You should rent a splitter. That being said when you're burning that beech a year or two from not you'll be glad you got it. By far my favorite wood to burn.
Beech that grow in the open like that are tough splitting for sure. I too would rent a splitter & get it done. Some of the best firewood & worth the effort.
It was delivered to me in all shapes and sizes so I’m using the saw too. I love swinging the axe but it would be nice if the wood had a little give haha.
Not much beech here. I did get some when I last ordered a load of logs. As I recall, I needed to break out the wedges and sledge. Excellent firewood.