If a longer handle is safer, why not get the forest axe model instead of the small forest axe when they both have practically the heads?
Other than the helve length then, the only difference between them is the minor weight difference of an extra about 5.5" of wooden handle which is about 1/8th lb. <-- that's why I'd go for the longer one
http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/04/actual-weight-of-axe-heads.html 
