"A battle axe is an axe specifically designed for combat. Battle axes were specialised versions of utility axes. Many were suitable for use in one hand, while others were larger and were deployed two-handed.... Battle axes generally weigh far less than modern splitting axes, especially mauls, because they were designed to cut legs and arms rather than wood; consequently, slightly narrow slicing blades are the norm. This facilitates deep, grievous wounds. Moreover, a lighter weapon is much quicker to bring to bear in combat and manipulate for repeated strikes against an adversary." [Four boards, autostart]