Any advantage to use 1h axes?

[Csatádi]

They deal the same damage as swords but their reach is shorter. Anyone actually tried them?

 

[DoNeo]

I think axes can break shields easier

 

[Mortrag]

I think axes can break shields easier

Yes, from my experience they do significantly more damage to shields than swords.
So as soon as you have to break a shieldwall, the 1h axes are a viable option.

Edit:
And that's what makes duelling the boss of the forest bandits in early game so dangerous: He has a strong axe which destroys beginner-shields in few hits, while on the other hand his shield is tough enough to last the whole fight.

 

[czarny]

They deal the same damage as swords but their reach is shorter. Anyone actually tried them?

I think axes have more 'blunt' dmg part than swords so they are better against heavier armor

 

[VVyrd]

They are a bit better against heavy armors than swords but less so than maces.
They destroy shields much faster.

 

[Ananda_The_Destroyer]

You can make axe puns.

 

[saittam]

I prefer axes over swords. But then i am a swede also. Maybe it´s the genes.

 

[nereid]

They deal the same damage as swords but their reach is shorter. Anyone actually tried them?

Actually the damage is slightly higher for axes, especially the cheaper ones compared to sword in the same price range. The shorter reach may also be a benefit if you are fighting in a mob.

 

[世界知名伟人]

They are quiker. Perfect for slaughtering militia in castles.