Axe or Old Spice?

ASCENTOFMAN

["Think about what these brands are known for and consider the homophone of a key word."]

This clue plays on two things: a brand of men's grooming products and a TV show. "Old Spice" is the obvious nod to the deodorant, but the question mark hints at a twist. "Axe" isn’t just a tool—it’s also a brand (like Old Spice), and the phrase "Axe or Old Spice?" is a pun on choosing between them. The real answer is the title of a History Channel series hosted by the Old Spice guy (Terry Crews), The Ascent of Man—shortened here to ASCENTOFMAN.