Changing to swordsman or axe

Slappan

I bought a vial of amnesia, and was deciding whether to change my class to a swordsman or an axeman. I heard that swordsmen are very strong in high levels, along with the +skills swords that they are able to use. Axe users cannot be replaced with any other mercs (so far). I've been leaning towards axe, any arguments for other classes?