Pronunciation: [ˈaks hˈɛd] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "axe head" is often mistaken as "ax head" due to the silent "e" in "axe." The "e" at the end of "axe" signals the pronunciation of the "a" as a long vowel sound, rather than a short vowel sound, as in "ax." The phonetic transcription of "axe head" is /æks hɛd/, with the "a" in "axe" pronounced as the "a" in "cat" and the "e" in "head" pronounced as the "e" in "bed."
An "axe head" refers to the metal part of an axe that is shaped like a wedge and is attached to the handle or haft. It is the blunt, heavy end of an axe that is used to deliver powerful blows for various cutting, shaping, and splitting purposes. The axe head typically consists of a sharp, beveled blade on one side and a broader, flat poll on the opposite side. The blade is often made of durable steel or iron and may either be single-edged or double-edged. The sharp cutting edge of the axe head is designed to efficiently slice through different materials such as wood, ice, or metal, depending on the intended use.
The axe head is securely fastened to the haft, which is usually made of wood or fiberglass, using a mechanism called a hafting. The hafting process involves fitting the axe head onto the haft and fastening it securely by means of a metal wedge or other suitable method. This allows for a sturdy connection between the axe head and haft, ensuring that the axe can be swung with force and precision.
Throughout history, axe heads have been essential tools for a variety of purposes, including woodworking, forestry, hunting, and combat. They have been used for felling trees, shaping timber, splitting wood, and as weapons in warfare. The design and construction of an axe head can vary depending on its specific use, with variations in size, shape, weight, and materials used. Overall, the axe head is a crucial component of an axe, playing a vital role in its functionality and efficiency.
The word "axe" can be traced back to the Old English word "æx" or "eax", which is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "akus". This word can be further traced to the Proto-Indo-European root "h₂éḱus", meaning "sharp-edged object" or "sharp stone". The term "head" comes from the Old English word "heafod", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "haubudaz". Both "æx" and "heafod" eventually merged to form the compound word "axe head", referring to the detachable part of an axe, specifically the blade.
