Levered Splitting Axe

F

FleetFeet

Joined
Mar 2, 2015
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I'm new here, but not entirely new to sharp things attached to sticks :cool:
However looking around on a popular auction site I've found a pattern of axe that while not completely uncommon is unique to say the least.
It's called a Chopper1 Axe. They have a website but I'm not sure about the rules with posting links, images etc.

So...

Anyone used one of these?

Did you like it?

It looks futuristic, mechanical, and pretty gimmicky but it's an interesting design at least!

Oh and their motto is as follows, "Cut your work in half"

I'm sure someone has seen and talked about this before, but I couldn't find it using the search function.
 
I would buy one if it was very cheap just to play and then sell it. I have no experience with them, but I've held and examined one. My feeling is this- They have been around for a while, 20-30 years anyway. If it worked one bit better than a good splitting maul, they would either have licensed the design and we would see many many more of them rather than the oddity that it is, or they would have become popular and the company would be much bigger and we would see many more of them. Neither of those things has happened.
 
It has no advantage that I can see over a non-moving concave splitting axe.
 
I think these were fashionable splitters for novices in the 1970s. They cost more than conventional splitters and I do recall fawning over them at hardware stores when I was much younger. The lever concept was readily understandable but I don't think they ever were reliable or durable. My local hardware store still carries parts for these.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
It has no advantage that I can see over a non-moving concave splitting axe.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I had thought, moving parts are just more things to break right?

I showed it to my father, (the man who still swears by nothing less than a maul for all of his splitting needs) and he seemed pretty impressed.

I might have to pick it up as an early b-day gift, I'm sure he'd be humored by it. :D
 
FleetFeet said:
Exactly what I had thought, moving parts are just more things to break right?

I showed it to my father, (the man who still swears by nothing less than a maul for all of his splitting needs) and he seemed pretty impressed.

I might have to pick it up as an early b-day gift, I'm sure he'd be humored by it. :D
Click to expand...

Yeah it's basically the "folding" version of one of these. Same effect without the moving parts.

SEKIKRA%20CEPILKA%201,7%20-%20gif.gif
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Yeah it's basically the "folding" version of one of these. Same effect without the moving parts.

SEKIKRA%20CEPILKA%201,7%20-%20gif.gif
Click to expand...

No measurable advantages and problems from breaking, loosening or wearing moving parts in a striking tool. Much better option what you show FortyTwoBlades.
 
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I've had one for years that my dad gave me. He never used it that much so when I got it there was low mileage on it. I used it for bigger twisty knotty logs and it dismembered them pretty easily. The big deal is to strike the log nice and square because the levers don't do a thing until you get the blade into the wood about 3/4". Once you do, though, the levers really spread the crack open nicely (and quickly). It also helps that action due to the heavy weight of the head. We broke a handle on the thing and had to order from the Chopper1 company since the eye size and shape is proprietary. Could have made one but didn't. I've never had any problem with the moving parts breaking or failing, although I have seen several parts and kits for sale on the bay, along with the axes missing the levers and springs. I like the axe quite a bit and ordered another one for backup, and a couple extra handles. I also don't use it for splitting straight stuff cause it's more fun to use regular axes, but it sure is nice for gnarly stubborns!
 
Having never used one, I can't argue with your experience. I'd like to see a video.

I just do enjoy the workout and challenge of a big knotty piece, my maul and my wood grenade!
 
jblyttle said:
I just do enjoy the workout and challenge of a big knotty piece, my maul and my wood grenade!
Click to expand...
You are a younger man, I suspect, and do not home-heat solely with wood. The energetic challenge (thrill?) of getting nowhere with gnarly/ornery rounds wears off after a few intense sweaty hours. Most hand split wood pile owners I know of have a 'to do' section off to the side for 'ugly'-looking pieces that no one wants to tangle with. Youthful and husky visitors are invited/taunted to see what they can do, usually after being plied with strong drink. Some of these rounds manage to get bust up but usually by year two or three of harbouring a mound of ugly wood there is a ceremonial autumn bonfire to celebrate their demise.
 
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