An inspired hybridization of classical American and Italian axe design, the WOOX FORTE draws from the best of both schools to strike a perfect balance of features for the modern hand tool user. with a silhouette inspired by traditional Italian woodworking axes, the broad and mildly curved bit makes accurately connecting blows a snap, with a beard to assist in choking up on the handle for precise work when carving or crafting. A deeply penetrating bit geometry makes chopping a breeze, while a concave high centerline helps act as a chip-breaker and smooths the bit-to-eye transition when splitting. A prominent hardened poll serves as an effective hammer face and optimizes the balance of the head. This places the center of gravity inside the hand when choked up on the grip for truly sublime control of the tool whether doing single-handed precise cuts or full two-handed chopping strokes. Last but not least, the large slip-fit eye allows for easy wedge-free handle replacement while preserving some effective amount of swell to the knob of the handle for a secure grip in relaxed hands.