Been needing a good solid axe for splitting. Haven't had any luck with the box store axes and I don't feel like paying 150 bucks for a Swiss axe as much as I like them. If anyone has any recommendations or any old but good quality axes I am all ears. Thanks Brock.
For a splitting axe, many like Fiskars. For axes in general, I've had great luck with Council Tools for good quality and value,
I got the Fiskars, and have been really happy with its’ performance, especially for the price. It split a lot of cords until I needed a splitter due to increased demand. I still use it if I have a handful of rounds.
Ya need ya one of these!!! http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Axes-and-Mauls/Super-Splitting-Axe-36
Yeah the Fiskars as others have said. Good value for something much nicer than a cheapo maul. If you want "classic" feel the Husky maul looks good for about a hundred bucks. I haven't tried it though. The knock against the Fiskars (my opinion) is that it doesn't feel as good in the hands and the steel is pretty soft (easier to sharpen though). But I really like mine and use it if I plan on swinging a lot as it's pretty light compared to a traditional maul.
I use a Husqvarna splitting maul. Very happy with it. Think I picked mine up for around $85 from Bailey's Outdoor a couple of seasons ago. Got exceptionally good service from them too.
I have a fiskars x25, Iso core, and each husqvarna splitting tool. Even the large composite splitting axe. Are to go wrong with any of them.
As others said, go with the fiskars. I got an x27 last weekend and the isocore yesterday. While I don't have a whole lot of experience with either, at this point I love them both. Plus they have a lifetime warranty for a very good price.
Best place to look for a quality axe these days is at flea markets, yard sales, and auctions. They usually need re-hafted and cleaned up a bit, but many of the old heads are made with excellent steel. For splitting, if you usually use an axe for splitting, the X27 is just plain hard to beat. I have always used mauls, and have both the x27 and the isocore maul from Fiskars. Both do their respective jobs well. Still waiting on Fiskars to add a motor or lithium battery power to these tools...
Yep Fiskars! I have the 36" splitting axe (not sure the difference between that and the X27). I'm 6'0" and the length is good for me, I wouldn't want go shorter. Yes, the metal is a little soft, don't hit the ground and sharpen often. Price is right, available at most local box stores. Warranty is awesome (not that you'll need it) no questions asked, just send a pic and they will replace it! Shock absorption makes it much easier on the hands than other axes/mauls. If you split really large rounds get the ISO Core also! After you get them and use them write your review on FHC!
I too am looking for an axe. Just picked up an isocore for large rounds, but want something a bit more tradituonal for smaller stuff. At some point I’ll be considering a council
If you do not have the cash right now about 10 - 15 minutes with an angle grinder and good 4" wheel can help a chepo maul. We have one of those at camp that was not spilling worth a darn. The edge angles were not designed splitting friendly. Reprofiling the edge from a 1/4" initial contact to more of a splitting axe design really made that sucker work.
