I have both the S&N Penobscot axe and the 3.5 lbs Our Best axe.

Of the two, I much prefer the standard head on the 3.5 lbs Our Best Axe. Its head shape seems for suited to both chopping and splitting.

The Hudson Bay head shape on the S&N's leaves the handle exposed to damage if splitting larger logs. In my view it is more suited to chopping and splitting of smaller wood.

The GB axe has a profile similar to the Hudson Bay, but has a "tab" that protruded over the bottom portion of the head - at the handle. This seems like it would protect the handle from damage while splitting larger wood.

Even so, there is something rather ... ah ... attractive to the Hudson bay head's shape. I really like the Penobscot.

The more traditional shape of the Our Best axes - either the 2.5 lb or the 3.5 lb are great ... and after very little sharpening, provides an excellent edge (I cut myself while using a puck stone to sharpen it - VERY sharp).

I highly recommend S&N axes.