It seems I've seen way too many UHC players attack a skeleton with a sword and shield, often getting hit in the process. They often even have an axe in the hotbar, but ignore it. A stone axe does 9 damage, while an iron sword does 6. The recharge time is higher with the axe, but you spend that time defending with the shield, so it doesn't matter! Kill that skelly with faster with an axe!