If you don't have a powered log splitter...this should be your choice

Reviews: Fiskars 7854 X25 28-Inch Splitting Axe

Do I really need to review this with all of the 5 star ratings? Do you really need to read another review?
Probably not.

But here is my story of why my shoulders hurt a bit today.
I usually borrow my relative's log splitter which goes through anything but is somewhat a slow process (except your back and shoulders will thank you!). I got sick of borrowing the log splitter and I wasn't about to shell out 1k+ for a good log splitter.

I have split wood since I was a teen.If you haven't done it for awhile...remember...don't over exert yourself. I haven't so my shoulders were hurting!

I have always used a wood handle steel head heavy axe (this is a splitting maul...not really an axe). With the wood ones, even the good ones, over time the heads get loose and you sometimes have to soak them in water just for them to stay on. Composite handles are great...you don't have to worry about the head coming loose. The head is small yet heavy. It feels a bit weird because of the weight is all in the head but you get used to that quickly and adjust your swing.

It is a bit short ( I am 5'11), so it is best to put the wood to be split on a "chopping block". This is to get the wood off the ground so that you are hitting the wood at a better angle and with the best impact point in your swing. It also serves another purpose and that is to save your blade and not cut into the earth and ding it up. A nice low tree cut that is fat that is flat serves well. You can also lightly tap your axe into the wood to keep it off the ground while your doing other things - stacking, moving wood, drink break, etc. The blade is so sharp on this you just let the weight of the axe push itself into the wood.
I was splitting Pecan and Oak. Oak it cut like butter. The Pecan which was pretty dense stuff even compared to the Oak...it took some work. They were also larger diameter logs too. I prefer the wood really dry (my stepfather says it is easier to split when they are still green...I think I all depends on the wood, grain and which part of the tree the wood is coming from.)
The small pieces you can swing at a quarter swing and have no problem. I was fooling around and testing it out and holding it about 5 inches below the head and swinging it lightly. It did it...cut through them with ease. I definitely couldn't do it with my old axe...nor would anyone really try this but hey...you never know until you try!

Comes with a nice head cover/carry handle. Head is coated for nice and easy removal.

I bought the sharpening stone from Fiskars too. Not bad...says it is for knives and axes...I think it is probably best for axes. Cuisinart makes a better sharpener for knives.

So if you are reading this and you still feel that the 5 star numerous rankings that everyone else is giving it - I am not sure what else to tell you.