Hello,

The origin of the tools is the same. The English word twybil can be traced to its German roots - that is not to say the tool itself is originally German - twy or zwei = two, bil or beil = axe: so twybil = double axe). The handled version came first and whether or not it was thrust or swung, or most probably both, is difficult to say. Later the wood handle was done away with but the short socket remains as a grip used in thrusting and pairing.

Greetings,

Don Wagstaff