Thus, the can of worms I mentioned. I believe the type ax you prefer would be more akin to this one:
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/new_prod/p_jagarensyxa.html

These gransfors are beautiful, good steel, and easy to sharpen.

I have three or four axes/hatchets and each has its own unique characteristics. But like you, I typically end up going with the 17-19" handle and 1.5lb head. It just feels 'more better'.

As you can probably tell, I love knives and axes. Have from a very young age when my dad gave me my first knife and taught me how to sharpen it.

Tango