Is the demi-besaigue not the same as the German Stichaxt? If so, I love mine and find it a wonderful tool.
The German tool is used for a wide variety of tasks. Cleanup as mentioned, but also for paring, shaping, and fine tuning of timber dimensions. It is an invaluable tool when working with rough hewn timbers, and it really shines when you are doing the type of carpentry for which it is most suited.
