There is a myth beginners in any endeavor should start out with cheap equipment.Learning with junk produces junk; both in the end effort and education of the user. Axemanship is hardly a skill you can sign up for at the local Adult Education office. A first time axe user needs to buy Mnor's Kochanski's book. Only then should they consider what, like a knife or firearm will be cut,shot or chopped is needed.