Wetterling axes are one of the best axes available, and in fact actually outperform their more expensive competitor Granfors Bruk in many ways. That said, an axe is an extremely dangerous tool, even with the experienced user. The shorter the handle, the closer to your body parts, which is your mini hatchet. Buy Mors Kochanski's BUSHCRAFT for excellent instruction on use and safety. You should buy a full field battle dressing for quick emergency application if an accident should occur and learn to keep it sharp. Lots of outdoorsmen and survivors manage quite well without any axe, or even a large chopping blade, which are promoted as some manner of do it all knife and axe. If you are in an arboreal setting for an extended period, then they are a definite plus.