Basque Splitting Axe; My Favorite wood splitter.

2.5kg head with a 29 inch handle busting up some pine wood.

[@seff2318]

as buckin would say "the flick method" watching billy ray and steve from skillcult do this changed my technique for the better. i'm gonna have to check this axe out. keep up the good work! love your channel

[@tinman1955]

Am I the only guy who has multiple knots running multiple directions in nearly every round I've ever split? Must be a curse....darn that wicked witch of the west.

[@allanwells4886]

Her sister's not much better. I need a pair of ruby slippers. Wish I had his muscles; I'm flat out splitting a matchstick let alone knotty pine.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Man, I have rounds that axes AND MAULS are struggling with 🤦‍♂️😑 It's embarrassing 😂 I need ro find some soft evergreen rounds so it feels like I'm making handsplitting progress.

[@alexsandovallapostol9998]

This dude is such a relief from the clowns who never stop talking! He works ! and says so much more by example

[@paulhomsy2751]

With a couple of exceptions, the ones who talk a lot aren't good at it and need some sort of content to replace the two swings that get them panting and shaking. "clowns" as you say.

[@stephensgate1]

Your one heck of a log splitter. You make it look so easy. Great job!! -Stephen, Ohio

[@krisflow]

The man who holds the axe is more important than the axe itself. This guy’s a beast.

[@Daniel-fp7qn]

Thanks from 🇪🇦 for use our Basque Steel 🔥

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

Nice was splitting big rounds of poplar with the council tool boys axe on new years eve. With the flick technique even big rounds weren't as difficult as they looked. Great vids keep it up.

[@KnifeNinjaEDC]

Damn, Shawn. I can’t believe I watched 8 mins of you splitting wood but I enjoyed every minute of it

[@jean-pierredelorraine6161]

What a man!!! And lovely axe. How much does that head weigh? 2 years a go I purchased a 1,75 kg one directly from Ramón Jauregi himself. Unfortunately, he'll be going into retirement soon, and none of his children are interested in continuing the smithy. What a pity, after 3 generations, 85 + years, to see such an ancient tradition die, but I hope some young Basque will be willing to take over the business.

[@matthewthompson954]

I’d be interested in taking on the tradition

[@ElectricPhantasmagoria]

I think that ax has the classic convex geometry that helps a ton not only for preventing sticking but also splitting I think that by time you stumble onto basque axes you’re likely quite knowledgeable about axes and designs

[@SkillCult]

Does a bear split in the woods? :). brutal dude. Is that actually a splitting design? John sent me a basque head. I'm looking forward to trying it out when I can make a handle. I see you have the Tom Clark hit it at an angle thing going. I've been wanting to play with that, but unfortunately did not get to split a lot of wood this year. I kick it to the side on impact.

[@FearNoSteel]

SkillCult yes, it's the 2.5 kg splitting axe. My favorite. It's a beauty. The throw is great. Lends itself well to Tim Clarks style. Lot of weight at the eye.

[@thepowertoact]

Good stuff, interesting adaptation of the flick technique- you seem to carry the angle earlier into your swing. Guess that makes sense for an around-the-shoulder swing? Maybe, but I thought the point was to have the angle of the head offset from the vector of the swing's velocity, to encourage it to twist. On those swings I'm talking about you seem to get your tool stuck more than the flick technique should allow, and I think that might be why. My two cents- I would put a longer handle on that tool. 32 inches minimum, 36 inches would be great. You're bending over a lot with that short handle. Do you use it just for splitting? Thanks for posting this video! Have fun splitting firewood!

[@elemental4rce]

@@thepowertoact my 2 cents. 36" suck

[@jasongriffith4709]

Big Brown Bear is this the curved bit 2.5kg or the straight? Need to get my hands on a curved bit to flick this red alder to pieces.

[@josephgrant9137]

Hell of an AXE MAN. Thanks Der Guy.

[@vangmountain]

Big Brown, you're a beast with an ax! Not too many people can take an ax of that size and split logs with a single-handed swing. I see you utilizing the twist technique, but you don't have to maximize technique like I do because you're like a bear with an ax and I mean that as a compliment. Unfortunately I don't have the size and strength you have so I have to focus on technique above all else. With perfect twist technique and your "bearish" strength, logs don't stand a chance! With your brute strength, and proper twist technique to maximize the splitting force, I can see you splitting a 3 feet plus diameter by 24" log with a single swing. I can only imagine how loud it would be when you split it completely through with one strike, sending the halves in separate directions. For me, due to my small size, it's all about trying to make the perfect twist to amplify the splitting force and extending my ax as far out as possible during my swings to maximize ax head velocity which also contributes to the force that is generated. Looks like you were in beast mode...lol!

[@FearNoSteel]

Thanks, I watched your splitting videos this morning, you have better technique and good swinging with both right and left hands, I was impressed. not an easy feat with such a lightweight axe. I learned the twist technique from watching Tom Clark Videos he is the wood splitting legend. my form got sloppy in this video since I split so much wood that day. had two cords by sunset.

[@vangmountain]

I don't use axes much nor do I split much so I've never heard of Tom Clark until you mentioned him. I learned to split when I was 16 from my dad and it was that one summer that I learned the twist technique and how effective it could be if you could do it properly. I was so much stronger physically than my father, but he put me to shame splitting wood, so naturally, I listened and studied it and it made perfect sense from a physics standpoint. When you're small, gotta use physics to your advantage and that's what this technique does. I did quite a bit of splitting in that one summer and after that, the technique and my ax swings have stuck with me all these years even though I've barely touche an ax in the some 30 years since. This is my very first ax. I purchased it a couple of months back, and I did this video for the guy from whom I bought this ax from. After seeing your comment, I checked out Tom Clark's videos and he is something else. I absolutely agree with him on the accuracy. So many people swing an ax, weather it be splitting, buckling, felling or whatever, and just think it doesn't matter, but accuracy absolutely does! The more accurate you are, the more efficient you will be with it. Unfortunately, I don't swing an ax much as I don't use firewood for anything other than the occasional outdoor grilling I do every once in a while, so I don't think I'll ever be able to control an ax the way he does! Splitting a match in two like that is darn impressive! Maybe I'll work on it in the fall and see if I can replicate his feat...highly doubt it...LOL. As to being able to swing with both hands, it's a definite must if you do a lot of ax work. It makes it more efficient and safer as you can alter cut angles without having to physically move around and you won't be left making awkward dangerous swings. I see that a lot on KZbin and it makes me cringe. Many of these folks you can tell have very little knowledge of how to properly handle an ax. Most just grabbed and ax and started swinging it without having ever learned to properly use it and because they've done it that way, they just think it's the correct way. I can see you're pretty nifty with an ax as you're very comfortable with your swings from all different positions. Some of these other folks, you can see how awkward they are with it. The scariest ones are the one's that swing with all their might straight down and really have no control over the ax. If the ax doesn't strike anything, it's coming right at them...scary! When a swing is made properly, the user is always in control and that is rarely ever a concern. I know you know what I mean because I see you swinging from every angle and there's never a worry because you know the ax head is under your control at all times.

[@hotpoker4212]

If you hit the wood, halfway on the outside, you will get less sticking of the axe in the wood,🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@evojigger]

Good to see someone using the proper flick technique when splitting.

[@dustinsmith4068]

Booger flick

[@shaneroper477]

Straight through is more effective. Especially with knottier wood. You may get away with it with straight grain, but overall, straight blast works the best. I use a Fiskars axe, and it's very effective. Many cords of wood split with it. Best 80 bucks I ever spent.

[@shermanhofacker4428]

It WOULD be good to see; not happening in this video. He might eventually get that the flip is different than an angled strike.

[@johnhuynh9298]

who needs to go to the gym when you can chop wood all day.

[@dcmsr5141]

From a Boxing point of view, I think I got the cardio on him. Having said that, However, if he gets a hold of you (angling to cut off the ring).... it looks like he can mop the floor with your head

[@arcforceworld]

Absolute Unit!

[@bekabeka71]

Haha powerhouse

[@koreakiwon]

I have some splitting experience and...this clip is just amazing. You are so strong!!! Or are the woods unbelievably weak? Maybe it is you I suppose. Thank you for the clip. This inspires me a lot. ♡

[@breannacaron4892]

my hubbie uses a 8 pound maul. everything gets split in one swing!

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

Axes are funner though lol

[@waynejohnson9855]

fiskars x27 beats a 8 pound maul easily.

[@kenweis2291]

Saw runner has alot to learn

[@s1914]

Shawn - claim your commission! Solely thanks to your videos I've just purchased my fourth Urnieta axe from Lamnia....

[@johnmccomb43]

I'm just trying to figure out where you're going to burn all that pine

[@SAKAYA22]

What a beast! You might be even stronger right now right?

[@jakedraves759]

Forgive my ignorance, but could you please explain the purpose of when you at times hit the flat surface at a diagonal angle? Thank you.

[@CalebMcFadden]

I’m super late to this comment but it is so the axe doesn’t go straight through the wood and splinter the handle

[@AnarchAngel1]

It maximizes the splitting force

[@TroutCRAZY]

What brand is the axe? Nice looking axe, poor guy in the back 😣

[@hidayakamo]

A jauregui axe bro? I live in Mungia, like 100 km where this axe is born, (Urnieta). Great use of a great tool.

[@ChiquitaSpeaks]

The blade profile on that basque axe looks better made for chopping but it splits just fine

[@axeandturtle]

Brutal!!!!! Big, powerful, skilled!!

[@qweqwe1324]

1:24 Holy shit you 2 tapped it, wtf, what a beast.

[@jamesfarmer159]

I’ve chopped very little wood in my life but I see a possibility of big safety factor on chopping when flat on ground. If for some reason it glanced off wood, by by foot. Just saying!

[@izzymorgan2461]

You chop at an angle. Never seen that done before.

[@daphlavor]

Izzy Morgan it’s called the flick. Check out Buckin Billy Ray’s videos

[@jasongriffith4709]

This dude has the most aggressive flick I’ve ever seen. Dayumn! Be good to each other, friends!

[@indydebauchery5732]

With half as much work you could use a splitting maul

[@richardcjay]

I don't know if it's the axe or the muscles but the guy in orange just embarrassed the guy in green 😂

[@SeattlePioneer]

So which is more important ---- the Basque splitting axe or the Basque swinging the axe?

[@lapualapua1248]

A man on mission ps good idea to wear eye protection mate 🙃

[@deputyvanhalen6386]

I was thinking I need to get another axe and I've seen Stihl others but this Basque looks like a knife through butter!?!?!

[@iam-mp1pe]

Love those axes, so if anyone wants to sell one or knows how to get one I will pay premium for it haha. But really I will. Thanks for the video brother, its always nice see one in action

[@nathanielwestbrooks2153]

If you live in the states you can get one from lamnia, they’re usually out of stock unfortunately

[@iam-mp1pe]

Thank you & I see that. I was able to get one on Etsy I think the site is. But yes finally!

[@eachday9538]

Stretch a t-shirt over a bear and give it an axe, sounds like a bad idea to me.

[@juliorico1736]

I wonder how that axe do on oak wood

[@AYellowPepper]

He really is a bear... if you catch my drift

[@user-oc1ye8fl5f]

Интересная техника удара по косой, обязательно попробую

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

It looks like the trick with those was to break the log by an initial strike at the end of the perimeter first, then a smack in the center and they just felt apart in 2 strokes @ 03:57.

[@FearNoSteel]

yup, also twist the bit at the right time to bust it apart. it also prevent bad sticking and dulling the axe in the dirt.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Yep. Not too many folks know about the twist.

[@b1gda1]

What weight is this axe please?

[@geraldtaphorn6570]

Spitting axe??? It appears to me to be a chopping axe for compation 🤔. Please tell us what kind of wood that is. It appears to split easy. I noticed your blows are on a slight angle .Does that help? Overall good video 🙂 Just never saw an axe like that used for splitting

[@dermotmcgreevy5220]

No it's a splitting model, they do have several choppers though

[@ianbenz5120]

What weight is that head??

[@TheJonsberg]

Nice axe.!

[@ethanprice6842]

That axe is amazing

[@yeagerbomb3238]

Sheeesh what a beast wish I could split like that

[@natanguisard2028]

Axe sharp

[@rowanfernsler9725]

Compared to the person in the back, that is one good axe

[@Or5mr]

That's exactly what this axe is designe to do

[@carlosayala6754]

What is the weight on this axe? And how long is the handle?

[@getfastfish5020]

holy crap you are a monster

[@jamisa3861]

you axe look so cool bro...beutful axe...god job bro 👍

[@saheliumd7182]

That’s a big unit.

[@stevenscherban169]

Where do you buy an axe like that I literally looked everywhere for one like that

[@FearNoSteel]

Lamina in Finland

[@Abbbb225]

Way to toss those rounds!

[@attorreatravere4590]

No gloves! Gosh! Your palms are made in leather!

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

Dangerous with gloves on that kind of work.

[@derekstynes9631]

You got to feel sorry for the other Guy when He has a Log splitter King beside Him.

[@halconvery5720]

flick technique? why are you hitting the wood at an angle? what it the benefit of this?

[@FearNoSteel]

I should explain more. I figured people would just get it, but its not so obvious. No worries, you notice that I dont need to worry about hitting the ground, the flick keeps the cut shallow. it also busts the wood faster by just sending energy at the top that transfers to the grains throughout the piece busting it apart better. another great benifit is that my bit doent get stuck as much. Lastly less energy per swing is needed to have the same effect. Like anything you'll just have to practice to make it work for you. Nothing said or read can replace just doing it to get the timing. I've been surprised that people don't naturally come to progressing to this technique or that people don't see empirically what is going on in the video. I don't like to explain because I feel it cheapens what is being shown. I like the purity of observation. I am an observant person so I like to think I share this for like minded folks that just see and do and don't need the extra bullshit like some nature show describing what you already are seeing, just my opinion

[@halconvery5720]

@@FearNoSteel Thanks for the info. I amongst other wood enthusiasts truly love splitting logs, so to see a different technique is excellent! I'll be unboxing a gransfors bruks axe this morning and will certainly give it a shot! I appreciate you took the time to reply and with so much detail!! merry x mas

[@l.rodrigoandrade2625]

Looks like the handle is a bit short for you. Nice job though

[@lexor101]

YOU BEAST!!!

[@robertomora5154]

I love splitting wood to brotha it's a good workout and I think it's fun

[@jesusyeshuaelelyonelshadai6295]

Great video i got worried that ax action seemed dangerous... I like axes but are no expert ... You chop well 👍👍

[@jesseheilman]

No one was chopping wood in this video a guy was splitting wood for 8 minutes

[@shermanhofacker4428]

Just striking at an angle isn't the flick technique.

[@FearNoSteel]

Just making KZbin comments ain't the same as going out and doing it yourself.

[@dingoduh]

Yeah. I've got to get that axe and my big bear of a self out chopping.

[@hidude2124]

Near the the middle of the video there was a white guy in the background who didn’t stop making me laugh

[@swiggamortis5521]

That wore me out watching just watching that.

[@nicholasstrachota3461]

If you would hit the logs straight on instead of at an angle it would split a lot easier

[@benschaillee3609]

If i had a 300 dollar axe and was splitting on a gravel road. Ide be flicking every strike aswell.

[@jesseheilman]

Hang the $300 axe above your mantel and get a $35 mall at tractor supply and just get it done this guy tires me out just looking at him

[@waynejohnson9855]

i have tried the flick technique and to me its wasted time, i have watched tom clark and in my prime i would challenge splitting against him any day. i do 100 full cord from december to the end of march and never make a job of it i go out 3 hours a day usually and not every day. not trying to say its wrong its just not for me.

[@avefreud1]

Ese hacha es una Jauregui...

[@isaiahwince4261]

Dislike for the beginning, chainsaw safety was lacking.

[@esapalovaara9904]

This is guite slow way to make logs, look my video how it happend faster way.. Halon tekoa osa 2. This way wery good fit man gan make logs like 70 m2 in day.Older man like me mayby 60m2 he he..

[@j.shorter4716]

You remind me of a firefighter

[@FearNoSteel]

One that you know?

[@j.shorter4716]

Big Brown Bear No, you just remind me of kind of a classic looking firefighter. Haha I don’t know how to explain it.

[@FearNoSteel]

crazy haha

[@lamvni]

👏👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@sepitheroth]

this is great, but its only pine. and the diameter isn't that big either. you need a maul for 3 feet diameter hard wood.

[@FearNoSteel]

sepitheroth haha go make videos dude. Too many armchair axemen. Love youuuuuu

[@gmonet8753]

That isn’t even close to 3 foot diameter. But yea, certainly easier to split pine - but that dude is crushing those rounds regardless.

[@rafamolina3802]

No problem with wider pieces, you have a 3kgs version of this axe. I own one of those...and I split evergreen oak (quercus ilex) with it.

[@chip_stack]

Need a maul less swings

[@shaneroper477]

Get a Fiskars axe.

[@PecoAzder]

he should buy better axe for this job... amateurs

[@FearNoSteel]

I hope whatever is hurting you in life eases up on you. Heal my friend.

[@jakexpvp9836]

I cringe when I watch him do it wrong

[@FearNoSteel]

JakexPvP go chop wood

[@saheliumd7182]

JakexPvP he went through that wood like it was butter my dude, if he’s ‘doing it wrong’ I’d like to see you do better.

[@Osprey1994]

@@FearNoSteel He solves rubix cubes and does dumb challenges ignore him man.

[@murrayannandale]

Haha. Please post a video showing us how to do it correctly.