I read here and there that epsilon axe were discarded for piercing axe because of the use of metallic helmet.
I think it was more because of the increasing uses of body armour (fabric & pieces of metal) because i don't think percing axe blade shape is more efficient against one piece metallic helmet :o.
I know my english is very poor but anybody understand what i mean ^^ ?
thanks for reading , cheers
Alexis

It seems as if the piercing axe was introduced before body armour. If this is the case then it can't have been the reason for the development of this weapon.

hmmm ok, thanks. I have difficulties to believe that piercing axes was design to "penetrate" helmets ^^. Then perhaps piercing axe was more efficient against helmeted soldier unprotected body parts. Or the design was simply better in close order fight. I read here and there that epsilon axe was a little like a sword or close to a kopesh.
perhaps the shape of the piercing axe is better to go around shields, i don't know. I will search for more informations
thanks again !