Has anyone used the splitting axe and also the maul? I have all three of the Fiskars. Unless they have more than three! I am long in the tooth and the mauls might be a bit too much for me these days, in general. For wood that is not a bear to split, I think the splitting axe is better. I guess it is 4 lbs? The mauls I think are 6 lbs and 8 lbs. Another way to look at it is that if the wood won't split in one blow, generally, I don't need to split that wood, lol. I have been using the splitting axe for the past week and I will now revisit the mauls. Anyone have an opinion on what works well hand-splitting? The Fiskars models have always seemed a bargain to me but I have not used more expensive ones. Or chime in if you have found another brand/model that works well. I saw a Husqvarna splitting axe recently but I have not tried it. Also one from Europe. It was gorgeous but about $200. And you can pay way more than that if you buy the buckin billy ray! My log splitter is down for repairs. I need the exercise anyway lol.
For splitting I have the Fiskars X25 and X27. I use the shorter X25 the most. I really like them and have excellent results. I suppose there are better ones out there but these have been working for me for many years.
I forgot about the x25. I am 6'2" tall, I dunno if it would work for me. It might be better for all I know, I have never used one. But I do have to put a mighty whomp on some wood and the extra leverage from the longer handle of the x27 should help. I am splitting some sassafras right now and it is generally easy but it's weird, some of these rounds have surprised me being very difficult and it's always that once I get it open I can see an old limb inside, the normally straight grain is anything but straight! I def whomp these!
X27 has been my favorite. I have a couple 27's, a 25 and a little hatchet 17 I think? All good tools. I am 5'11" and don't feel comfy splitting with the X25. To short generally (for me). I gotta have an old tire layed on a giant round to set the rounds needing split in. Such a nice bit of advice I learned somewhere along the way! No more chasing splits. Getting me motivated to hand split again. Been a few years.
Dang,.I thought the Fiskars was the expensive brand! I got the Fiskars 8lb maul back early December at the local hardware, with a 25% off entire purchase coupon. I've always just used walmart/lowes 'bargain price' poly handled mauls... Haven't tried out the Fiskars yet....
When my splitter was down for repair this summer, all I had was a wedge and sledge with some fairly big tree service wood. Wore me out. I bought the X27 and what a nice tool I find that to be! Made a lot of splits and got some great exercise with the X27. C
For my use, the X-27 is close to perfect for hand splitting. I'm 5'8" & the X-25 seems too short, but I've not tried one. The X-27 is fast & efficient. Sometimes, on tough rounds the 8lb Isocore and our wedges are needed to open them up. I got the 6lb Isocore because the eight pounder is a lot like work. The 6lb one has seen little work, having frigged up my elbow and shoulder. One thing that is annoying with the Isocore mauls is they get stuck 10x more than the X-27. These tools are a great value. I imagine there are some splitting tools that are a little better than the Fiskars, but how much do they cost? If the handle on a bbr splitting axe breaks will he replace for free?
I've used a few cheapo splitting axes, and still have a few wedges and a sledge, but ever since getting the x27, that's what works best for me. I also have the maul (I think it's 8 lbs?) that occasionally gets used.
X2. I seldom hand split anymore. The Isocore used to section up large rounds for easier handling. I've used the X27 for the same. Had I kept on hand splitting and broke one the fifth time (Ive broken two each of the X27 and Isocores), I more than likely would've looked for a different brand.
Sometimes when I use my x27 I ask myself why I bought a splitter, but I'm not splitting elm at the time.
Funny this thread was started, because today I went to work on this pile with x27, fiskars 8 lb maul and hookaroon. I used the x27 90% of the time. I primarily use the maul on rounds with knots or twisted grain to pop them open, like this This is all black cherry, sassy, and TOH. Some of the black cherry had the most twisted grain I've ever seen in cherry wood. A few rounds Im saving until the end because I'll probably need to use the maul and wedge to pop them. Still a bit to do. Tomorrow is anorher day.
I’m 6’4” and tried the X25. I then got the X27 and found it to be a better fit for me. I gave the X25 to my cutting buddy and use the X27 and the maul when I hand split. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The last one I got was a Truper clone of the X27. Seems to work about the same and I got it for a good deal less than an X27 goes for. Maybe a little more felt vibration to hands. Otherwise same but red. I have a short Husqvarna fiberglass handled splitting axe but have never used for splitting. It's part of my get serious for felling trees gear as wedge driver. I've always wanted to try Stihl's woodcutter maul.
I saw a video recently where the guy said that that Stihl (or one like it but I think it was this model) has a tendency to topple, to twist during the strike, kind of lay down on itself instead of remaining perpendicular to the plane of the wood surface you are splitting. I am still testing my Fiskars products but if I had to choose today, if I were to buy only one Fiskars, it would be x27. At this time, I think the maul will do all and maybe even more that the x27 will do, but it will tire the whomper quicker. For difficult rounds and no hydraulic splitter, I guess having sledge/wedge would be necessary. Better yet would be to own both Fiskars. In addition to insight provided in this thread, I found several youtubes on this very subject and the x27 seems to get the vote overall. It's a good product with great warranty.
