Neolithic Axes vs Mesolithic Axes

During neolithic times prehistoric people began to invest hours of work into polishing their stone axes, why? Was it purely aesthetic or was their a practical reason?

There does appear to be an advantage in polishing the axehead, although 'Mr Phil' also seems to have a better technique.

I have to agree with that, there was definate inequality in the swinging, though I have had a go at making stuff with flint tools and noticed similar phenomena as happened to Francis.

It does occur to me that an unpolished flint axe might even shatter under use because of the slivers of wood acting as wedges. A bit scary.

Polishing off the 'blemishes' would present a smoother, therefor a more stable surface during use. It would certainly make me feel more confident about putting a bit more 'wellie' into my swing knowing the axe could handle it.