We've Been Splitting Wood All Wrong
Splitting wood is one of the least favorite tasks of woodstove owners, and even for people who are just chopping for a decorative fireplace or pit, it gets unfun very rapidly. The repetitive motion and high amount of energy required are demanding, and the concussive force from blow after blow can
Posted — UpdatedThe basic shape and design of the axe hasn't changed in, well, millennia, as attested to by archaeological discoveries from around the world. At least, that was true until an enterprising Finn decided to rethink the way we chop wood.
What differentiates it from regular axes, and how does it work? The design is uniquely weighted, so that when you swing down, the axe acts as a lever. This transfers more force, essentially ejecting a piece of wood from the side of a large wood round, or cleanly cleaving through a smaller piece of wood. That ejection, by the way, happens at a pretty high velocity -- the axe's designers warn that the working area should be clear to avoid injuries.
When the user strikes down, the weighted axe automatically turns to the right, levering the loosened piece of wood away from the rest of the log. It drops to the left, leaving the axe in place for the next strike. This innovative design is far more reliable than conventional axes, which can sometimes be a little hairy to work with.