The Scalper

The Scalper is an exceptional unique Francisca (throwing axe) that excels at wearing down enemies through bleeding damage. This level 57 weapon combines 33% Chance of Open Wounds with decent attack speed and life leech, making it effective for sustained damage builds transitioning into Hell difficulty.

Open Wounds Specialist

The Scalper's defining feature is its high Open Wounds chance, which causes enemies to bleed for significant damage over time while preventing monster regeneration. This makes it particularly valuable against high-HP bosses and Uber content where physical damage reduction might otherwise slow you down. The 20% Increased Attack Speed helps trigger Open Wounds more frequently, while 4-6% Life Stolen Per Hit keeps you healthy during extended fights.

Best Uses

Throw Barbarians are the primary users, though any melee character can benefit from swapping to The Scalper for its ranged capability. It's especially useful as an opener—throw a few axes to apply Open Wounds and soften up dangerous packs before closing for melee combat. The +4 To Mana After Each Kill provides minor sustain for skill usage.

Limitations & Upgrades

The Scalper falls into an awkward middle ground—stronger than most Nightmare weapons but outclassed by elite uniques. The lack of Deadly Strike or Crushing Blow limits its endgame potential. Most players replace it with Lacerator (which adds Amplify Damage to the Open Wounds effect) or Warshrike for higher raw damage. The automatic replenishment keeps quantity topped off, making it a reliable backup weapon even after upgrading.