Spear & Jackson3765LM Razorsharp 6.5lb Log Splitting Maul Hickory Shaft Carbon Steel Head

Excellent maul - I had always used an axe for occasional log splitting but suffered with it often getting stuck in a log. You won't get this irretrievably stuck, it will either split the log, or (beware!) bounce off!Mine arrived with a very very slightly loose head (do check for this). As it says on the maul, soak the head in water if this is the case.Or, living in the west of the UK with damp air, just wait for the atmosphere to do the job before using the maul!And, living in the west of the UK where the wind blows and trees invariably grow under stressed conditions, don't expect to be able to get away with just a maul... Timber grown under stressed conditions rarely has straight grain, and trees adapt by seemingly locking the grain together into a kind of textured web. Believe me, log splitting in the South East is a (literally) more straightforward experience!For me, a proper log splitting wedge (about 8" with the finest point you can find) and a 7lb sledge hammer are an absolutely indispensable accompaniment to a maul. For a big log, preferably maximum 12" but better 8-10" high, set on another, wider log. Look carefully for a natural shrinkage split in the end grain (however small). Set the wedge carefully into the split (the reasonably fine edge on the wedge is useful here), and give a few reasonable taps with the sledge hammer. The log will split (so long as you aren't headed towards branch bases or other complications within the wood).When using the maul, the standard energy required is much higher, as having a very steep wedge shape a lot of energy is required.Take care at all times. Eye wear is required, even ear plugs, the noise level is significant, gloves, strong boots and in the past I have had experience of bashes and grazes to my shins, not funny, if a log goes awry (probably a consequence of working on rough ground, so my fault). Now I make sure I am on clear, level ground, and don a pair of cheap cricket pads, adult size, which are now part of my equipment. I don't care what the neighbours say, I am happy to share a joke; if shins take weeks to heal, as a cut with an accompanying bruise can take a while to settle down, I'd rather have a laugh as a result of wearing shin pads!

This is my second axe I've bought from Amazon of the same type as I was so impressed with the first. I missed the delivery of this one as I wasn't in and it needed proof of age. Just wanted to say thankyou to Amazon( delivery) as the guy came back later on in the day to deliver when I was fortunately in. Brilliant service from Amazon as always. Thankyou.Ps great Axe by the way.

Nice and meaty tool for log splitting. I had a go immediately on it's arrival as the reviews mentioned the handle splitting at once. It is blunt - not the razor sharp advertised, and the blade was damaged at the cutting edge but it still does the job fine. A trifle unwieldy to aim unlike the last one I had.

Looking at some of the other reviews on this Splitting Maul, I have to wonder if the reviewers actually have any clue as to what a maul is for and how to look after tools.I bought this one months ago to replace one I gave to a friend in need.The bit is good quality, the grind is appropriate for a maul, the wedge and key are fitted well, the shaft is good quality and the grain is in the correct orientation.The first thing I did with it was strip the lacquer from the shaft using a cabinet scraper and doused it liberally five days in a row with boiled linseed oil. Something I always do with new wood handles and shafts. It has now split about twenty cords without a problem "quite a lot of it Oak". I don't intend missing the split and breaking the shaft. I don't intend soaking it in water, I don't intend letting it go rusty, and I don't intend lending it to someone who lacks the finer skills of quality tool handling and care.I do expect to give the bit, the odd touch with a file now and again, just to keep it sharp. And I do intend re-dousing the shaft with oil every six months to protect the wood and keep the bit nice and tight.This is a splitting maul, not a felling axe. It has a wood shaft that will last decades if properly used and cared for.A bad workman always blames his tools.I can't find any problems with this Maul.

If that is what you call razor sharp i hate to think what blunt is. Axe head is wobbly so sent it back, useless product.

Having never chopped logs before, we now have a wood burner. We had a load of logs delivered, but also had a dodgy eucalyptus tree taken down and cut into 9-10 inch sections ready for splitting and dry storage. I considered a posh German or Swedish axe but went for this one based on the reviews.Be under no doubt. This is not a B and Q cheapy, but the real deal. The head is a heavy 6 1/2 lbs but that aids cutting. It splits wood so easily. The handle is US hickory and it feels strong and tactile. After 2 hours cutting up about 3/4 of a tree, the head, handle, and edge looked new. No movement at all between the head and handle. Still bonded perfectly. At this price it is an amazing axe.

A maul is NOT an axe. This is simply for splitting logs and is really good at it. Just let the weight of the head do the work for you. You don't need to swing it down heavily.But it is sharp and heavy. So make sure you wear proper footwear and just take care.A great tool and my log-splitting life and my open-fire cooking is all the better for it!