Axe (weapon)

This article is about a type of melee weapon. For the neutral member of the Circle of Light, see Axe (G1).

This article is about a type of melee weapon. For the Animorphs character, see Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill.

Speak softly and carry a big old axe.

An axe is a handheld weapon made up of a stick and one or two blades stuck on one or both sides. Axes can range from small, one-handed handaxes, hatchets and throwing axes to huge two-handed, double-edged axes. Compared to a sword, axes are used to hack at an enemy and often have greater weight behind their blows. However, axes are often not as versatile as a sword (which can be used to slash, thrust, parry and so on) and so are generally used by those who prefer raw power over technique. Being somewhat sturdier than swords, axes also make useful tools (e.g. for rescue operations, clearing foliage and breaking through debris).

Transformers sometimes use axes for both tools and melee weapons.

Fiction

Generation 1 cartoon

• Optimus Prime wielded an Energon-axe during a fight against Megatron on a kind of important dam. Although the original toy did not include this accessory, it became closely associated with the character.
• Junkions (most notably Wreck-Gar and Junkyard's rider) wield axes in the Transformers movie. Wreck-Gar's weapon is called an 'Armor Axe' meaning it probably specializes in splitting armor.

Beast Wars

• Air Hammer's beast mode tail converts into his robot mode's left arm in what could be best described as an axe-like weapon.

Beast Machines

• Battle Unicorn is armed with an axe.

Beast Wars Neo

• Mach Kick's tail converts into a hatchet.
• Bazooka is armed with a weapon that can double as an axe or as a blaster, depending on how it is held.

Unicron Trilogy

• Strongarm generates an axe as an energon weapon
• Scourge's tail becomes an axe when he is in robot mode
• Metroplex has his colossal axe Sparkdrinker.

Live-Action Movie Series

While Optimus's retractable blade weapon has been interpreted as a sword rather than an axe in this continuity, the AWESOMENESS of axes hasn't been overlooked.

• Ratchet's toy has a fold-out axe in one forearm (although no fiction to date has depicted him using it).
• Bumblebee possesses a retractable battle axe for melee combat.
• Jetfire's landing-gear cane converts to an axe.
• Crosshairs has an axe as well.
• In Dark of the Moon, Optimus Prime utilizes a double-edged axe (alongside his sword) in the final battle.

Transformers Animated

• Optimus Prime uses a rocket-powered axe as a signature weapon and for transport. Before the events of the series, it is shown that this weapon would have been used primarily as a tool rather than a weapon, used to clear rubble and detritus from space bridges. Not that that makes it any less effective in combat.
• Soundwave's partner, Laserbeak transforms into an axe of rock!

Transformers: Prime

• In the War for Cybertron video game Optimus Prime's melee weapon is a large rocket powered axe almost as big as he is. He uses it quite efficiently, violently ripping apart endless Decepticon soldiers.
• When forced to fight, Miko's usual choice of weapon is an Axe.