The first two bosses in the game essentially function as the "introduction to parrying". But yet a lot of people don't even try parrying.
The Cleric Beast is also cheesable if you just stock up on molotovs.
You don't even need to parry, honestly. I've played the game multiple times exclusively two-handing. The axe is just so, so OP. The threaded cane tricks people because it's probably the most unique of the starting weapons, but not necessarily the best choice for a beginner.