In this post, we'll take a look at some of the best American-made splitting axes available on the market today.
I'll outline what makes each one special and why it might be the perfect fit for your needs. So if you're looking for a quality axe to help keep you and your family warm this winter, read on!
]]>HEY YOU!
Yeah you.
You are (most likely) not Arnold Schwarzenegger from Commando!
(weird way to start out a blog on splitting axes right??)
It had to be said - and I said it…
I had to get that out of the way if either of us are going to get anything out of this informational journey we're about to go on.
The biggest mistake I see our customers make is not being able to put their egos aside and instead instantly going for the biggest axe they see in our shop and taking it home.
8 times out of 10 that’s a bad idea.
I’m no math wizard but one thing I do remember from high school is the fact that: Force equals Mass times Acceleration.
That equation has A LOT to do with splitting wood with heavy pieces of sharpened steel and even more to do with missing a swing with that same beefy knife on a stick I just mentioned.
This is the long way of saying, when it comes to axes, “Size matters and bigger isn’t always better…”
Depending on your own personal situation, it may be a good choice to set your ego aside and go for that smaller axe - it’s easier to control when things go sideways, easy to accurately place a swing with, and allows you to swing it for a longer period of time before you start wearing out.
Now that that’s out of the way we can move on…
Whether you're a seasoned wood heating pro or just getting started, having the right splitting axe is key to making the job of splitting wood easier and faster.
In this post, we'll take a look at some of the best American-made splitting axes available on the market today.
I'll outline what makes each one special and why it might be the perfect fit for your needs. So if you're looking for a quality axe to help keep you and your family warm this winter, read on!
This iconic axe looks like it was pulled straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting - I mean it just oozes Americana.
You can just imagine your grandfather, years ago, casually picking up this axe as he intently walked towards his wood pile.
This axe is hung on a 32”, curved hickory handle that feels great in your hands.
One of the first things you noticed are the phantom bevels that mark the cheeks of this axe - people claim these serve a purpose, personally I don’t think they do much to improve the splitting performance of this axe but man, do they look awesome!
The lighter weight of the head paired with the shorter handle make this a great daily splitter.
A normal, healthy, person will be able to swing this axe, no problem for 20 to 40 minutes with ease - if you do that a few times a week during the warm months you’ll be set to keep your family warm all winter.
As an added bonus, this axe carries the Council Tool Sport Utility finish that includes a coat of a rust prevention compound on the head - you’ll still want to keep the head dry but at least this offers a little more protection from the elements.
This is my personal favorite splitting axe - period. Full stop.
Give me a pile of unsplit wood, either the 28” or 36” versions of this axe, and an afternoon - you’ll have yourself one happy camper on your hands.
Council Tool spent a while literally mashing together different splitting axe patterns from history and testing them out until they landed on this final design.
This axe was designed with a singular purpose in mind - take big wood and make it smaller - and it accomplishes that purpose with ease.
The biggest downside to this axe is the fact that it’s 5lbs of steel on the end of a 36” handle - which is also the secret to its greatness as a wood splitter. With an axe like this, if you want to swing it for more than a few minutes, you have to learn to not try and muscle it around. You pop it up in the air, put it on course for a good swing, start it downwards, and then let it float.
You’re just there to keep it on target.
It’s a hard skill to learn but once you’ve got the feel for it you’ll be able to let this thing sail through wood until the sun goes down.
And like I mentioned above - with this axe you get two options to choose from - and for some the 28” version might be a little more manageable since the weight of the head is kept a little bit closer to your body.
This weird looking axe with a funny sounding name is one of the prized tools in a wildland firefighters toolkit but one that is usually passed over for every other application.
I’m here to change that…
This axe deserves a place in your woodshed especially if you’re a person that likes to buy tools that have dual uses.
I’ve used the hoe side of the my Pulaski to do everything from dig out a latrine to help my wife dig holes to plant her Iris bulbs in. The “weird” side of this axe, besides being super useful, is the exact reason why it’s on this list.
There’s a technique that some of these new, gimmicky axes try to take advantage of that you can teach yourself where you let the weight of the axe fall to the side when you make contact with the wood and that motion helps to pop the log apart.
And…
That weird looking part of the Pulaski is a whole lot of extra weight to let fall to the side - making that technique so much more effective.
It takes a little time to learn but learning it is one of those juices that are definitely worth the squeeze.
I can already hear the “scoffs” and feel the judgment coming from my fellow Axe Junkies - “How dare I include an axe with a fiberglass handle!?”
I get it, I do, but hear me out…
The fiberglass handle has two benefits compared to its wooden counterpart - both of which really come in to play with a head that weighs this much.
Like I said - when it comes to an axe that weighs this much if it’s going off course you just need to hold on and get out of the way - which may mean letting your handle take a pretty mean strike.
You could try to correct a strike like this on the way down when using a lighter axe - but not with an axe this size.
But again, like The 5lbs Splitting Axe, its weight is exactly why it does so great as a splitter. Although compared to The 5lbs Splitting Axe, The FE6 gets stuck a lot more often in my experience.
This axe was mainly designed to help firefighters open up the roofs and doors of burning houses so it’s no surprise that it is excellent at opening up and processing firewood.
It is also a great workout.
If you want to head into the cold season looking like you walked off of the pages a Thor comic book then take this guy to the wood pile a few times a week and let it do its work.
This axe is a more straight forward, no nonsense version of the first axe on this list - the Sport Utility Classic Jersey.
It doesn’t carry the iconic phantom bevels - but like I said above - I’ve never noticed a dip in its performance with the bevels missing.
For me the reason this axe splits so well is the fact that it comes on a 36” straight handle.
I love the feel and comfort of a curved handle but the longer, straight handle does seem to be able to generate and maintain a bit more power when striking the intended log.
I’m sure there’s a mathematical reason as to why that might be the case but until I hit my head during a freak roller blading accident and wake up with a genius IQ all I can tell you is that it feels a bit more powerful when I swing it compared to its curvy counterpart.
And again, this axe is a bit on the lighter side so whether you’re 7 foot, 340lbs or 3’ 4”, 90lbs chances are you’ll be able to swing this axe a bit longer than the 6lbs FE6.
Now at camp you’ll most likely need to split wood for a fire and you most likely won’t want to pack in a 36”, 6lbs axe to do it.
So I thought I’d include this bonus axe for you as my favorite working axe for a campsite.
The House Axe is a classic American axe that was meant as a kindling maker to keep next to your cook stove or fireplace.
Which meant it needed to have a small foot print but still be able to get down to business when it came time to create or maintain a fire. The traits that made it perfect for storing out of the way indoors are the same reasons why it works so well as a camp axe.
The Council Tool rendition of the American House Axe is a 2.25lbs axe head that sits on a 19” curved handle.
The heavy(ish) head on the shorter, ergonomic handle means that it’s easy to pack into camp and it is able to do a decent amount of heavier camp tasks like splitting wood with ease.
The price point is also a huge plus.
You won’t have to worry about your children or clumsy friends throwing this guy into the dirt accidentally - it can take a beating and keep on working.\
I hope you found this post helpful.
The axes listed above are my own opinion based off of my own experiences with them - do you have a favorite American-made splitting axe that wasn’t on the list? Let me know about it in the comments - I always love hearing about new axes to try out.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. And don't forget to pick up an axe and start splitting some wood!
It's a crucial part of becoming heat independent and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
– Dalton
P.S. to the folks that are saying “why not just buy a hydraulic wood splitter you dumb fart butt!?” First of all - that’s no fun.
Secondly - I didn’t say you shouldn’t also use a wood splitter - this was a blog on axes.
Thirdly - I think you should have redundant systems especially when it comes to keeping you and your family safe and warm. Axes are a great back up if your wood splitter breaks or if your access to fuel for your splitter gets cut off or interrupted.
If you'd like to show your support of the Heating Independence Community we now offer a shirt!
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Assuming a cord of firewood is valued at $210, this home’s heating costs for the entire season would have been $1,470. Some folks may pay double that for propane or natural gas, with no guarantee the price will remain constant.
]]>As the world becomes more and more automated, the art of processing firewood seems like a laborious process. After all, there are plenty of options when it comes to heating a home.
And...
None of them are as time and labor intensive as splitting wood.
Unfortunately, many people have overlooked the important factors that make heating with wood so valuable. Becoming heat independent brings about financial freedom, geographical freedom, and physical freedom.
Heating with wood has perpetually provided financial freedom.
As natural gas and propane prices become increasingly volatile, it can be difficult to budget for these expenses.
Sure, many companies offer summer-fill specials or the option to “lock in” your rate. However, when a cold snap lingers and your heating needs go up unexpectedly, you may be left paying premium rates.
Consider these “worst case scenario” numbers: In southern Wisconsin from November 2013 through March 2014 (during which temperatures reached record lows for several weeks), it took 7 cords of mixed hardwood to heat a 2,200 sq. ft. home.
Assuming a cord of firewood is valued at $210, this home’s heating costs for the entire season would have been $1,470. Some folks may pay double that for propane or natural gas, with no guarantee the price will remain constant.
Firewood is an easy choice, especially if you can save by splitting it yourself.
Another freedom that is granted by choosing firewood is geographical freedom.
Whether you have goals to own a hunting cabin, move to a home in a remote location, or even sustain a completely off-grid lifestyle, having access to firewood is a critical first step to bringing these scenarios to fruition.
Whether for intentional use, or desired with more of a preparedness mindset, it can bring incredible peace to know that the selected lodging would be inhabitable regardless of the number on the thermometer.
The last factor to be gained in achieving heat independence is physical (and mental) freedom.
Getting outside to split firewood is an excellent use of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Being out in the sun and fresh air increases vitamin D and endorphins, boosting your mood and immune system, and helping to regulate your circadian rhythms, which affect sleep, digestion, and focus. On top of that there is research that shows splitting wood increases testosterone in as short as 20 mins.
“But… it’s so much work!” Yes. It is.
Luckily, your body was designed for work.
Sitting at a desk or being indoors for 8+ hours a day is not ideal for the human body and mind.
Depending on one’s fitness and abilities, there are many options to consider when hiking down the path toward heat independence.
Here are a few methods, each providing you with 100 days worth of firewood:
Meeting one’s own heating needs can offer financial, geographical, and physical freedom.
Wood heat is not for everyone, but the percentage of folks who have sustained the heat-independent lifestyle can attest that it’s one of the most liberating ways to go about meeting a basic household need.
Here at Whiskey River Trading, we are so grateful to have achieved heat independence, and we’re “stoked” (pun intended) to help you do the same.
Keep following along for more articles to help you and your family on your way to Heat Independence - and if you found this post to be helpful why not share it with someone who could use it!
If you'd like to show your support of the Heating Independence Community we now offer a shirt!
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In the dead of winter, there's nothing more comforting than the warm glow of the fireplace. Not only does it provide heat and light, but it also brings a sense of security and comfort. For many, wood burning is the best way to heat their homes. It's economical, environmentally friendly, and provides a level of self-reliance that few other forms of heating can match. If you're new to wood burning, this article will teach you the basics of how to get started.
When it comes to starting on the independent journey of heating exclusively with wood there is quite a bit to learn. This article will be a brief summary of starting on the path to heat independence and I'll write more in-depth articles covering the finer points down the road.
As with everything, there is no "one size fits all" option when it comes to heating with wood. Every house is different, every budget is different, and I'm writing these articles hoping to help you figure out which path is right for you.
It's up to you to choose how in-depth you want to go, and how deep you want to dive into this wood heat. Some people use it as the occasional Saturday evening fire with the family and some folks literally live or die based on how much wood they have.
Like I said above - this article will serve as a general intro to the world of heat independence. It’s a simple road map to getting started with a few pointers on how not to get murdered by a tree falling on you.
The first thing you need to do is find a source of wood. If you have your own land, that's the best place to start. You can cut your own wood and buck it into logs yourself, or hire someone to do it for you. If you don't have access to your own land, there are usually plenty of sources for wood near where you live. Check with your local tree service, firewood dealer, or even ask a neighbor if they have any wood they're looking to get rid of.
On the off chance you own a few pieces of heavy machinery or a truck with some time to spare, I've had neighbors offer me free downed trees so long as I can clear them off their land. Tree removal and land clearing are pretty pricey endeavors so offering to do it just for the opportunity to take the wood for free is a huge win for both you and your neighbor. Sometimes sweat equity is the best form of investment!
Once you have your wood, the next step is to prepare it for burning. You'll need to split the logs into smaller pieces. This can be done with an axe or a log splitter. Once the logs are split, they need to be seasoned, or dried out. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke than unseasoned wood. To season your wood, stack it in a dry place - and allow it to sit for at least six months.
Processing firewood is pretty simple - so long as you don't get crushed by a tree...
1) Find a suitable hardwood tree. You don’t want any kind of softwood as they burn poorly and don’t provide any real, lasting heat. They also create too much creosote, which is the black gunk that clings to the inside of your chimney and causes chimney fires. All wood produces some amount of this - it's the reason your chimney should be cleaned regularly by you or a chimney sweeping service.
2) Fell said tree with an axe, saw, or combination of both. With this step, it is critical that you DO NOT get squished. Always have a clear path away from the tree and always pay attention to what you're doing.
3) Once the tree is on the ground use a saw or axe to buck (cut) the log into lengths that will fit into your fireplace, wood stove, or wood boiler.
4) Split that wood into firewood that will fit into your wood burner - during this step I also like to split a round or two down into kindling so it can dry along with the other firewood. Here are a few of our favorite wood splitters:
5) Stack the wood and let it season (dry) for 6 to 9 months. It's best to stack it on an elevated platform in a sunny area. Remember that wood piles will attract insects, rodents, and other pests so it's best to have your wood stack away from where you live and bring wood from that stack into the house when needed over the winter.
Now that you have your wood ready to go, it's time to build a fire. The first thing you'll need to do is gather some kindling - small pieces of wood that will catch fire easily. Next comes building the fire. There are many ways to do this so spending some time on YouTube will be a worthwhile investment in your wood heating journey.
Depending on what your wood heat setup looks like different methods will work better or worse for you - so do some experimenting.
For instance - when I start a fire in my fireplace I lay out some bigger pieces of firewood as a floor to build the fire on top. This base of "bigger" wood will catch the smaller coals from the wood above it when it burns and catches these bigger logs on fire. Creating a longer-lasting and more consistent burn through the night. I then build a small log cabin (think Lincoln logs) using my kindling - at the center of that I usually put down a bed of newspaper. On top of that log cabin, I put some smaller pieces of firewood and I'm good to go.
I light the newspaper, which ignites the kindling, which starts the smaller firewood, and as the coals fall the larger base of wood lights up and the fire is good to go.
From there it's just adding a few logs at a time as the fire dies down.
An important thing to note is that at least in a fireplace you never want a roaring fire - that can be very dangerous. A perfect fireplace fire is often underwhelming when you look at it, however, you can rest assured that it's putting off enough heat to keep you cozy.
Wood burning is a great way to keep your home warm, but it's important to use caution. Always make sure your fireplace or wood stove is properly ventilated and never leave a fire unattended.
With a little practice, you'll be an expert at wood burning in no time!
Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful in getting you started with wood burning. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Keep your eyes peeled for deeper dives into this subject in the future, until then - Happy heating!
If you'd like to show your support of the Heating Independence Community we now offer a shirt!
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I want to take this moment to show you what Whiskey River Art & Trading Co. looks like. This photo was taken yesterday at our monthly sales meeting. This meeting allows us to get on the same page from the month prior and talk about goals for the next month. Along with these strategies and details, we also share food. This is crucial and a big priority for me as the leader of this company. Sitting down for a meal before a meeting brings us all together as friends. Last night was venison steaks (that Jackie and her husband harvested last fall) and mashed potatoes. Freaking amazing!! We are a tight group. We are weird. Our interests vary. We are Artists, Pickers, Makers and Travelers. All of us are busy in our own lives but this company feeds us and we live for it.
We oftentimes are grouped into a pile with other online companies. Since we do not have a brick-and-mortar store it is hard to show who we are. It's common for a consumer to assume a business is bigger than it really is. Anyone who has been around a small business knows this struggle.
Frustrations are had that we don't ship same day, that we don't reply to an email within the hour, that our inventory is low for a few weeks, or that product descriptions are missing a bit of information. This is to be expected. This is also welcomed (as long as it is done respectfully) since it is a challenge to know exactly what YOU as our customers want.
We are people who are trying our hardest to bring you true and honest products and service. We are far from being a corporate empire. I want you to understand that your words don't go unheard whether they are positive or negative. We're transparent and always willing to help. We value all of our customers whether it is their first order or fiftieth. I (and my team) can not thank you enough for your support over the last few years.
Meet our Whiskey River family:
Jackie (who is about to bring an amazing 2nd generation of Whiskey River into this world in the next couple weeks)
Gretchen (who keeps me organized and is just finishing up her internship at a local Graphic Design shop)
Me (who really likes steak and selling things)
Dalton (who is amazing with our marketing. Shameless plug check him out on Instagram: @officalcounciltooldealer. He also just bought a watercolor manufacturing company with his wife last week)
--Brandon
Sales Manager/Lead Artist
Whiskeyrivertrading.com
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