Splitting axes: split wood like never before

Features of a splitting axe

A splitting axe is a type of axe specifically designed to split large pieces of wood. The head of a splitting axe is shaped like a wedge. This allows the axe to efficiently cleave through a block of wood.

How to choose a suitable splitting axe

Not only is it important to find a high-quality splitting axe, you should also find the right one for you. Choosing the wrong size splitting axe will make splitting wood unnecessarily difficult. Not only would it cost more time, it would also strain your back and shoulders. It's better to avoid this.

A general rule of thumb is that the length of the handle should be about the same length as your arm. It's not a very precise science, as long as these lengths are similar, you're good to go. This way, you at least avoid having a tall person working with an axe meant for someone half their size. At the same time, smaller logs can sometimes be more difficult to split with a larger splitting axe. In those cases, a smaller splitting axe can be a godsend.

Splitting axe or maul?

The main difference between a splitting axe and a maul is the backside of the axe head. A splitting maul has a large, heavy and usually flat backside. This can be useful for a number of reasons: the additional weight will increase the power of your swing, and you can hit the flat back if the axe gets stuck inside the wood. This flat back is also perfect when you're using a metal wedge for the hardest blocks of wood. In short: a splitting maul can be useful for more serious splitting work.