Wouldn't a larger axe be virtually impossible to weild with one hand? Think of the weight. It would be cumbersome and difficult to control. It's balance with the heavy metal end makes it even more of a challenge to handle with proficiency. I think that the challenge of using the weapon effectivley is compounded by the presence of other folks in your unit all doing the same thing. It would be like herding cats.
The Danish axe, which the "huscarl" should have, is a blood big two-handed axe.

This should answer you question:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danish_axe