Fireaxe

The Axe is a new close combat weapon introduced in Left 4 Dead 2.

The axe, along with all other new melee weapons introduced in Left 4 Dead 2 will be carried in the same slot that the pistols would, adding yet another tactical choice to make in the game.

The axe has unlimited uses, and can be carried for an unlimited time. It kills all Common Infected in one hit, along with all Special Infected minus the Tank. The axe can kill a Witch if you can place a shot to the back of her head.

The axe should not be used against Boomers, for obvious reasons. It should also not be used for chasing Special Infected, despite the one-hit-kill. However, when used on a Special Infected, an "Execution Move" occurs. The axe is raised above the player's head, then brought down on the Infected. This occurs quickly, taking just a second longer than a normal slash.

The axe is a slashing weapon, and has the ability to sever limbs. As with all Close Combat weapons, it can cause friendly fire damage to The Survivors.

When using the melee attack the player will grab both ends of the axe and shove the wooden handle at infected making them stumble back. It is presumed this has a "cooldown time" like regular melee attacks.

Trivia

 * It seems to gather blood as it is used more. It starts as a normal looking red fire axe, but after a fair amount of usage, it shines with splattered blood.
 * The axe along with the frying pan can usually be found in The Parish as seen in the Left 4 Dead 2 beta footage.
 * It resembles the Pyro's fireaxe melee weapon in another Valve game, Team Fortress 2.
 * The axe can become stuck to its target. When this occurs, it is rendered useless.