What Axe do you recommend for splitting some oak ?

[BeatCJ]

I just picked up an inevitable replacement for my x27 the last time I was in town. I've banged wedges with the x27 for years, so fiskars won't replace it when it fails. This is what was available:

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No markings/model number anywhere. I searched the numbers on the tag above the barcode, but there's no specific info on this other than "splitting axe"

I understand it is the identical head, and the orange handle is only cosmetic. I have two of the all black model. My first disappeared so I bought a second. I was complaining about the first going missing and somehow it miraculously re-appeared. Mine have split about 3 cords of wood this year. I have split more with a borrowed hydraulic splitter, but that was all in one day working hard. For doing one cord, the Fiskars works faster. I was throwing the crotches and bad ones to the side for when I had the hydraulic splitter, though.

 

[Rich 07830]

I had an x-25, but retired it quickly. I liked how it splits though, and stepped up to the X-27.

I am tall, and it is short. It's pretty easy for that tool to skate off a log and come straight at your feet or shins, particularly if you are fond of putting a log to be split on top of another log as a splitting base. Truly scary. A slightly missed or poorly delivered strike can do you a nasty injury. I've never had that experience with any other splitting tool.

I'd recommend the X-25 only for shorter people, in which case it is still an excellent tool.
Somewhere on this site there is a thread dedicated to that discussion.

I love my X27 & I'm 5' 8". It's easy to swing for a long spell, not much it won't split! The really tough chunks get either my 6lb or 8lb Isocore. Once in awhile, the wedges have to come out. Meanwhile, yesterday's 100lb rounds somehow are 110lbs today. So, I've ordered a Split-Fire 3265 with a log lift. I like hand splitting, but my elbow does not, all too often.