Well now, let's see here. If we have a less-than-sharp axe and we hit ourselves (due to inexperience), we are hoping it won;t cut us (because, using plain English, it is DULL). But if we have a sharp axe, razor sharp (as it should always be) we must be experienced or we might cut ourselves.

I can understand your opinon, Macgiver, each to his own, but I can;t quite grasp the logic and reasoning behind it, despite the long post. It's like adding two whole numbers and still coming up with a fractions in the sum.

An axe, or a hatchet, like a knife, is either sharp or dull. Each user must choose his poison. Their choice might be based on efficiency, accuracy, and safety, in which case they would most assuredly choose the sharpest of each.

The problem with starting with a dull tool is that it only gets more dull with use. IF we aim for dull tools, then starting with one we're already one step ahead.

Not being one for "disclaimers", I'll make one this time: this post is only my opinion. THat opinion is: start with a sharp tool, it will get to your desired dullness before you know it.... and the danger factor will then increase.