Ot: In need of a good axe

[Tickdoc]

Stop me from going to a box store and buying a run of the mill fiberglass shafted one. I am in need of something to split wood.

Here’s an old Winchester hatchet I found in my grandfathers stuff I restored a few years ago.





Looking for something authentic like this. Doesn’t have to be old. What should I look for?

[AngryScientist]

Following as I need a new one too.

To start off with, there is a difference in shape between a splitting axe and a cutting axe.

[Tickdoc]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Following as I need a new one too.

To start off with, there is a difference in shape between a splitting axe and a cutting axe.

Yes, splitting axe is what I’m after here. Just really want something that I use but Still pass down. I love the physicality and exercise of splitting wood in the winter.

[truth]

I don't have any recs for vintage but the Fiskar's splitting axe is the best I've used.

[572cv]

Originally Posted by Tickdoc

Yes, splitting axe is what I’m after here. Just really want something that I use but Still pass down. I love the physicality and exercise of splitting wood in the winter.

Me too. Depends a little on what size log you are splitting, what your goal is for the finished product. If you are looking for more kindling sized results, then a splitting axe is a good choice. If you are splitting logs, then a splitting maul is better. There are a refined variety of ax heads and maul heads for different purposes. I was shocked to find that a particular maul I found was so much better than the one I had before. I have a splitting hatchet from an old company in Maine that is made just for the purpose… and it is very effective. I’ll never again be afraid to try something, decide it isn’t right, and try something else. It’s like gearing and tires. The right combination gets the job done with much less effort

[stackie]

Gransfor Bruk splitting axe.

Swedish. Wood handle. Head will have a stamp if the craftsman who forged it.

Done

Have had mine several years and it’s a beautiful tool. Gets the job done.

Jon

[charliedid]

These are in use up north at my brother in-laws lodge. The folks who run it swear by these and one of the Grannsfors they have is if I recall 80 years old.

Trad - https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/pro...plitting-maul/

Mod - https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-37884...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[NHAero]

Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe.

I have burned wood since 1979 and split wood by hand. This is by far the best hand tool for the task I have ever found. Not very costly either, street price maybe $60-70?

[SlowPokePete]

Originally Posted by stackie

Gransfor Bruk splitting axe.

Swedish. Wood handle. Head will have a stamp if the craftsman who forged it.

Done

Have had mine several years and it’s a beautiful tool. Gets the job done.

Jon

I've got one, too...actually, I've got the splitting maul.

This is the way to go.

I've got a GB mini-hatchet, too.

SPP

[Tickdoc]

Originally Posted by 572cv

Me too. Depends a little on what size log you are splitting, what your goal is for the finished product. If you are looking for more kindling sized results, then a splitting axe is a good choice. If you are splitting logs, then a splitting maul is better. There are a refined variety of ax heads and maul heads for different purposes. I was shocked to find that a particular maul I found was so much better than the one I had before. I have a splitting hatchet from an old company in Maine that is made just for the purpose… and it is very effective. I’ll never again be afraid to try something, decide it isn’t right, and try something else. It’s like gearing and tires. The right combination gets the job done with much less effort

Medium logs only for me…prob nothing over 20”

[gdw]

If you want a quality American made axe check these guys out.
https://counciltool.com/

[merckxman]

I like these from Maine:
https://www.bnctools.com/collections...eid=5f164faf4b

[reuben]

GB is great, but I also know people who love their Fiskars. As mentioned above, know what you need. For splitting you want a fat head. I still use a maul and wedges sometimes, or a splitting maul.

[p nut]

Gransfors Bruks are excellent.

I got a Husqvarna because they were much cheaper. Mine was made by Wetterling, but they may have moved to another company. Quality is excellent. Mine is a chopping axe. It’s razor sharp and holds its edge really well.

[Octave]

As someone who splits about 6 cords a year of mixed hard and softwoods, I can attest to the durability and absolute perfection of a quality Gransfors Bruk splitting maul. Their felling axe has seen many days on our property as well. I've replaced one handle in 3 years of very heavy use, but it has otherwise held up spectacularly. If you want something to USE as well as something beautiful, with history, with intent, and with integrity, as well as something that you can hand down to your kin, this is the splitting maul for you.