Axes are one of the most useful tools invented by Man.  They’re probably one of the first tools invented by Stone Age people thousands of years ago made from flint and stone, used to chop firewood, and doubles marvelously as a very simple and effective weapon.  It doesn’t really take much training to know how to use an axe.  Unlike swords, the nuances of which could take years to learn how to fight effectively with, medieval axes were more often used simply because it could take a couple of days to get the feel for it and to use it effectively in battle.  A weapon such as this War Axe in the hands of a Viking berserker is a devastating and fearful device, capable of wearing down a shielded opponent just from hitting his shield with rapid blow after blow after blow in such quick and relentless succession that the opponent might never get a blow in to ward off the attack.  You’ll note that the War Axe has a much lower point on the top of the axe head itself than a typical wood axe.  This is so that the blow is more concentrated and more effective.  If the poor opponent were to be using a wooden shield this axe would have it torn to shambles in no time thanks to how focused the axe’s blows are.  The rear spike was used to pierce the armor, popping him open like a can of oil.  On top of this the axe was cheap and doubled as a tool, which is great for outfitting and equipping armies; the less it costs to outfit the more you can field, and it also means less to carry which means more food and other essentials can be in place of other devices.  The battle axe is a must to have in any beginning or established collection of fine arms and armor.