Dazza
Magistrate
Indeed it is what the Germans used. (with a high block)It could work, so long as it is sharp enough.
Its what the Germans used in the 19th and 20th century.
And I also happen to own one. It was a sort of weird gift. It was in the cupboard underneath a band saw. I once had to buy. for industrial use.
I can confirm it would do the job like a knife sailing through butter, and far more efficiently than an axe.