The highest item level two-handed axes a level 41–50 character can wear as a Hunter start with Bleakwood Hew (item level 54, rare). 8 items fit the slot and band; the top 8 are ranked here by item level, then quality, not by simulation.
| # | Name | ILvl | Req. | DPS | Speed | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bleakwood Hew | 54 | 49 | 46.5 | 2.70 | Two-Handed Axe | Crafted: Blacksmithing |
| 2 |  Grinning Axe | 49 | 44 | 38.0 | 2.80 | Two-Handed Axe | Drops from Bloodroar the Stalker (Feralas) at 0.9% (+525 more) (vanilla) |
| 3 |  Splintering Battle Axe | 49 | 44 | 22.9 | 3.30 | Two-Handed Axe | Found in Solid Chest (The Hinterlands) at 1.6% (+940 more) (vanilla) |
| 4 | Executioner's CleaverCHANGED | 48 | 43 | 41.8 | 3.80 | Two-Handed Axe | Found in Solid Chest (Stranglethorn Vale) at 0.0% (+303 more) (vanilla) |
| 5 |  Charged Mithril BattleaxeFOREVER | 48 | 43 | 37.3 | 3.30 | Two-Handed Axe | Crafted: Blacksmithing |
| 6 |  Gigantic War Axe | 46 | 41 | 35.6 | 3.20 | Two-Handed Axe | Drops from Brimgore (Dustwallow Marsh) at 0.9% (+460 more) (vanilla) |
| 7 |  Tok'kar's Murloc Chopper | 43 | 32.5 | 3.20 | Two-Handed Axe | Quest: Threat From the Sea (vanilla) | |
| 8 |  Skullsplitter | 41 | 30.2 | 2.90 | Two-Handed Axe | Quest: Call to Arms (vanilla) |
Ranked by item level, then quality, among items with a known source: gear nothing drops, sells, rewards or makes yet (raids not yet open, the client's test items) is left out. The class filter keeps what the class can equip at level 50 (armor type, weapon skill, Dual Wield, the item's own class limit); the side filter drops items that only the other side's vendors and quests offer. Source: the best known drop first (a Forever rate at 10+ loots, else the vanilla 1.12 chance), then vendors, quest rewards and the profession that makes it. Reviewed picks: Hunter Best in Slot.
Other slots: Dagger, One-Handed Sword, One-Handed Axe, One-Handed Mace, Two-Handed Sword, Two-Handed Mace, Staff, Bow, Gun. Every slot and level.