Hey all. Newbie here. I'm an old fart and never split wood in my life. I had a huge Sycamore tree snap in half in my backyard taking some big Maple limbs with it. So now I'm processing it for camping and my backyard fire pit. Meaning I'm not going to be doing wood the rest of my life,,,lol. So I got a bad shoulder and have no interest in swinging a 8lb maul. I know about the Fiskars X27. May go that route. But I really like old school cool stuff. I really like the idea of making a old Heritage axe. To the point. I want something for splitting. I just happen to collect Belknap Hardware Bluegrass stuff. I have a double bit axe and a roofing hatchet. I don't think the axe is for spitting is it? I would like to find a Belknap head that I could split with but I know nothing about what would be correct. The first 2 pics are my stuff that I all ready have. The third pic is just an example of something I seen on ebay. Is that a Michigan head. It weighs 3.5 pounds. Would something like that be suited for splitting. If not, what kind of head am I looking for. Or would I be better off with the Fiskars,,,lol. Thanks
A double bit axe can be used for splitting by striking the round sort of at a funny angle and letting the weight 0f the axe head twist the axe. It is a learning process but it can be mastered. Until you master that technique it would be a lot easier to either get a maul or use a sledge and wedges. This gal has learned how to use a double bit axe for splitting.
An axe can be a very dangerous tool for splitting. I recall a very experienced gent in the N Adirondacks who had one behave funny in a billet, and embed itself in his shin. IOW axe design has not evolved for splitting wood, but for cutting. OTOH, splitting tools like mauls have evolved for splitting. Duh. About twice the edge angle for one. A 5 to 6-lb maul is a very effective splitting tool, and depends on having a decent edge. Meaning, not driven into dirt. There are very good mauls available, and lots of really terrible ones. Buyer beware.
Welcome to the club! I have seen many different axes and mauls used by lots of guys. Some is just what you get used to. I peferd a maul over an axe but i can use an axe. For a beginner I suggest a 4-6 pound head. With a decent we get. I fiskars is a very effective splitter. I like husqvarna large splitting maul. It is more heirloom then a fiskars. It is nice if you could get a chance to use some and see what fits your style. With that I open a invite for you to come and split as much wood as you need to figure out. I have many varieties for you to practice with. Lol
Hey guys. Sorry. I didn't know I had all these replies. I haven't had time to mess with splitting any wood lately. People keep pulling me away needing my help with something else. But that's ok. So I did split a few pieces with my double bit pictured above. I could tell it just wasn't the right tool. But kinda put things off since I've been so busy.I thought I'd just do a Heritage piece some day or might get me a Fiskers if I hit the lottery,,,,lol. Wasn't into the whole axe thing for awhile. Then I came in from a road trip tonight. Walked in the house and could tell someone has been in my house WTF!! Then something caught my eye in my chair but it was too dark to see. Turn the light on to find me a brand new Fiskers X27. Now I know exactly where it came from. My Son got it for me. And to think I was a little mad at him because he didn't want me using his cause I didn't know how to use it. He didn't want me putting it in the dirt. I guess I can't complain since he bought me my own.
Really hard to fault those fiskars. I bought my wife and x25 and she loves it. I filled the handle with spray foam insulation. Heard it helps vibes. I couldn't tell you as I did it before I used it. just had a half used can and thought why not. lol I did take it out for a test drive after though
Yes, the x27 is a mighty fine splitting axe. However, don't expect it to solve world hunger or create world peace, but it should put a smile on your face.
