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Also note the interesting behavior of the metal: that's not due to differences in speeds or feeds. The axle shaft is, in effect, "case hardened".
The outer "skin", about 3/16" deep in this case, is quite hard- or rather, very tough. Not so much 'hard' like glass or ceramic, but very cut-resistant.

While the inner "core" is considerably softer- still pretty tough (it's all the same piece of steel, just heat-treated differently) but noticibly easier to cut.
This is pretty standard on most factory and aftermarket axle shafts- a very strong skin for strength, a softer core to help it absorb shock and flex
so it won't break. You knife guys might recognize that as a standard concept for everything from sword blades to axe heads;
hard cutting edge with a softer, more flexible body to help resist shattering.

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