content: I've seen quite often hardware store axes are pretty blunt or not sharpened properly, especially the mass produced ones with plastic handles that are probably made in China.  It also maybe looks like a fire axe, so it doesn't need or even want a sharp edge because its designed for smashing things apart not cutting or chopping.  If it had been something like a carpenters axe with a thinner, much sharper edge, it probably would have killed him.  Anyway its still surprising it didn't do more damage, but he does start to bleed a lot and obviously he got fucked up quite badly after the adrenaline wears off.