Perhaps for some people it's more important to look butch and macho than keeping all their fingers. 

I never split wood without o chopping block. My way of seeing it is: if it wont stay upright, lay it down. If that doesn't work, I hold the end that isn't close to the axe head, lift them both up, then whack 'em back down again - the axe bites, makes a split and there is no more need to hold it. I have never cut myself swinging an axe or machete.
I may have cut myself sharpening the machete though... twice
i use the sissy stick method althought it was called a suicide stick when mesquite showed/explained it to me
I sometimes call them 'finger savers' when showing the cubs axe stuff.
Ditto with Scouts - My Cubs have enough to do with using knives safely.
I leave the axe stuff to scouts but have to always remember and make it a habit to do and be seen to do it right,
Or you could baton.
Any whoooo, who says anything with sissy infront isnt macho,
Any guess what these are called
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From www.knucklebusterinc.com
wow! can you imagine falling off with your hands wrapped around that "devils tail"!!!!! what a way to lose a limb![]()
I had to go and google sissy bar.....
slight paucity of hell's angels in south lanarkshire then mary?![]()