Splitting Axe and Steel Wedges for Riving Logs

A splitting axe, or maul, has a heavy wedge-shaped head that is driven along the grain and forces the wood apart rather than chopping across it; being wide, it seldom sticks, and its straight handle is also used to lever. Steel splitting wedges, longer and thicker than felling wedges, open bigger logs. Forge the head with a punched eye and a steel bit, forge a pair of wedges, and fit a straight ash handle. The picture: splitting wedges and a woodchopper's maul (US, 1962).