Fiskars X-series™ X25 Splitting Axe with Forged Steel Blade with 28" Shock-Absorbing Handle - for Medium to Large Size Logs - Lawn and Garden Tools - Black/Orange

I've been splitting and burning wood for 20+ years. Hands down, this is the BEST splitting tool that I have ever used! It carves through wood like nothing I've ever used before! In another review I read somewhere, someone said that he started giggling the first time he used it--I can second that! This splitting axe is amazing--I'm even going through 16" GREEN ELM rounds with one whack! Those of you who have split Elm know how tough and stringy that wood is......I've split 3 cords of mixed hardwoods with this axe now and I never touched my old 8lb maul even once! This axe is light, durable (lifetime warranty!) and VERY powerful--the head speed that you build up with this axe is amazing and that--coupled with the razor-sharp edge and the wedge shape of the head--make this splitting axe virtually unstoppable! One those rare occasions where the head gets stuck in the round, a light rocking action is all that's needed to free the axe.I also tried one of the True Temper splitting axes of a similar design--and I hated it!! I rarely split a round on the first whack and it got stuck ALL the time and was very difficult to get unstuck.Lastly, there has been some negative comments/observations about the relatively short handle on the Fiskars Super Splitting Axe. Most mauls and splitting axes have a 36" handle, and the Fiskars is 28". I must admit that I was a little apprehensive about ordering this axe as I'm 6'3", and I wasn't sure how the shorter handle would effect me. After using it now for two weeks, I simply love this splitting axe! The handle length is absolutely not an issue for me at all. I use a 20" tall round as a splitting block, and I swing this axe with great accuracy and velocity!Bottom line: Buy this axe!! After using it for 1/2 an hour or so you'll wonder why you waited so long to get one!!!UPDATE 3/12/13:Now that the 36" version is out, I have purchased the longer handled version. Same great workmanship and incredible wood-splitting ability with a longer handle for increased safety and added head speed and velocity. I gave my 28" version to my neighbor--he still can't believe how easy it splits wood!!

Someone else mentioned that this thing splits like butter. I'll echo that sentiment. The blade is shaped just right to quickly penetrate the wood and create a split. The outer coating of a teflon-like substance means that the force of you blow will be transferred into lateral force, pushing the two halves of the split apart. The blade is very sharp. Not quite razor sharp, but it would slice you open if you let it.I was able to split 20" rounds of wet maple with ease. Anything larger than 14" needed at least 2 whacks to make the initial split, but two to four shots in the same area usually did the trick. Larger than 20" still requires a sledge and wedge for the initial split.After an hour of splitting with the Fiskars, I switched back to my old 8 pound maul for a few whacks. I noticed right away that although it weighed almost twice as much (and my back and hands noticed that immediately), the larger maul split no better. I'm never using the pointy end of my maul again (i use the blunt side for wedges).For reference, I split wood with the 8 pound maul 2 weekends ago. I split about 10 rounds before tiring (I'm not in great shape). Using the Fiskars, I split 25+ rounds before tiring.If you're splitting on hardscape or rocks, I would recommend either setting up on another round, or figuring out another way to keep the axe from hitting the ground when you don't expect it. Otherwise it will, an you'll lose your factory edge.I split multiple rounds together, which means that often on smaller splits, the Fiskars would go quickly through the small piece, and the handle would bash on some other piece of wood. The light weight of the Fiskars meant that the shock of stopping the blade with the handle was minimal, and even after 40 or 50 such strikes, there was no noticeable damage to the handle. I'll keep an eye on it, but so far so good.Advantages:Light weight, but splits as well as a heavier maul.Tough handle stands up well to damage (so far)Very well designed product.Very sharpDisadvantages:Short handle - I noticed it, but after a few whacks it didn't bother me (I'm 6'-1). Bend your knees, spread your legs, and keep your hands low to ensure that the axe head is moving downward at impact, rather than angling towards your legs.Gripping wood - when splitting medium sized rounds, i would occasionally strike hard enough to get the axe head stuck, but not tough enough to split the wood. Generally wigglin the end of the handle would un stick it, but occasionally i had to put a foot on the round to get the head out. This never happens with a splitting maul, but the trade off is worth it IMO.It's not so powerful that it replaces the sledge & wedge - Larger than 20" rounds may still require some good old fashioned sledgehammering (depending on species & condition).