hammer has been an incredibly effective weapon for centuries. Algon with war maces, hammers were the best solution against armoured opponents.
I think they used bigger hammers.
@@viiltelijamurhaaja7225 of course because their enemies had bigger vests and they were protected in any part of their body with that vest while nowdays people cannot wear a vest that covers every single body part there is always gonna be some soft unprotected spot and the modern vests nowdays are mostly bulletproof but not hammer proof or knife proof so basically reducing the size for firearm proof gives small hammers more practic use
@@Dav624 old smarter days...
@@viiltelijamurhaaja7225 Not as big as you'd think, most warhammers were about the size of a large framing hammer. They are not mauls.
@@cyberpunkspikelonger handles than a present day carpenters hammer thoug, a medieval war hammer would easily outreach a small bladed weapon, doubt an ordinary hammer does that so easily.
From my understanding of HEMA, and some other historical images and depictions of hammers vs short swords(ie, machetes):
1. Hammers can hurt even if the person is armored. Not going to apply in most situations.
2. Hammers don't get stuck as easily in your target. Could be game-changer in a serious fight.
3. Hammers are weighted towards the end. This means less energy is required to exert greater force.
As such, in the comparison between hammers and machetes.
a) Use the one you are trained in, if possible.(1 point Machete)
b) Use the one you can carry easily, if possible.(1 point Hammer)
c) Use the one that protects you better.(1 point Hammer)
d) Use the one that protects you more safely.(1 point Machete)
Note:
Why is the Machete easier to train in? Because some traditional martial arts and some military training includes bladed weapons.
Why is the hammer easier to carry with? Because culturally the hammer implies some who is working, while a Machete implies someone who is fighting.
Why does the hammer protect you better? It doesn't get stuck in the target, it is less risky to yourself to use, and you can use it while exhausted.
Why does the machete protect you more safely? Because you can use draw cuts to avoid serious injury to others, and you can draw the machete more quickly from a sheath to protect yourself.
Any thing else people want to add?
If an opponent doesn't have armor than the machete isn't going to get stuck. If it does, then chances are you have already done enough damage. Also, if you where wondering, you can't just "grab the machete blade" to get it stuck in your hand so the opponent can't use it. Getting a good grip on it will be hard with a cut hand, and hands are fairly thin so it won't be hard to pull out.
@@redimane1152 You are right, of course.
However, not everybody will block with their hands; some will block with their arms, or you might hit a shoulder or torso.
None of these are guaranteed to cause the machete to stick in the person, but its more likely than the hammer.
So no, I can't recommend blocking a machete with your hands to try and grab the blade, but adrenaline is a scary drug sometimes, and people have survived crazier things than a machete to their torso.
So you really don't want the blade to stick in your target when things are looking dangerous.
@@wesleyjudson599 This is a good point. I still think the machete is better because it's much easier to deal damage with, but in a fair amount of scenarios a hammer could work better.
I think that someone would also instinctively be more willing to hit someone else with a blunt tool than a long blade that is likely to produce more grotesque wounds. Even if both are relatively similar in disabling ability.
"how'd work go?" Well my boss wanted to have a discussion about self defense weapons, so he whipped out a machete and a hammer, he was waving around machetes and hammers for like 10 minutes talking about how these 2 weapons would cause damage to us... Standard day at the office" 😂
😂
You have such a cool boss man.
Then he shoved a claw hammer up my ass
I imagine I've swung a machete a lot more than most people thanks to my old job. And a hammer, for that matter (though that was a mallet and not a carpenter's hammer for what it's worth). Edge alignment is difficult to keep track of unless you practice a lot and only gets more difficult in cramped conditions or when you're under stress and fatigued. Great on trees and brush... not to mention snakes (no, I don't abide the needless killing of snakes, but my coworkers had other ideas unfortunately). But in my careless (i.e. stupid) moments I've also had the opportunity to see the effects of the machete on my own body... and I wasn't impressed.
While half-awake one morning and trying to use a machete as a makeshift shovel in the rain (ill-advised) I ended up doing what amounted to a slicing draw-cut (shout-out to the HEMA nerds) across my own palm with most of my body weight. It opened it up nicely and bled a good bit, but I was able to wrap it up with an improvised bandage and continue on with an entire day's work without needing any stitches or anything. I also can't count the number of times fatigue made me lose track of my stance and over-swing, following through and striking myself in my lead leg. I'm talking good, solid whacks. The same slashes that had been just cutting through brush never managed to do much more than fray jeans and badly bruise the skin underneath. I don't know if my brain recognized what was happening and I was "pulling" the strike subconsciously at the last millisecond or what. I don't really have an explanation, because it seems like I should have been cutting into flesh at the very least.
That being said, to be fair none of that kept me from carrying or drawing the machete with me when faced with various dangerous situations, which that job occasionally required. I'm sure it would have done the job if I had some proper adrenaline-fueled, swings with good alignment and a sharp edge. Having the thing at my side or in-hand was certainly a massive confidence booster and probably would have been a boon in a self-defense scenario that came to blows. Thankfully I never had to find out. Not sure whether I would favor it over a hammer or not.
I’ve seen something on ice pick grip with knife being better because, (unless you train a lotttt), you’ll be panicking in a life or death combat scenario.
Building off your point about edge alignment, I could see a few panicked swings from a hammer doing more than a machete
@@anyoneelse7587 Yeah. It's iffy. Ideally anyone who is using the machete in self-defense has trained extensively in its use including some sparring with synthetic weapons under realistic conditions and done some tatami cutting and whatnot as well. But with a largely untrained person? The result of a blow could vary wildly from a severed appendage and lots of blood (with an assailant who is going to be incapacitated shortly thereafter) to slapping the target mostly with the flat because you're under stress and screwed up the cut *that* badly.
Conversely, the hammer is a lot more straightforward. Claw, face, neck, bell -- even the cheek to an extent -- it'll all do the job. There's still some drawbacks, though. It being a lever, the further you get from the head, the less dangerous it becomes. A strike that lands down on the handle won't do much, even if the handle is metal. Not to mention as they said it can be grabbed and wrestled away, etc.
I don't know that there's any "right" answer here. Either could do the job if pressed into the role... or fail and be used against you if the user doesn't know what he/she is doing.
@@SaftonYT true
@@SaftonYT well actually.. there are professinal hammers with the top of the shaft being tapered, which for many years has been used as a cutting tool by simply grinding an edge on one of the sides.. you can split wood and stuff with it..
and then ontop of that, unlike the machete.. a hammer is sort of an axe in the way that you can hook your opponents weapon and if you know how you can control them that claw grip and get up closer, making the sword less viable..
so yeah, as a regular tool you can carry with you that has several deadly or damaging sides + the advantages of being able to grip and control with it? ill take a hammer any time..
and if you dont know what i mean by hook.. think of it as somebody blocking themselves with a rather large shield (not a buckler, they are essentialy weapons themselves).. you hook onto that shield and you can rip it forward and do more kinds of where the sword would not be able to hook and grab onto a shield.
@@miou-miou- I was referring to the standard variety of carpenter's hammers that Mike seemed to be focusing on in the video and that come to mind for most people. Do you have a picture of the kind you're talking about?
I'm well aware of the kind of hooking techniques you're referring to. They're well-sourced and practiced within the HEMA community for use against opponents wielding a shield and can even be used to hook weapons, appendages, etc. as well. But not many people are going to be contending with opponents wielding shields these days.
In any case, if you care to read my initial post at the start of the thread I'm not exactly all that high on the machete. I'm well aware of the hammer's advantages over it. I don't think there's necessarily one "right" answer here, as a lot of it would depend on the wielder's personal preference, niche, level of training, etc. However, if your position is that the hammer is potentially the more versatile self-defense tool/weapon of the two then I will readily agree with you.
I keep a medium sized crowbar in my car for the same exact reason, it doesnt arouse suspicion as say a bat or something else would. Its just a tool. I think the hammer has an edge as far as concealment but a machete has the "oh shit" factor, people pay attention when you pull a machete out and that could ultimately be a better deterrent than a hammer.
I keep a whole scottish claymore for the oh shit factor, I haven't had to use it and I hope I don't. It's a neat conversation starter, though.
I was always told if your going to keep a bat in your car for defense keep a ball and glove beside it. You look like a sportsman...
@@thejamman4070 10/10, best Uber driver. Would ride with again.
Many countries are quite strict about what you can do for self-defense. They'll come after you even if you break someone's jaw with a simple defensive punch. Imagine explaining to them carrying a machete around for just in case and it resulting in carnage. UK in particular is very strict about any bladed weapons, but a hammer is still considered to be just a simple tool with legitimate uses.
I usually keep a hammer handy because I used to work a pallet mill and I got extremely smooth and effective with a hammer due to production quotas requiring me to move quick. Never really lost that skill set so I always enjoy keeping a 16oz Hart claw hammer nearby in a vehicle or in a home. Obviously just carry a gun instead if available lol
Just one thing: Old Boy movie (korean version) - hammer fight scene
Makes me a fan of the hammer.
oh yeah, that may inspire the Raids hammer girl !!!
Hammer I'm a carpenter I'm more likely to have that on me.
Also straight hooks as possible long handle and it feels light in your hand.
Daniel Cox ok be honest mr carpenter how often do you enter the gas station with your hammer
@@frankallevato7929 I am in Canada and tbh it is not frowned upon at all for construction workers to have their tools on them while in any type of store. Hammers, roofing hammers (which can resemble a tomahawk to one who doesn't know), box cutters etc...
I see people doing it all the time.
@@revariox189 wow that’s crazy man I wasn’t trying to come off rude just curious on how it was in everybody’s general area
In that case... Yes, it's better than the non existent machete
9:22 Proof Icy Mike is the king of trolls.
I am good, aren't I?
My uncle used to carry a 2lb balbean hammer in his back pocket it was around 7inches over all watched em drop 9 guys at a biker rally, by just sticking to the outside and doing short sharp swings lol he made a lot of bikers mad, club disputes were crazy.
i took a shot every time he said hammer - now, i’m hammered…
I've seen 100+, maybe 150+ (?) machete wounds all told. (Actually, closer to 300-400, come to think of it.) Usually multiple wounds, dozens or more on most victim. They're not as deadly as one might think.
For one, machetes are not swords. They look a bit like swords but neither the blade or edge are built to *cut* through flesh and bone They’re made to chop through vegetation.. The angles on the edge are thicker and the blades themselves more flexible on the cutting axis and so flex front to back. They've usually got beat up edges if they're working machetes . Moreover, people don’t typically train to use the machete as a weapon so even if they are brand new, they’re not going to be making clean cuts. Instead, machete wounds tend to be short lacerations on the arms and legs with bone fractures underneath, with the blade striking at off angles. Fractures tend to be comminuted (bone fragments) with clean bites tending to be pretty rare.
When the victim rolls over away from the attacker is when things really go down hill. Its rare that a machete attack victim who survives having their vulnerable back exposed. Attacks to the torso, even the back rarely do enough to kill on their own - the rib cage is flexible enough that even though a machete may fracture bones, it will not hack through them except in a long, extended attack. The ribs are also very protective and its more or less impossible for a machete to hit just right to get in between the ribs, to “slide between the ribs.” Likewise, a perfect machete chop on the sternum will defenitly cause damage, but a victim has a good chance of surving it (if that’s the only wound in a hypothetical scenario. Not that I’ve seen that.) The most vulnerable points are the the back of the neck and back of the skull.
I’ve seen a good number of survivors who has survived vicious machete attacks so long as they kept facing forward. People with missing ears and fractured skulls, collapsed sinus cavitie, orbitals, jaws etc but still alive. The skull is surprisingly resilient from the frontal aspect. Not so much the rear.
Another surprising thing is that a lot of survivors grabbed and held the blade, which was often a key component of being able to survive the attack, so one of the things that was mentioned in the video saying that grabbing wasn’t a good idea is not true. Seems to be that almost universally, people who survived by fighting back grabbed and held the blade, so while it may not seem like a good idea, it actually is (these things aren’t super sharp katanas). And they’ve done it or can do it *after* they’ve taken strikes/chops to the forearms and hands. I think every time you strike with a machete against a hard object such as bone, the blade dulls at that point, so maybe they can be grabbed, IDK. That part is just speculation on my part.
(As is the following on hammers.)
OTOH, strikes with a hammer ar deep, penetrating wounds, that definitely take whatever they hit out of action. Whatever bones you hit with a solid strike (I’d be aiming for the joints), you’ve more or less blasted it out of commision from sheer concentrated percussive force. A single strike to any point on the skull, even square on frontal has a good chance of fracturing and penetrating the brain case. A machete square, dead center usually doesn’t. IMO, this has much to do with the amount of flex in the blade sending much of the force back into the wrist and arm. You can see this when you strike an object with a hammer vs a machete and how much wrist bend there is. A shot to the clavicle with a hammer vs a machete? The former is going to require a lot more work from the orthopedic surgeon.
So my vote would have to go with the hammer. If the object is to kill, maim or completely incapacitate. Especially if I had one of those nifty little bucklers. Machetes have caused a lot of deaths and are a weapon of terror and convenience, but that takes a lot of effort to kill a human with a machete. I think it could be accomplished much more efficiently with a hammer with a little bit of practice. Machetes look like a sword, but are not a sword. They’re simply not as dangerous as you would think at first glance. Hammers are completely the opposite. In the hands of someone with skill, incredibly deadly.
Just my opinion.
" The skull is surprisingly resilient from the frontal aspect. Not so much the rear.""
I have seen skulls split to pieces by a machete. Right in the face.
So far the not being deadly by a machete.
Arms chopped off etc.
Depends on several factors. Is it sharp, does the person know how to wield one.
If so, you can count on a deadly outcome ... quickly.
There also those that have the machete bounce off a head without much seeming effect.
So, there's a broad kind of effect.
But the hammer...
I know that if you're not that strong, it might and will be taken off you and one gets killed with their own hammer.
It does happen sometimes with a machete as well. But that's because of not being perseverant, determination.
Same for the knife. If you go at it full out with a knife, the other has a huge problem.
@@Ve-suvius As I mentioned, hundreds I've seen on dozens and dozens of victim, yes, it does happen. They're much more rare than one would think. I don't think I've ever seen an defensive amputation of an arm. Later requiring an amputation, but not one clean cut as one might see with a sword. More along the lines of "I was held down and then they cut off my hand/foot with a machete" type things but those are stomach twisters because of the next part, "they took three orfour whacks to go through." Though I suppose some types of machetes lend themselves to chopping through bones, I suppose. Where were these attacks in and in what context?
@@ryhk3293
"As I mentioned, hundreds I've seen on dozens and dozens of victim, yes, it does happen."
How did you see them?
Ever seen Cold Steel video's where animal heads,carcasses are being chopped up?
Those machete's don't get stuck and cave in the pigs head deeply. It's not that hard at all, to chop bone...
It's not that a sword is something mystical doing chopping a lot better than a machete. Swords are often longer. But a 24/28 inch blade Tramontina/Imacasa takes off arms as well as a sword does. Maybe not a clean cut. But the kill is easy after the arms are useless. Again , this is all extremely ugly and imo very negative . Mankind can be nasty.
Love it. My grandfather, a carpenter, taught me to use a hammer. Years later, starting in 1991, I began weapons training, including hammers. Curious to see what you come up with.
9:20 the more he flipped it the more we all knew what was about to happen
9:28
Rip🤣🤣
That was very, very unthoughtful
In Oregon you can legally carry any size sword. You can't conceal anything bigger than 3" or 3.5". So, no worries about what people think carry the best tool, period. The machete is great, but consider a bowie.
I am by no means an expert, but I would definitely go with a hammer. It's smaller and harder to disarm, but most importantly, it's multipurpose and discreet.
Just googled “Africa Machete” and looked at the images. Their recent wars are infamous for machetes.
100% this. Mike doesn't like knives. Machetes are used against people in all parts of the world every day.
@@bluedogguy
And hammers are not , and they are around there as well.
Machete's are preferred obviously. Faster , with a flick of the wrist you can slash a face open cut a nose off.
And that is minor damage.
Review the way that "hammer girl" in the Raid 2: Redemption used a pair of hammers against the people she targeted and fought. That is scary brutal.
this is what i wanted to say as well
The second I saw Mike looking at a hammer and talking about self defense, all I could think of was Old Boy.
Love the Mjolnir sound effect when you asked for a hammer.
I would think much tomahawk material should crossover. I actually carried and kept near a rock pick hammer for a while. It was good in multiple grips. It is also a good camp tool (one of the best things I’ve found for prying out the huge nail spikes we used for tent stakes).
I feel like the main reason why a hammer could be better is if someone had on like a thick jacket that the machete couldn't cut through, and since you can have one in public. But everything else a machete would do better imo
If it's pointy (not even that pointy) a stab can go through, and if not you just go for the legs.
@@JR_22A
chops at the hands are always tremendous effectively as well...
Fingers come off easily, or hands being split or taken off entirely. Piece of cake..
Hammers can be grabbed by the oponent, and then you're in a struggle who's havig the hammer for a weapon.
I agree with the hammer ...I'm a tradesmen and have walking into to all types of places with tools in my overall. Hammers Rule!
The dude in the pink legacy shirt seems like he would win even at half speed. The instructor was priceless with the, "don't grab me there, grab me here." LOL - great stuff. I am learning to fight with hammer. Started using a mini sledge in my punch warm up routine and I felt like it would be good for self-defense.
I had an insight this morning: a hammer is extremely useful for fighting and now I realized this guy had it all figured out, he's even planning a course on that (did he created it?).
The Mjolnir sound effect when you called for a new hammer. Can't do that with a machete!
Masterlock with a handkerchief tied around it.
Like the 12 inch piece of pipe, improvised weapons like that are used the world over. Nothing wrong with it if that's all you have.
With all that swinging you might even unlock it
It’s like the chain and ball. A handkerchief and a roll of coins in it. So you won’t get questioned.
No no, Morning Star is the best
The Morning Star is a constant reminder that being tall and heavy is the main thing you want to be to have access to the most impressive weapons.
Nah, a Peter dinklage would work best.
Mace or flail?
Maybe not a morningstar but a small mace with metal fins,like 40cm more less, half a kilo and sharp(ish) metla fins, that would destroy.(look ¨British WWI Trench Raiding Club Mace¨)
@@rubon2916 the communist newspaper?
I have a large collection of knives, machetes, swords, and others that practice with and carry on hikes. Which would I probably grab first as a weapon? My 4 lbs blacksmith hammer that I use at work all the time. No sharp edges, easy to carry around, weighty but still maneuverable, and scares the hell outta people
The thumbnail to the video brings me joy😂
Reach is one point for the machete. Psychology is another. Speed is another. Not accidentally hooking on things is another. Stabbing is another. ...
If your opponent wears plate armor though, I'd take the hammer.
@@FilmFlam-8008 Both adequate, I'd still prefer a poleaxe with a good thorn on the back. But that's just me.
@Jay Ess Your point being? I mean, yes, a good cut WILL take limbs off, and even a bad cut will royally f**k people up. I just don't get your point.
Hammer has the similar versatility and function as a tomahawk with less suspicion when carried has better disarming options with the claw I'd say biggest draw back is weight and reach
Blunt weapons were chosen by knights when fighting other knights in armor. The reason is it is hard to cut thro armor, and hard blows would often knock their enemy back or off their feet. Blades are great but heavy clothing might reduce the effective use of them, knife or Machete. A full power swing on a guys arm or leg will leave him with a broken arm or leg.
Carries over to body armor today
well the catch 22 is the hammer shot placement matters alot more than ppl think. you need a solid full power hit to land and if you hit a really meaty part of the body it may not do as much damage as youd expect. sharp blade you dont even need to swing to generate a massive cut ie a pressure cut
@@jlogan2228 Real life isn't a zombie show or a horror movie. In real life, the reason a machete hacks off limbs isn't because it's an effective weapon, it's because the victim is on the ground defenseless and they keep hitting them. It's very inefficient and brutal. A shovel would do just as much damage. Machetes are certainly scary, but they don't take off limbs with a single hack like they do in movies. They aren't a katana or wakizashi.
When I did property preservation, we always entered unknown properties with hammers. Not as suspicious and fits the work crew vibe, doesn't scare a squatter tenant, but it will definitely fend them off if need be.
One thing people don't often consider when using a hammer for CQC is that you can jab with it. The blunt, flat part of the hammer can stun or disorient your opponent before you come in with a more powerful swing.
The young fellah's reaction when you said the words "oil check." 😆
Haha go back and look at cliffs face he knew damn well what i was about to do to him
Totally just beaned Nate in the face at 9:29 😂
He's ok.
Yea. So unresponsible behaviour by throwing hammer in the air over somebody's head. That was just stupid. He could have lost an eye if Hammer fell with edged side. Unlike for the video cause if that.
To be honest I would say the hammer, or a lighter tomahawk with a rear hammer head. It's short, you can move it quickly and the weight of the head transfers a lot of impact. It's also ideal for home defence in a confined space like a doorway or corridor.
In the country, im currently in machetes are everywhere, back in the day when...I carried a hammer with me,, a framing maul is a nasty tool and if it comes down to it, practice throwing it as well ...its a great conversation stopper
Well, as a latin american I can say to carry a machete is almost like carrying a hammer, no problem at all. Machete is a real tool here, it's part of our culture.
I've been training with hammers for years. I agree with every thing that was said about training and using hammers for self defense. Personally I like a 12-14oz roofing hammer, but a claw has its advantages too. You can swing, hook, block and as stated in this great video "check the oil" 😂😂😂. It can be carried on you without most people blinking an eye. I train in MBC, and find its easy to just apply what I've already learned with sticks, knives and clubs and hatchets/tomahawk to to any number of everyday items. Hammers are great in my opinion. I'd love to see a video though too. But just applying what you already know goes a long way. Great video
You know u live in a dangerous place when u have to choose between machate or hammer
Many people live in a self created imaginary dangerous world.
I remember watching 1000's of bodies floating down the river in Rwanda where 1,000,000 people were chopped up with machetes and garden hoes.
I keep a claw tooth hammer in my truck for self defense and because it has many other uses. Plus it's easy to articulate having a multi purpose tool in my vehicle rather than a more single purpose item that is seen more as a weapon than a tool. The hammer also has more uses than an edged weapon in a self defense capacity. They both have their merits. Then again, a machete is a tool too, though it is more often associated as a weapon. Cool video!!! 👍
I’m a 20 year concrete forming carpenter. I work in Los Angeles California. I have personal used my hammer in self defense. My muscle memory and knowledge of the Mechanics of how to swing my hammer properly and different situation and tight spaces. Made my defense and ability to defend comparable to a swordsman with a blade of his choice. Not to mention I use an 18 ounce framing hammer , with the claws of the hammer less curved and more pronounced then the hammers in Mike’s video. I will choose my hammer over a blade 9 out of 10 times.
Hammer-axe is the best of both worlds
Having worked as a roofer for many years in the past, I always have an Estwing shingling hatchet with my tools in the car and at home. One single, solid piece of steel, relatively light and nimble, and good impact and cutting capability. Thankfully I've never had to use it as a weapon, but I have no doubt it would be effective.
They make me nervous when demonstrating the weapon swinging at each other.
9:28 Rip dudes forehead lmao
I saw that too 😂
that really probably hurt lol
The answer is that it depends upon a number of factors. 1) The skill of the person using either weapon; 2) the surety of the grip of each weapon (you do not want the weapon to slip out of your hand or to have it snatched from you and then used on you) ; 3) the weight of each weapon with respect to the strength of the individual using it; 4) the length of each weapon (a shorter person may want some length with his weapon, whereas, a taller person may not need that length because he already had a good reach.
I carry a machete or a Bowie knife every day. It's illegal to conceal without a license, but open carry in a sheath, totally legal and I've only ever gotten compliments. Florida ftw I guess.
Great work ! Totally with you on that ! Hammer is much more civilised weapon, best to defend your law case after using it, and much more funky !
Since there is no info on how to use it for self defence, please come up with a supplementary video... or with your whole course on that !
Keep up the good work !
There is tons of information on using a hammer in combat. It was used extensively across all cultural groups. Superior to a sword against armor
It's basically like usuing a tomahawk.
I personally think the hammer is better in terms of access and maneuverability, but not weight, bleeding ability, or non blunt-force force trauma . There's a show on Amazon prime(previously a TH-cam red series) called Wayne and the main character, Wayne, carrys a ball pein hammer. It's a really good show that I recommend.
oldboy has hammer combat too
Machete: Intimidation
Hammer: Practicality
99% of people would back down from a machete, many more would take their chances against a hammer.
@@zipzip8239 that's true. I've took on an attacker armed with a claw hammer and beat the shit out of him. If that same person had a machete I'm away.
Yes, I'd like my chances better fighting someone with a hammer, if they bust out the Machete' i'm running, it's a hell no
Machetes are pretty darn practical, woodcutting, grass, etc.
Love the 'spetznaz' shovel. Would take it over either. Can carry on public, can be lethal or non-lethal, good for defence, takedowns, unpredictable attacking angles etc.
Sweet move at 9:29 double flipping that hammer and dropping it on green shirts head.
Machete has more lethal capacity due it being a blade whereas Hammer is more subtle and has extra utility. Daily self defense, Hammer
Have you ever seen Kung Fu Hustle? Instead of the ax gang, start a hammer gang. Would love to see more Hammer Fu.
I personally carry a tomahawk and a 28 ounce Estwing long handled framing hammer. The tomahawk is nice and all, but the hammer in motion can inflict a significant amount of damage no matter what. If you catch 28 ounces of steel in a committed swing, the defense costs catastrophic damage even if successful. I also practice throwing the both of them as well since I cannot carry a gun. The hammer is is held in a belt mounted axe frog. The hammer on my right hip and the tomahawk on my left. It's a damned good exercise to swing those around for a few hours. It leaves you properly sore for days after if the equipment is heavy enough. Just be careful how you mechanically handle the swings with your joints. If you hurt in training, you will cripple yourself when adrenaline is involved. If you feel discomfort from your form, drop your speed to 1/10th normal, and evaluate the physics itself. Find the problem, and then train the correction. Then double speed to 1/5th speed and power. If no pain happens, transition to 1/2 speed and power. If no pain, return to normal speed. If things still feel wrong, start over and try again. You will feel silly as hell, but it is worth it to train your muscles right. You really can hurt yourself badly with poor form.
What do you think about sizing down weight-wise? I have a 8oz Estwing ball peen and, while not heavy, it's very fast. Maybe I should size up to a 16oz and see if that's a good middle ground?
Machete is definitively more dangerous, but I probably would choose a hammer - I don't like idea of cutting people limbs that much. And that striping grips mechanic of yours looks really cool to learn.
BTW. When to expect wideo about classical dwarven setup -- hammer and shield (i.e. buckler) 😉?
really? i feel like i'd rather the machete cos at least with that i feel the impact of the weapon less on the other person. i guess you're more likely to kill the person with the machete tho if not aiming for the head with the hammer.
More likely to avoid the actual confrontation if you pull out a machete. You’d have to be nuts to attack someone with a machete even if you were much bigger whereas a bigger opponent wouldn’t be as scared of the hammer.
I love how you can scope the hammer and hide it. Where as the machete would cause an alert.
OMG.
Your the best.
Ive been carrying a ballpeen for over 50 years.
Machete; More effective.
Hammer: can be carried.
Depends on the target. In some cases the hammer is going to be more effective. Live vs an armored target the machete is going to do nothing. That hammer is still going to be felt.
Hammer*
@@JamesPhillipsOfficial Yeah. Corrected it.
Man, I love this channel, lol.
I'm surprised you didn't address an opponent's clothing/armor.
If an attacker is wearing full biker leather gear, the hammer is better because impact weapons smash through clothing/armor.
This is why medieval maces/warhammers were used against armored enemies instead of swords/spears.
Against thick armor, slashes are ineffective and stabs must be made precisely though the joint gaps of armor.
Maces and Warhammers could break bones even through plate armor.
My point is that the effectiveness of the hammer vs machete is partly based on your opponent's clothing/armor.
You think machete isnt going to hurt if you have thigh clothing? If it doesnt cut its going to be baseball bat which hurts also
@@viiltelijamurhaaja7225 A Baseball bat has more crushing power than a Machete
But if it can cut trough clothes depends on the sharpness of the weapon and the material of the clothing
@@robertwildschwein7207 The crushing power isnt that different if you have big machete, and i can take the risk of not hitting that hard for a change of cutting their hand off. And like they said in the video, if somebody is carrying a machete, its probably really sharp
The problem with the Hammer, is it takes room and time to swing it hard enough to do damage. And unless the Machete has a stabbing point, it also needs room to swing. Thus, a machete based on the Roman Gladius, is the best choice. Excellent point for thrusting, since that was its primary attack method. But, also double edged, so if some one grabs your Gladius, just pull back. And like one of the guys said, if they hold there hands up to fend off a machete, they will get cut up.
Swords are the best self defense tool besides guns. You can stab, slice, use the blunt side, and your opponent can't get close to you without getting cut. It is ridiculously easy to just hold out your sword in front of your attacker. No matter how much they dodge and weave you just can't get around it. And if they get to close it's game over for them.
Of course there are some things you could find around you that could maybe get you passed it. But overall sword beats all close range self defense. Its is different story for close range war though. If your in a group with fighters than a shield and spear/other stabbing object works best.
I go for both!
Excellent commentary and content gents! Beginners small hammer is a great choice. I think if your trained the first thing available is what you grab and advance from there. I think Jackie Chans films demonstrate the importance of improvising with tools and using them with grace and conviction.
It's hammer time 💪🤣
Now for real, I'm with you all the way. hammer is a small mace, it doesn't need edge alignment nor technical experience. Ok, it doesn't have the the fear factor, but after the first strike, the pain of the impact will make anyone think twice before coming close for a second time. Plus, there's no blood involved which is an important part many people disregard. If you think of medieval time they used blunt weapons against armored opponents. Can't cut it? Knock him out of is senses or break\stun the joints. They won't be getting up so soon. If you search for machete fights, they keep fighting after several nasty cuts, it takes time for the person to understand they were cut. Hammer fights less bloody and tend to end way sooner after one or two blows. There's a particularly nasty one in china where two drivers get in a fight and one of them uses a hammer, unfortunately the fight ended with the person who took the blow dying after two blows to the head. It's sad... but extremely effective, possibly more than expected.
Way less than a machete. Even after several cuts the opponents keep fighting.
@Mark Levetti I'm always for the stun and demotivate options when it comes to self-defense. A Knocked down opponent can't hurt anyone. A dead one, depending on the country, will have a lot of legal shit to deal and may give a fuk tone of problems even after death. In my country, self defense is reaaaaaally hard to justify, and even with reason behind you, you'll get a lot of problems with the law. 🤷🏻♂️
@Mark Levetti besides, a small wrist motion with a hammer causes more pain than a machete. I love machetes and swords, but on this particular issue hammers have other benefits.
@@Xf2tygr Well the machete is a bigger deterrent than a hammer, is not the same to fight a guy that has a hammer than one with a machete, most people won't even want to get close, and you can still stun/disable/demotivate the guy with a machete you just go for the hands or the legs (the side of the knee, you cut a tendon and thats it) you can turn the machete around and hit with the blunt side too that breaks bone a lot harder, and in the worst case scenario you can stab the guy, if you hit the chest/stomach the fight is over.
The hammer is more usefull if you got to the ground and is a lot easyer to have with you, but the machete outputs a lot more damage and you may not even need to use it most people will go ¨... yeah... i don't want to deal with this s*... i'll go and rob the next guy....¨
@@JR_22A damage, yes, no doubt. Pain complying, that's discussable. It's hard to hit the sweet spot or a tendon with the machete, and stabbing effectively in a fight with something that big isn't as easy as people think. There's tones of videos of machete fights and you can see it's a lot more messy than we'd hope. Yeah they don't get close enough, but they quickly think of ways to overcome distance, throwing rocks or anything else they can and then close up distance. A problem is presented, they find a solution, just because they are afraid of it. I've seen this on videos. Rather with the hammer, they have the fake confidence of knowing it's small and they think they can get close. But that's were they fuk up, one hammer strike to the forearms or worst the knee, And it's done. It's a messed up game of what if..
I'm enjoying this discussion as hell.
The best one is clearly the screwdriver
Philips or flat?
9:29 He droped the hammer on Nate's head!!hhhh
He's ok
A demolition hammer I have has a bladed section meant for dry wall. It’s not sharp but it would definitely chop enough to split some bones
Can't wait for the sequel for "Hammer Arts" 🎥🎥🎥🍿🍿🍿
You can hide the machete in a backpack that is large enough, you would just have to position it in a way that the machete is accessible and quick to draw, without showing it self to the public, usually what I do is leave a lanyard string sticking out so that I have better chance at finding the handle. With time and practice and skill perfection you could carry it in a backpack, and be able to draw it at any moment without revealing the machete to the public. Don't ask how I am so sure of this 🤠
A hammer is better if you work construction, If you imagine a guy that has to bang in nails all day, they can generate force very efficiently and precisely with a hammer.
Maybe go for a machete if you had years of experience chopping up brush in the jungle with Steve Irwin or something, but I'm willing to bet those people aren't watching hard2hurt.
I'm a land surveyor and have years of experience cutting line with a machete as well as using a hammer for driving in nails & construction stakes. I'm also subbed to the channel actually. See my comment up top about how my experiences have shaped my view on the weapons.
For those who don’t like a mess, a hammer is a perfect short range weapon!! A hammer would shatter any bone!! Plus, due to a machete’s length and weight, a hammer would be much more wieldable!! But you need a hammer that’s not too heavy that you can maneuver really fast!!!!! The hammers in your video are way too hefty!!!! A ball & peen hammer head weight of a 1/2 lb would work well!!
I would choose the hammer everytime. There is some definite advantages with the hammer. Multiple hold points. No actual maintenance for an edge. Great mid range and close range defense tool imo. Dont have to be overtly strong, more about wrist action and grip strength.
An African rebel force a while back, didn't have the funds to arm their rebellion with rifles, they chose the machete and won.