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Reviews: Fiskars 7856 X11 17-Inch Splitting Axe

I have been a fan of Fiskars products for a long time. Ever since I bought the left-handed version of their excellent stainless steel scissors. As a card-carrying tool freek, I seek out well-designed, quality tools.

Before buying this axe, I examined regular axes by Estwing and others in the hope of finding a single axe to meet all my needs. Apart from quality issues,(burred cutting edges,rough finishes, etc.) it was clear that they did not provide enough of the wedging action required for log splitting.

This Fiskars splitting axe is worthy of the highest praise. It has great balance and finish, a beautiful solid feel and, due to the intelligent design of the head, it excels in its dedicated purpose: splitting wood. I'm using it to split ponderosa pine (easy) and piñon (tougher) that our firewood supplier brings. The axe head comes with a good edge, well-protected in transit by a durable plastic storage sheath, and has flared cheeks to provide good splitting action. Something you don't get from the profile of a conventional axe. The wedge profile also means it will not perform well as a general-purpose axe.

Not a problem! Now I have an excuse to buy a matching conventional axe from a company that delivers well-made, well-designed products. (And hasn't used globalization as an excuse for throwing quality overboard.)