Axe is great especially on the softer woods like Yew or Hazel. When you are old and bald with tennis elbow you can have a bandsaw then
![Wink ;)](http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
Get an axe made from decent steel (I went for a Bahco one, which is Swedish steel) Most imortant learn how to sharpen it well.
You want a weight that suits you, I'd advise against going too heavy*.
IMO. If it looks like shiny chrome or has a rubber grip... don't buy it
![Grin ;D](http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
Del
* If you need heavy, maybe JW will lend you his shovel
![Evil >:D](http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/Smileys/default/evil.gif)