I agree with Gary. I've been an outdoorsman for many years and have yet to have a real need for an axe. In inexperienced hands, they can be very dangerous. That said, I do have a lot of experience with a splitting maul and for future, I plan on getting a Wetterling large hunters axe so I can learn to use a small axe with some sort of proficiency as well. If you do decide on getting an small axe for woodsworking, start slow with it and gain confidence in your ability to control it. Keep safe handling at the forefront of your practice sessions.