A stick is an essential part of an axe but not a sufficient one. And the same handle can be used to make different tools. Axes, hammers, mallets, etc. And you can use a stick for non aggressive tasks, like a measurement stick, or a door prop, or a tiny pole for a tiny tent for Chihuahuas. And even when used as a weapon, well you tell me if you’d rather battle a fighter wielding an axe or one wielding just the handle of an axe.