Which tool would best describe a tool with an axe blade and a flat head for striking?

The tool that best fits the description of having an axe blade and a flat head for striking is indeed a flat head axe. This tool combines a sharp cutting edge (the axe blade) on one side, which is designed for chopping or cutting through materials, with a flat, blunt surface on the opposite side. The flat head can be utilized for striking or driving objects, making it versatile in various firefighting scenarios, such as breaking down doors or performing ventilation operations.

In contrast, a pick-head axe features a pointed end for penetrating surfaces but does not have the same flat striking surface that the flat head axe offers. A mallet is a softer tool typically used for driving chisels or wooden pieces without damaging them, while a hammer is generally not designed with an axe blade but rather focused on force delivery through its striking surface. The unique combination of cutting and striking features is what distinguishes the flat head axe as the correct choice.