This article was taken from the March 2011 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Make light work of log-splitting with the sharpest, best-balanced tools on the market.
HOW WE TESTED
We took all the axes to Glyn David, operations manager of Trueways Survival (truewayssurvival.com). The former Army helicopter pilot was taught survival skills by John "Lofty" Wiseman of SAS Survival Handbook fame, and now teaches survival skills to individuals and businesses. David appraised each axe's design before using them to split a number of hardwood silver birch logs.
SPLITTING TIPS
David recommends splitting logs on one knee - that way, if you miss the log the axe will bury itself in the ground in front of you rather than in your foot. If your axe gets stuck, move it vertically up and down to free it, as side to side will only make it stick harder. Lastly, never leave your axe buried in the chopping block as it will quickly rust.
Check out the gallery below for our pick of the axes...
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
