generally, cutting axes have a shallow wedge angle, whereas splitting axes have a deeper angle. most axes are double bevelled, i.e. symmetrical about the axis of the blade, but some specialist broadaxes have a single bevel blade, and usually an offset handle that allows them to be used for finishing work without putting the user's knuckles at risk of injury. less common today, they were once an integral part of a joiner and carpenter's tool kit, not just a tool for use in forestry. a tool of similar origin is the billhook.