>>981649axes from the alps generally have a gentle curve backwards and then forward, but the cutting edge is also tilted forward. german and eastern europe have a straight handle with a bulky section under the head
you don't have to overcomplicate things tho, i split that maul's handle from a 1m black locust round and just arranged it to follow the grain, it is slightly curved forward. i prefer a straight handle because i can grip it however i want