Battle axe is a generic term for a fighting axe, especially a European fighting axe. Battle axes are essentially larger versions of
simple axes and are usually two-handed and double-headed. The term battle axe applies only to axes of war. The increased
weight and blade size of the battle axe made it even more effective for slashing, chopping, and crushing armor than the simple
axe; however, greater skill and strength were required to use a battle axe effectively and thus it was not a common weapon. Most
medieval European battle axes had broad, socketed heads (meaning the axe head and the haft fit together, rather than were
lashed together), and used reinforcement bands along the haft to prevent the haft from snapping during battle.