Axes are another example of weapons that have been in use since the beginning of time, both for domestic/agricultural use and
for combative use. Early axes were almost always wood crafted weapons, the heads of which were made of carved bone, metal, or
stone chipped to an edge. As time and technology progressed, metal-hafted and metal-headed axes became more
commonplace. In combat, one handed axes were most common and were generally single or double headed. Two handed axes
were not unheard of, but because of the skill and sheer strength required to successfully wield such a weapon in combat, two
handed axes were rare outside of logging. Cavalry soldiers (soldiers on horseback) used axes as well as foot soldiers, although
cavalry axes tended to have longer handles and lighter heads. Axe heads mounted on poles became extremely popular during
the middle ages as polearm weapons, the most famous of which are the halberd and pole-axe. The advantage of using an axe,
rather than simply a sword or mace weapon, is that axes can slash and chop far better than a club type weapon, thrust, and are
far more effective at crushing armor than swords. The axe has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and deadly weapons
in history in the hands of a skilled wielder. Even in recent times axes are still a daunting weapon: we hear very little of sword
murderers, club-murderers, and so on, but ax-murderer conjures a definite image in most peoples’ minds.