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:

View attachment 1220560View attachment 1220561View attachment 1220562

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.

 

[pdqdl]

... yesterday's 100lb rounds somehow are 110lbs today.

What part of the world are you in? I'm just curious, because that is almost the starting weight for my logs. I routinely get 500-800lb rounds that are damned heavy after they get quartered with the chainsaw.

 

[Brushwacker]

Got the X27, X25 and the Fiskars Iso-Core 8lb on the way.
Will give all three a try and report back. Really looking forward to it.
They were all very reasonably priced with excellent reviews.

Was also looking at the council 5lb but there were several reviews that said the handle broke. Would always prefer to support made in USA products.
May still get one and give it a try, also quite inexpensive.

Appreciate all the help.

Straight grain and most frozen wood the x27, knotty or sticky grain the iso core, I like the x25 in my porch where I keep my inside wood where I sometimes need to split some down smaller for kindling or a hotter fire . Use a chopping block to keep it off the cement. Also have a fiskars wedge I occasionally use if I get into a sticky. Makes life easier having the right tools to match the task.

 

[sean donato]

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:

View attachment 1220560View attachment 1220561View attachment 1220562

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"

It's still an x27, just depends on the color of the handle. Same one I've been using for a few years now.

 

[SimonHS]

Anyone else notice the Black Friday section at the top of the page?



I can see Fiskars Iso-Core mauls for $59.98.

 

[diver64]

I'll bet that chunk in your shin came from a deflected strike that carried through the stroke until it got your leg, right?
I missed my leg two times, and quit using it entirely.

Actually, no. I had the chunk on a splitting log and when I swung the axe it went through the piece but the down stroke arc was short enough that it missed the splitting chunk and just kept going right into my leg full speed. I have a couple of boys axes and never had that happen. Got the longer one and no more problems but I won't cast shade on the X25. It works like its supposed to. Be great for kindling and bush stuff.

 

[diver64]

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.

My X27 came all black unlike the part orange X25. Same axe, though.

 

[diver64]

Anyone else notice the Black Friday section at the top of the page?

View attachment 1220837

I can see Fiskars Iso-Core mauls for $59.98.

View attachment 1220839

I did. I was wondering if anyone would trust those $70 chaps or no? I know my Labonville's work.

 

[TOTALCHAOS69]

It’s been several years but when I got my 8lb iso core I’m pretty sure it was $75. But it seems like the x27 might have been a little bit more than that! Lifetime guarantee and if it won’t bust a block then it’s time for hydraulics.