Axes

Do not plan a current progression build around finding Axes normally. Use the Axe base and modifier directories to inspect the client data, not as a current farming checklist. A limited set of Axe bases and incomplete uniques escaped through bugs in earlier versions; those items are exceptions and do not make Axes a released weapon family.

Axes are not normally released

The current game does not provide the complete Axe base, gem, and progression ecosystem as a normally available weapon family. Old Axe items can exist because of earlier acquisition bugs, but current normal drops should not be inferred from those examples.

Database presence is not acquisition evidence

PoE2DB exposes One Hand Axe and Two Hand Axe bases, modifier pools, and internal skill references found in the game data. Those records are useful for technical reference, but a record alone does not establish that the item currently drops or that the linked skill is player-available.

One Hand Axe and Two Hand Axe are separate classes

One Hand Axes normally occupy one weapon slot and qualify for One-Handed weapon wording. Two Hand Axes normally occupy both weapon slots and qualify for Two-Handed weapon wording. An effect that changes the number of occupied hands does not change the Axe's item class.

Axes expect Strength and Dexterity

The Axe class definition uses Strength and Dexterity requirements. Individual bases can have different exact requirements, and the earliest data entries can omit one or both values. Always use the item's own requirement line rather than assuming one fixed ratio.

Weapon scaling applies to Attacks

Axe damage, Attack Speed, Critical Hit Chance, and modifiers that specify Axes, One-Handed Weapons, or Two-Handed Weapons apply to qualifying Attacks made with the weapon. Merely equipping an Axe does not make an unrelated Spell use its weapon damage or qualify as an Axe Attack.

Throwing and Bleeding describe the intended skill identity

The current Axe keyword says Axe Attacks commonly involve throwing the axe or inflicting Bleeding. This is an intended class theme, not a rule that every Axe Attack becomes a Projectile, throws the equipped item, or inflicts Bleeding without an explicit stat.

Giant's Blood changes wielding, not classification

Giant's Blood allows Two-Handed Axes to be wielded in one hand, triples Martial Weapon Attribute requirements, and halves the inherent Life granted by Strength. The weapon remains a Two Hand Axe and continues to use Two-Handed rather than One-Handed scaling.

The Bringer of Rain has a similar slot exception

The Bringer of Rain allows Two-Handed Axes, Maces, and Swords to be wielded in one hand. It also prevents Body Armour use and gives its socketed items Body Armour treatment. Combining it with Giant's Blood does not turn a Two Hand Axe into a One Hand Axe or duplicate the one-hand permission.