How does a German style splitting axe compare to normal USA splitting axes?

[Sid Post]

I'm curious how this style of splitting axe compares to a more traditional splitting axe. This particular one is from https://www.helkonorthamerica.com/store/p113/Mini_Spalter.html

Specifications
- Head Weight: 2 ½ lbs.
- Total Weight: 3 lbs.
- Bit Length: 3 ¼ in.
- Handle Length: 20 in

The reduced cheeks seem to provide less drag as the axe head enters the wood and that last bit appears to be a strong wedging feature assuming you hit with enough energy to get that far into the wood in question.

While a bit spendy at ~$135, it looks like it might be a real winner. However, is it ~4 times better than a Stihl mini-splitter? Humor me on a potential impulse buy!

TIA,
Sid

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The whole point of the design is to wedge. But not pinch. The thinner geometry at the edge allows it to bite in initially without being prone to bouncing off, but if the wood hasn't already split by the time the rapidly widening cheeks have gotten to the wood, they blow it right open, or else prevent over-penetration that would cause it to stick. They're a well-thought-out design that works very effectively.

 

[disduster]

they blow them out of the water. Of my collection of splitting tools the European designs preform much better then the classic american maul.