h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Generally speaking, a good summary of a difficult-to-summarise topic. Few standards exist in the description of hand weaons, but this manages to cover most of the bases.

One thing though seems a little sparse (in addition to the ommission of maces, quarterstaffs, singlesticks and the like mentioned previously) and that is the entry for axes.

Firstly, the double-headed axe is almost entirely a fantasy invention. A poleaxe would be more likely to have a spike on the reverse than a second axe blade, and this would be used to punch through heavy armour. Most two-hander would be more akin to the Dane axe, being nothing more or less than one of those large axe-heads on a long pole for leverage which was mentioned. Swung at its full extent, such a weapon would make a mess of most chain armour.

Also worthy of mention is the Viking war axe, essentially a long-handled hatchet. Again, not something you'd want to be on the wrong end of when swung at speed.

Finally, the Franciscus (spelling uncertain) was a Frankish war axe, designed for throwing rather than for hand to hand striking. It has - as I recall - a slightly sinuous head.

The Prophet (no expert, just interested)