Wooden Boat's recent issue had a good article on adzes. The use of the pole on the end is still up for debate. At one point in the article it was mentioned "ask the adze's owner if he thought the pole was of any use and would he cut it off if it had no viable use, Nope, not cutting it off"
I think sticking the point in to some chunk of wood for sharpening would not be very good for holding it well. And the nail thing, try pounding nails with it some time.
I suspect it is art and or for balance.
I'm just on the internet dubbing around.
