3D Modelling - Axe (No Reference)

I noticed how in many 3ds MAX modeling tutorials, people use a reference image inside their project. I've decided to do a comparison between using and not using a reference to produce a replica of an axe in 3ds MAX.

I started with the handle which would be long and narrow so it would fit in the user's hands. Going off my memory of how an axe is usually formed, I remembered the handle bumps on the end opposite to the blade Once I applied the TurboSmooth modifier to the model and  raised

Without smoothing groups enabled in my TurboSmooth modifier, everything tries to connect and smooth and create an equal curve wherever available, hence why in the example below, everything looks too rounded and smooth. Because of this, I separated the handle from the blade by giving them different smoothing group values before reentering my modifier and trying turning on "separate based on smoothing groups" which gave me the result on the left.

Upon completion of my model, I took some time to compare my work to the likes of a professional's model. I took to SketchFab, a service where you can preview quality models as well as the different textures separate to one another as well as the wireframe used to initially model it. What I noticed is just how much of the quality of the model is conveyed through the material baked on the 3D model.