How Fast Is Guillotine Blade?

A guillotine blade reaches about 7 m/s on the way down. The angle and weight were carefully calculated by Dr Joseph Guillotin in 1789 as a more humane execution method than the headsman's axe used previously across Europe.

The guillotine was originally proposed as a humane reform — replacing the inconsistent and painful axe execution method.

• Same as a strong throwing arm
• Designed in 1789 as a humane reform