Yeah, a lot depends on what you want to do.
For splitting wood I find a maul does the best - whether full length or a smaller short-handled one. I found a great one fiberglass handled one at my local Ace Hardware.
For cutting logs that can't be broken by hand I find a saw cuts much faster & easier.
About the only thing I use an axe/hatchet for is to remove small limbs from branches.
Other than that my knife does the trick.