Can anybody else chip in with a big maul opinion? I'm considering a heavyweight splitter for tackling the gnarly bits. I've got an X27 which is the go-to splitter, also got a 6lb toolstation special which I don't like, often gets stuck, but I do intend to take it to the grindstone and put a better edge on it which might help. however I feel I'm left to resort to wedge and sledge a bit more than I'd like and find myself considering a good 8lb maul. Options I can get over here in the UK:
a. Fiskars 8lb isocore. Not imported to the UK and now Fiskars have (finally) responded to my emails i know they don't plan to have it on the 2017 catalogue either, poo. however i did find an amazon.com seller that will ship across the pond. after international shipping and the annoyingly expensive import tax, it comes out at £77. I like the x27, I like the look of the isocore damping and the look of the head, i like the lifetime warranty..i like that a lot....i have a typically bad aim...however if fiskars uk don't import will it be easy for me to claim should i ever break it? and if i do ever break it, and i can't claim, i can't rehandle.
b. fiskars x46 spelthammer. I get the impression that this is a European version, and an older version of the isocore maul.
https://www.alza.co.uk/fiskars-kala...HZ0Z0jA-zOJ4vqUaAuOX8P8HAQ?layoutAutoChange=1 It doesn't look nearly as sexy or well designed. not found it at many sites and those that do have it seem thin on info like the one linked....seem a bit dodgy tbh. however if they are trusted then under £40 (although its more like £65 to £70 on the other sites). warranty 24 months, extended warranty +96 months....what ever that means....maybe its lifetime?
c. stihl 8lb pro splitting/cleaving hammer. Most places this seems to be £80 or more but tonight i found it for £68....if it turns out to be real. hickory handle so nicer to use? but it will break after a while, although with its overstrike protection it should last a few missed swings. If it ...when it breaks will any standard Ash or hickory handle fit it? I'm guessing the eye might be custom? I found a replacement handle for the smaller version (3kg) for £25 so using that as a guide replacement handles are avaialable, not cheap, but not ridiculous. The stihl hammer does look really simple but incredibly sexy with it
Not found any other options yet....things like the wilton bash just don't seem to come over the pond, nor do council tools as far as I can see.
Think i'm leaning to the stihl...sexy and the cheapest ...initially at least....and I hope that since a big maul would only usually get swung at a bug round to get the first split, hopefully even my aim is good enough to avoid most overstrikes. i'll stick to using the sledge on wedges. Anybody that has some experience or thoughts to offer on the options listed, or any other ideas, want to chip in?
