There's a metric fuck-ton of information on axes here;
"An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual"
http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm99232823/index.htmTable of Contents
Acknowledgments
Brief History of the Ax
Evolution of the Ax in America
Ax Types, Patterns, and Uses
American Felling Ax
Double–Bit Ax
Broad Ax
Other Axes and Hatchets
Adzes
Decline of the American Ax
Getting the Hang of It
Basics of Handle Selection
Hanging Procedure
Sharpening
Using Axes
A Most Versatile Tool
Using an Ax Safely
Chopping Technique
Felling Trees
Limbing
Cutting Pinned–Down Saplings
Bucking
Splitting
Hewing
Buying an Ax
New and Used Axes
Manufacturers
Distributors
Organizations
Selected References
About the Author
