Splitting/Chopping Tool Review Thread

[Rudedog]

I have a Fiskars x11 17" splitting maul for kindling duties and swear by it. But wifey bought me an Estwing E3-FF4 14" splitting axe. I like it even better for making oak kindling. It weighs in at a hefty four pounds and reminds me of a drilling sledge with a great maul style face. I know its been mentioned on the site in the past but I didn't know if it was talked about in this thread. My wife got it because she heard that the company sells "American Made".

 

[svk]

I have a Fiskars x11 17" splitting maul for kindling duties and swear by it. But wifey bought me an Estwing E3-FF4 14" splitting axe. I like it even better for making oak kindling. It weighs in at a hefty four pounds and reminds me of a drilling sledge with a great maul style face. I know its been mentioned on the site in the past but I didn't know if it was talked about in this thread. My wife got it because she heard that the company sells "American Made".

Pictures?

 

[Rudedog]

Pictures?

How very "Rude" of me...

 

[Freakingstang]

I like that little guy. the X7 doesnt have enough weight to it.

 

[Rudedog]

I like that little guy. the X7 doesnt have enough weight to it.

The X11 pictured is heavier and longer than the X7. The Estwing is the same length as the X7 but weighs in at a hefty 4 lbs.

 

[svk]

How very "Rude" of me...
View attachment 390043 View attachment 390044

Very cool!

 

[Philbert]

Estwing, of course, has the solid metal hammers, where the head and handle are forged of one piece. They also make a solid metal 'campers axe' that was very popular for many years on canoe trips, etc., because of it's compact size and indestructible nature. What I see a lot of the canoeists buying now, are the Gerber axes, which are the same as the Fiskars, due to the lighter weight. Would not want to use either one of these 3/4 length axes for high volume splitting, but they work for campfires (and field dressing moose, apparently).

Philbert

 

[Jake Wise]

I have that ax and use it for limbing. It could also split kindling if I used any (see earlier pic). It takes some getting used to because you could easily remove your kneecap with it. If it is kept sharp it takes off limbs like a surgical tool.

 

[Philbert]

Yeah, they are great axes for many purposes. I would pick one up in a heartbeat for those uses if I found a good deal on one. But not as a primary tool for splitting, per this thread.

Philbert

 

[svk]

@Philbert your picture reminds me that I've got an all metal hatchet like that axe somewhere. But I think it's unpainted with wood bolted on for a handle.

 

[Philbert]

@Philbert your picture reminds me that I've got an all metal hatchet like that axe somewhere. But I think it's unpaired with wood bolted on for a handle.

Probably worthless. Send it down to me and I will recycle it for you . . . .

Actually, I should mention that I am not all that impressed with the Fiskars hatchet. Someone told me that if I liked the Fiskars axes and mauls that I would like the hatchet for kindling. It's OK. But I just as soon use my 28" Fiskars axe for kindling, choking up on the handle a bit. *I would gladly trade it for one of the 3/4 Estwing axes, (or another one of those cheap HF grinders) which sell for almost the same amount.

Philbert

 

[benp]

couple home run strikes try for giggles... had a crack started in the center and drove a wedge partially for some added pressure. ... clockwise around the edges, then perpendicular around the edge splits and worked my way inward.

.

I tried this technique today with one of the best lengths of Tamarack I have ever cut. The pieces were 16" diameter x 28-30" long.

Tamarack is one of my most consistently tough pieces of wood to split. Just a fight most of the time.

That technique worked like an absolute charm.

 

[zogger]

The X11 pictured is heavier and longer than the X7. The Estwing is the same length as the X7 but weighs in at a hefty 4 lbs.

Not breaking that estwing handle too easily, either!

 

[Philbert]

Not breaking that estwing handle too easily, either!

But I have seen a few bent!

Philbert

 

[UnforsakenGhost]

Anvil On a Stick, old style regular heavy maul.

I thought those were called go devils

 

[theswampthing]

I have one of the small leather wrapped Estwing hatchets. It's a nice little tool to have around. Not really great at anything, but handy, nonetheless. It does take a nice edge, and also took the tip of my thumb off while making kindling. Had a Plumb Boy Scout hatchet, but cracked.

 

[svk]

Edit: Spike and I settled our differences via PM so I removed my thoughts from here. Carry on my wood splitting friends.

 

[zogger]

I thought those were called go devils

They are called that a lot, too. I invented "anvil on a stick".

 

[spike60]

Edit: Spike and I settled our differences via PM so I removed my thoughts from here. Carry on my wood splitting friends.

Yes, we exchanged some very long, enjoyable, and well written PM's. Just a misunderstanding that is now cleared up. Don't like to see that stuff here, let alone be part of it. Hope no one is waiting to see the next act, cause we aren't going to do one. LOL

 

[dancan]

Daum , I was waiting for the pics