go for the full size axe's. If you miss the stump, it will go for the ground. If you got a smaller axe it might go for you legs ( or worse <img src="images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ). i wouldn't chouse smaller axe's for your backyard projects. You don't have to drag it 20 miles and stuff, so go for safety and power, the big one's !