splitting axe

[nevetsjc80]

I am thinking of getting a splitting axe to feed a tipi stove and also the house fire. So i was wondering what anyone thinks of the Gransfors Large Splitting Axe, whether you think they are any good?
I have used both a heavy axe and a splitting maul before many times and i dont get on that well with the mauls.
Any help would be great.
Steve

 

[British Red]

Okay Steve, the main question is what do you want to split? If its smaller rounds (up to 8" long and 6" in diameter), I would suggest a Roselli Allround axe. For medium rounds (up to 14" in diameter and 10" deep) then the GB LSA is a fine choice. Personally I find a splitting axe "neither fish nor foul", so my choices blend into cutting or working axes that can be pressed to splitting or a purpose built maul and wedges / grenades. I feel an article on splitting coming on as there have been a few questions about it.

That said, you seem to have a very particular purpose in mind and it is the one the LSA was designed for. Within that purpose, it is a great choice. It is large to transport, but on the basis you are moving a tipi and a stove, I'm assuming some means of transport (pack animal, canoe, boat or car) so yes, the LSA is a great choice provided you don't plan to split large tree rounds.

Any questions, please ask

Red

 

[demographic]

I have a maul that I even cut kindling with, I just hold it right by the head with only one hand and its quite versatile.

At a guess I reckon its about 7 pounds but can't remember offhand.

 

[fred gordon]

I have been using the Gransfor splitting axe for about two years and I think its excellent. I use it to split, mainly, softwoods for my woodburning stove. It has a good weight for me and it feels right in its balance.

 

[Rob]

Dont underestimate the GB Small Splitting Axe.

I have been using one for a few years to split wood for the fire at home and when I have lots to do in the woods. I am happy taking wood from 9" deep rounds to kindling with this. You have to use good technique with some of the tougher roounds, but it is lighter and ok for one handed use when it comes to kindling.

 

[Carcajou Garou]

I split wood that goes from 16" to 24"+ dia and 18"- 20" in lenght, I use a Hudson's Bay 6lbs x 36" splitting ax and often resort to a 2lbs splitting wedge and 8lbs sledge to help when the wood is too soft and/or narly. I never hammer the back end of the ax though.
I find the wedges a great help when the ax get stuck.

 

[outdoorgirl]

Andy and all of his tree surgeon and arborist colleagues use both the large and small splitting axes from GB. The only time they ever use the larger ones is for the really big rounds that need the extra weight to split them. Standard rounds they just use the smaller one. It works just as well and it doesn't tire them out so much. Don't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut....