[darkshadow2247]

I think I found something with the handaxe. I've noticed that with the handaxe, I've hit with damage ranging from 40-450. I kid you not. I don't know if it's purely coincidental or if this is fact, but what when you attack with your back to the enemy, you'll make a swiping or slashing blow which does more damage than facing the enemy. When facing the enemy, it seems like you're likely to not strike with as much damage due to a weak little chop.

Also, stick close to the enemey. If you have a handaxe and are farther away, you'll do a reaching attack which yields VERY little damage.