axe v. hatchet v. tomahawk

An axe is an implement used to fell trees or chop wood, and also as a weapon. It consists of a metal head with one or two blades affixed to a handle.

An axe.

A hatchet is a short-handled axe held in one hand, sometimes with a hammer head opposite the blade.

A hatchet.

A tomahawk is a traditional native North American hatchet. While axes and hatchets often have slightly curved handles, tomahawk handles are usually straight. Pipe tomahawks, with a pipe bowl opposite the blade, and a hollow shaft, were presented to natives by Europeans as diplomatic gifts, and were used in American Indian rituals.

A 19th century pipe tomahawk.