Sharp, real sharp…
People don’t really see a splitting maul as a “cutting” tool, but it is. When the edge first strikes the wood it does “cut” through and between fibers for a short distance until it enters deep enough to “force” the wood apart something like a wedge. The maul, or axe, relies on momentum to keep it moving, and kinetic energy to force the wood apart… but that kinetic energy can only be used to split the wood after the maul head enters deep enough to use its “wedge” effect. Anything that reduces velocity before that point will reduce both momentum and useful kinetic energy (splitting force).
A dull edge will compress and compact the wood fibers, rather than “cutting” through them… causing the tool to use more of its energy to rip and tear them apart. Velocity and momentum are reduced sooner during the splitting action… which reduces the kinetic energy available when it is needed most.
People don’t really see a splitting maul as a “cutting” tool, but it is. When the edge first strikes the wood it does “cut” through and between fibers for a short distance until it enters deep enough to “force” the wood apart something like a wedge. The maul, or axe, relies on momentum to keep it moving, and kinetic energy to force the wood apart… but that kinetic energy can only be used to split the wood after the maul head enters deep enough to use its “wedge” effect. Anything that reduces velocity before that point will reduce both momentum and useful kinetic energy (splitting force).
A dull edge will compress and compact the wood fibers, rather than “cutting” through them… causing the tool to use more of its energy to rip and tear them apart. Velocity and momentum are reduced sooner during the splitting action… which reduces the kinetic energy available when it is needed most.