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An axe is a versatile and ancient hand tool primarily designed for chopping, splitting, and shaping wood, though it has also historically served as a formidable weapon and ceremonial symbol. At its core, the tool consists of two main components: a heavy, wedge-shaped head (typically forged from high-carbon steel) and a sturdy handle, traditionally known as a haft, made from shock-absorbing woods like hickory or modern composite materials. The head features a sharpened cutting edge called the bit, while the opposite, flat end is referred to as the poll. By combining the mechanical advantage of the wedge with the leverage provided by the long handle, an axe effectively multiplies the user's swinging force, concentrating immense pressure onto a small surface area to cleanly sever or split wood fibers.