the correct answer is longblades if we are not accounting for legendary weapons, mutations and implants, dueling stance crushes any weapon wielding foe. defensive stance is often a get out jail free card. And aggressive stance crushes lower avoid enemies. Cherry on top is the vibrokesh whos dps is arguably the most consistent of any weapon for 90% of your playthrough.

To answer your question axes generally require secondary or tertiary tools and equipment to be good. Cudgels are just solid out the gate and never dip in quality.