When you sharpen it , it should be beveled on the one side only. As stated it is a Carpenter's axe, Carvers axe . They are usually razor sharp and are used sort of like a big chisel The handle you made should work well ,as they are meant to be held close to the head for most control during most operations. The handles are usually offset as well so it can be used with the flat side down with no interferance. The cut out behind the blade is so you can get your hand in close when you choke upon it. More of a roughing out and cleanup before planes kind of tool.Not for chopping down trees. I'd been looking for one for quite a while that wouldn't break my budget, and found one yesterday for 15 bucks. Mine was abused more than yours and will need a lot more tlc. Remember , only polish the flat side , and sharpen from the bevel side , or it will want to keep skipping out of the wood on you.
