Splitting firewood is one of those chores that can feel too good to call it work. A well-balanced axe, a well-aimed swing, the sharp pop of a clean split...that's what you get with a Gransfors Bruks Splitting Axe.
Unlike more common mauls, the splitting axe's blade starts off concave and fairly thin, allowing easy penetration into the wood, whereupon the thickening axe head exerts enormous splitting pressure. Gransfors' small splitting axe, with 2-1/2 lb. head, 2-1/2" face & 20" textured hickory handle, is ideal for splitting kindling & smallish stove wood. It can be used one-handed. The large splitting axe, with 3-1/2 lb. head, 3" face & 27" handle, is a superb general-purpose firewood maker. A steel sheath beneath the head reinforces the handle against impact with the wood. Note these axes' polls are not hardened for use as sledges.