A keen blade

Reviews: Fiskars 7856 X11 17-Inch Splitting Axe

I bought this splitter based on reviews, price, and brand, and I am fully satisfied with my purchase. It is perfectly made -- tough, balanced, and unstoppable. The blade comes sharp, but the real splitting power is in the flared sides of the head. I thought I would be using it for cutting kindling, but I can two-hand the handle and split full-sized logs no problem. It took me a little practice, because generating the needed swing speed for splitting is tougher than with a full-length splitter (shorter handle = less advantage). Plus, given the shorter handle, a miss-hit on a log can leave the momentum-driven blade moving towards your shins (unlike a longer tool, which would hit the ground before your toe, hopefully). With the gleaming, space-age-quality hone of the blade edge, I was a little worried (and timid, to be honest) about going full-bore with my swings, but after some use it works splendidly. I have found that a slightly taller chopping block, and a bend in the knees, helps to bring the blade home true every time. Usually the logs explode apart before the splitter has fully penetrated the wood, which makes me feel like a real lumberjack. More likely, it's because I am splitting dry, seasoned wood, but that doesn't stop me from taking a minute to marvel at the super-tool I hold in my hands. Every person who I have (conveniently) convinced to try out this beauty has been impressed, and many have gone on to buy their own. The shorter handle makes this tool much more likely to fit in the trunk and travel with me if needed for car camping.

As for the reviews that state that the blade cover is bulky or too big, I think it's fine. It is solid, and you can hang the splitter up with it when storing it. Maybe it's too big to carry on your belt, a la Mel Gibson in the Patriot, but this is a splitter, not a tomahawk. Plus, the latch is just firm enough to keep young prying hands at bay.

With this ax, think: Paul Bunyan meets Bruce Lee, 500 years in the future, in space. This is their legacy, sent back in time to benefit mankind.
If you want to split giant logs, get a longer handled version.

P.S. -- wear good gloves when splitting with this hero -- the closer proximity of your hands to the log means a greater chance of wood hitting your knuckles. Trust me.