I actually agree with Doug's comments as pointed out by Ken and with your comments Phaedrus.

They are dangerous tools and do require respect as well as experience to be used safely.

I have seen what an axe does to a foot. It is almost as bad as what a chainsaw does. (not my feet, thank you)
Seeing a couple of axe cuts is one reason I dislike seeing all these short handled axes being sold these days.
Handles in cruiser length are not safe for felling or splitting axes just because if you miss then the axe head is going straight for your lower leg.

It is also true that you don't need axes or machetes most of the time.
If I had to choose between packing a small swede saw into a kit or an axe, then I would likely choose the light thin bladed swede saw instead of the axe or a machete

Yet there are times and places where axes and the big knife machetes do belong.
Even the cruiser axe has a place and I used to use one quite a bit.