Need help deciding on a splitter

T

TROB

Joined
Sep 15, 2016
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I've been back and forth on a bunch of different splitters and need some help making a decision.
I'm not splitting large amounts, like cords. I just want something for camping that has good steel and will last.
I like the styling of the husqvarna splitters, and I think im leaning towards their large splitting axe, rather than the maul or small splitter. But if you think I'd be better off with those, let me know.
The other one I'm considering is the Stihl Pro Splitting axe. I like the size and robust features of this one (hated the handle shape on the Stihl maul). It seems to be built like a tank with the handle thickness and steel collar, and I won't have anything break for a long time. The possible negatives of the stihl are that it has a proprietary handle and attachment method if I have a handle break. Also, I'm not sure if the shape of the head is helpful, or a waste of material. From what I gathered, it's good steel and the company that actually makes the axe (ox), seems well respected.

What do you think is best for me?

Thanks
 
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I’m looking for something a little more classic than the Fiskars. Wood handle, forged head, etc.
 
The Gränsfors Maul and large Splittting axe are expensive but really comfortable. I have processed some gnarly almond and an oak tree so far. For camping the large splitting axe is portable at 28” and is very comfortable.
 
I like that style too, but I’m trying to stay under $100, which is why the husqvarna is appealing. Same style, but $86. I can afford more, but with how often I’ll use t, that doesn’t seem reasonable. However, the Stihl might be a little forgiving, being a novice with a splitter.
 
I'm a big fan of my Rinaldi maul. It's only a 5.5lb head and a slip-fit eye so I have both a short and long handle I use on it depending on the circumstances.
 
TROB said:
I’m looking for something a little more classic than the Fiskars. Wood handle, forged head, etc.
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Any interest in restoring a vintage head and adding a handle? I have seen a couple large heads on the auction site that would make nice splitters.
 
I prefer a 5# rafting axe. I can split most wood with just my 5# Plumb. Any 4-6 pound axe will do well. But it depends on your wood. Here's what my rafting axe does:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/finally-hung-my-rafting-axe.1028309/page-2#post-11811650

I think a Council 6# fire axe would be equally devastating and better than most mauls.
http://counciltool.com/shop/fire-ax...iremans-flathead-axe-36-curved-wooden-handle/

Unless your wood is very difficult to split an axe does better than a maul. It penetrates better so you don't waste energy on bouncing blows. On the most difficult wood you're better off using a sledge and wedges with the wedges ground with a very slightly concave bevel.

There is very little wood that won't split with my rafting axe but that will split with a maul. But I do find some.
 
Yes, and the wood with your rafter axe looked like pine. I've not found any axe to go thru my Emory oak in that manner.
The picture of that Council axe looks like my Hults Burks. Mine is a 5 lb. and a good splitter. I would stay in that weight as it
can double as a good limb cutter around camp. DM
 
David Martin said:
Yes, and the wood with your rafter axe looked like pine. I've not found any axe to go thru my Emory oak in that manner.
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That was Douglas Fir, admittedly not a tough wood to split. That post was more about what the axe would do to knots. I have knot found a better tool for cutting thru knots than that axe.

But it's essentially a very sharp maul. It works impressively on black cottonwood, elm or even London Plane, all woods with coarse intertwined grains and notoriously difficult to split as I expect your Emory Oak must be. I would grab that axe over any maul any day. I've said before, I do occasionally find wood that this axe won't split but a maul will. But there's not much. If this axe won't split it I'm most likely reaching for a sledge and wedges.
 
jblyttle said:
If it's for camping, I imaging that it will be light duty splitting. Get a convex boys axe. If car camping throw a 3lb sledge and a wedge in the kit.
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I was gonna slay sledge n wedge, then thought I'd simply be ridiculed, then I saw you said it yourself (if a vehicle is involved), then I looked at your profile pic :eek:

Sledge n wedge! :D
 
Phixt said:
I was gonna slay sledge n wedge, then thought I'd simply be ridiculed, then I saw you said it yourself (if a vehicle is involved), then I looked at your profile pic :eek:

Sledge n wedge! :D
Click to expand...


:D Would you believe that I've taken 50-60 pictures like that.....THIS YEAR?
 
You guys have lots of great options, but I’m trying to decide between the two I mentioned because I like those two for different reasons. The husqvarna Large splitting axe and the STIHL Pro Splitting Axe.

The husqvarna- a classic/sleek look that cuts well, and has nice steel. I prefer the look of this one

The Stihl- robust style, less likely to damage it due to my inexperience, nice design and good quality. Less of a “heirloom look”, but looks like it will run like a champ for a long time without needing much. I prefer the no frills, straightforward feel of this one. It’s more resilient.
 
If the two you are looking at are these:

The Husqvarna Large Splitting Axe
h430-0159.ashx


STIHL Pro Splitting Axe
78d398e3-f269-4791-8803-d90eb142a53a.jpg


The Stihl’s collar might be nice for overstrike but I wonder if it is necessary. The handles on the Stihls look a flat slab right through the palm swell. I don’t know about their revolutionary wedging system but I do wonder how forgiving they are if they need tightening and with the collar you can’t really lower it down on the handle. The head pattern looks like it belongs on any style of handle.

The Husky looks like a dedicated splitter with an interesting shape. Neither of them have “cheeks” of yore but the grind on the Husky might help mitigate that. You might like the poll as well.

If I were to choose one I would probably give the Husky a shot.
 
I just placed an order for a 6 lb. Council flat head fire axe. I'm just curious to see what it's like. I expect it will be a dandy splitter.
 
Thanks Agent H! That was the kind of response I was looking for. A nudge in the right direction.
 
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