X2. I got one for last deer season and my splitting wedge is now a paper weight. This is a great option.

Fyi Fiskars makes a kindling splitter as does Estwing, I lke the Estwing I have but the Fiskars looks like it would do the job as well.

A rhymen... rhiner.
Very cool.

I still remember you swinging that pulaski down in Texas.
THOR!!!!

I thought of you today as I pulled up to check my lone pipe dream set on this south Texas trap line that I just placed out yesterday.
Darn pack rat hauled off the whole pipe, bait and all! Dug 6" to get it out too. A goodin.'

For the wood you describe that you want to split, either get the Estwing axe/maul or a 6 lb maul and sharpen the edge like an axe. Will split your smaller stuff effortlessly. Get rid of the blunt edge and give it somewhat of an axe edge. Your Amish friend should beable to do that.

Forget the ax. Get a maul.

Jim

Update: I got both a maul and splitting ax and see the value in both. I've starting splitting and while my pile doesn't seem ALL that big, I am reminding myself that I am taking what is usually four quarters out of a round and doubling that to get eight smaller pieces for the evaporator.......more swings! LOL

Anyhow, another question: I hate wearing eye protection during splitting..............do most of you guys? I've been wearing safety glasses and they constantly fog-up as I get swinging. Granted, its been above 80 degrees nearly every day I do it.........but its certainly a nuisance.

Do you guys skip the eye protection?

Are you in better shape than me and you simply don't sweat? LOL

Is there an alternative?

I was thinking my chainsaw mask/screen but that's attached to a hard hat and I don't really want to wear that.......

Ideas?

MZ

Always always always safety glasses. You only get 2 lookers
and there is always wood chips, chunks, slivers, knots, nooks, etc, etc, that
will pop out at you. Try a bandanna to catch sweat with your glasses on.
Thats what i do.

X2

There are good safety glasses that are vented and help prevent fogging.

MZ the guy with a zillion traps wants an ax. How can any woodsman get by with less than a dozen? And at least half a dozen splitting mauls. I also have wedges but haven't used them in years.

Sweat bands do work, add some little nose shims on your glasses and they are further out.
Wing off the 4 bark sides then 1/4 the square and the wood will dry faster.

I am not to proud to admit I own sweat bands , beyond the basic cotton these https://www.amazon.com/Temple-Tape-Headbands-Men-Women/dp/B076VX7MWM are a wicking material head in the picture must be tiny , but they fit on my big head even if a little tight. and can still get a hat on over the top.

started using them for summer shooting competitions can't see the target with sweat in your eyes , laying in the sun with a shooting coat on gets hot. soaked through ringing wet.

now I use them for all sorts of times when sweat would get in my eyes.

Best maul I've ever had, unfortunately I sold it in a move several years ago. Triangle head never gets stuck in the round, bounces back until it splits. The 12lb of weight is awesome. Not the best for chopping thru knots, but you can't have just one maul or axe.

I remember swinging one of those collins mauls in Boy Scouts. Was probably a bit much for a 12 year old, but it worked great.

BUT, I did NOT start with a zillion traps......just like I am sure I won't end up with ONE ax!

I actually have several, but only ONE splitting ax........

MZ

Did you see the thing I put on your Facebook timeline for splitting kindling?

those work.....I've had one for a few years........

MZ