I gathered some research reference images of medieval 12th century style axes. The majority of the axes have a relatively straight handle that starts off thicker at the top and gradually get thinner towards the base. Medieval axes were usually forged by the blacksmith out of iron, steel and occasionally bronze all with a wooden handle. Axes were designed as one or two handed tools/weapons with handles that varied in length from 1ft up to 5ft. An axe was a lot cheaper to make and required less skill to use but had the potential to be incredibly deadly with the possibility of cutting off limbs in one swing. Designed for penetrating armor plate and breaking shields axes were also thrown sometimes in volleys to intimidate, deal serious damage and disrupt the enemy.