Splitting wood

[Biddlesby]

I remember being told, when splitting wood with a knife and a baton, not to tilt it one way as there was a danger of the handle splitting. I can't remember if this was point upwards or point downwards. Can anybody remind me?

Cheers.

 

[JonnyP]

Not sure if it is right or not, but I tend to hold the knife handle downwards so that the other end that your hitting has further to travel through the wood. If the handle was held up then you won't split much at a time as the handle pivots on where it touches the wood. I do not know how it can affect the handle though. I hope this makes sence to you, it does to me though I have drunk a fair bit of wine tonight...........Jon

 

[pierre girard]

I remember being told, when splitting wood with a knife and a baton, not to tilt it one way as there was a danger of the handle splitting. I can't remember if this was point upwards or point downwards. Can anybody remind me?

Cheers.

Not sure exactly what you mean.

If you are splitting kindling - with a log standing vertical on - say - a stump --- I would say to rest the blade edge completely across the top of wood - with neither point up or point down - as your wood will have a tendency to topple otherwise. Just a matter of balance - the knife edge holds the wood in place.

If the point is up or down, the first tap with the baton will have a tendency to knock the kindling wood over.

 

[torjusg]

Never had that problem. But hit the knife in the outermost area (protruding area opposite of the handle). If you hit close to your handle it will feel like your arm falls off.

Torjus Gaaren

 

[Andy]

Holding the handle of the knife lower then the blade increases the stress on tang. You should hold the knife at least level or with the handle slightly higher

Mike from BRKT has given a better explanation including pictures over on BB