The Superior Metal Axe is one of the strongest melee weapons in the game. You cannot craft it; you find it in the southern regions of Crater Lake and Highway 97. Its damage and durability both top the charts.
It kills Swarmers and humans in very few swings and lasts a long time. Field Repairs lets you keep it going with scrap.
Crafted axes break much sooner. The Superior Mace is the other top found weapon. Grab either one when you see it in the south.
2x4
The 2x4 is a plank of lumber you pick up off the ground and swing until it breaks. It is weak on its own, but crafting recipes turn it into the Spiked 2x4 and the 2x4 Axe. Treat it as raw material for something better.
Baseball Bat
The Baseball Bat is a common wooden melee weapon you find lying around. On its own it breaks fast, but it is the base for the Spiked Bat, Bat Axe and Superior Club. Keep one handy for crafting.
Baseball Bat Axe
The Baseball Bat Axe is a crafted melee weapon: a wooden bat with a saw blade bolted on. The recipe sits in the bunker of the fourth Ambush Camp you clear. It hits much harder than a spiked bat for almost the same parts.
Boot Knife
The Boot Knife is Deacon's always-equipped blade, and it never breaks. It handles stealth kills and finishes grapples when your melee weapon is gone. Skills make its combos hit hard enough to rely on.