Spear & Jackson 3765LM Razorsharp 6.5lb Log Splitting Maul Hickory Shaft Carbon Steel Head

Excellent maul - I had always used an axe for occasional log splitting but suffered with it often getting stuck in a log. You won't get this irretrievably stuck, it will either split the log, or (beware!) bounce off! Mine arrived with a very very slightly loose head (do check for this). As it says on the maul, soak the head in water if this is the case. Or, living in the west of the UK with damp air, just wait for the atmosphere to do the job before using the maul! And, living in the west of the UK where the wind blows and trees invariably grow under stressed conditions, don't expect to be able to get away with just a maul... Timber grown under stressed conditions rarely has straight grain, and trees adapt by seemingly locking the grain together into a kind of textured web. Believe me, log splitting in the South East is a (literally) more straightforward experience! For me, a proper log splitting wedge (about 8" with the finest point you can find) and a 7lb sledge hammer are an absolutely indispensable accompaniment to a maul. For a big log, preferably maximum 12" but better 8-10" high, set on another, wider log. Look carefully for a natural shrinkage split in the end grain (however small). Set the wedge carefully into the split (the reasonably fine edge on the wedge is useful here), and give a few reasonable taps with the sledge hammer. The log will split (so long as you aren't headed towards branch bases or other complications within the wood). When using the maul, the standard energy required is much higher, as having a very steep wedge shape a lot of energy is required. Take care at all times. Eye wear is required, even ear plugs, the noise level is significant, gloves, strong boots and in the past I have had experience of bashes and grazes to my shins, not funny, if a log goes awry (probably a consequence of working on rough ground, so my fault). Now I make sure I am on clear, level ground, and don a pair of cheap cricket pads, adult size, which are now part of my equipment. I don't care what the neighbours say, I am happy to share a joke; if shins take weeks to heal, as a cut with an accompanying bruise can take a while to settle down, I'd rather have a laugh as a result of wearing shin pads!

Having never chopped logs before, we now have a wood burner. We had a load of logs delivered, but also had a dodgy eucalyptus tree taken down and cut into 9-10 inch sections ready for splitting and dry storage. I considered a posh German or Swedish axe but went for this one based on the reviews. Be under no doubt. This is not a B and Q cheapy, but the real deal. The head is a heavy 6 1/2 lbs but that aids cutting. It splits wood so easily. The handle is US hickory and it feels strong and tactile. After 2 hours cutting up about 3/4 of a tree, the head, handle, and edge looked new. No movement at all between the head and handle. Still bonded perfectly. At this price it is an amazing axe.

Nice and meaty tool for log splitting. I had a go immediately on it's arrival as the reviews mentioned the handle splitting at once. It is blunt - not the razor sharp advertised, and the blade was damaged at the cutting edge but it still does the job fine. A trifle unwieldy to aim unlike the last one I had.

Great product

I bought this axe 13 months ago with use processing logs in Novermber/December time. It’s worked well until today - after relatively moderate use, the handle split down the shaft (see image attached). I thought it was a decent axe, but unfortunately have been let down by the build quality.

Great value product. Not too heavy, quick and accurate. Haven't split logs ever in my life and managed to sort out 300kgs of logs within an hour without exhausting my self. Not sure if edge will last but for this price can't complain

Great maul (think that is the right name), heavy but needs to be -and says how much it weighs so not a surprise. Used it yesterday to break up some quite thick oak logs (30 cm across, 15 cm deep) and works well. On straight trunk, not too tough but on trunk with branches takes more whacking but mostly gets there in the end -will chainsaw the most obstinate ones to make them more manageable. In all, works well, does what I expected it to do and seems really tough.

Handy size and weight for me (I'm 5'9", 11 stone and only reasonably fit!). Arrived in good shape, does a good job, and a very good price. It was sharp when it arrived and I sharpen it from time to time. However, after 20 months and not a huge amount of use, the shaft broke off at the head. Bit disappointed. But to be fair the shaft had clonked on the logs I missed while learning to use it. I think if I'd been better at splitting, or put a bit of foam round the top of the shaft, it might have lasted longer. I'd expect to have to replace a shafts occasionally (plenty of instructive videos on this on youtube). Finally, it's worth saying that without a bit of sense, experience, and the strength to use it (and not miss logs!) you shouldn't be using it - it's a big lump of metal to be swinging around.