Wielding that axe singlehanded will result in inadvertent axe-throwing. With my bastardsword though sword-and-shield fighting would be possible.

True, but this axe, as well as the even larger daneaxe skirt the line towards polearms. Defense comes from either overwhelming your opponent or from the reach the handle provides. Unless your opponent deliberately blocks your swing with the edge of a blade (which goes against every piece of training a swordfighter received) you aren't in danger of breaking the axe-handle. Ultimately, such axes are best used in a charge against an disordered or badly disciplined enemy, not a sustained battle.

similarly, the Scottish Claymores or German Zweihänder were used from within a closed formation to break open the enemies pikewalls.

Using this axe in such a style would be interesting. While the balance favours wide swings covering large swathes of space, the weight of the weapon would put anyone's endurance to the test.

Well, the shock received by a much lighter sword would be worse. Ultimately, these kinds of weapons weren't made for anything resembling fencing, but for a single decisive attack.

Thanks, I honestly had no idea.

wow