Caution! Don't Buy this for Spitting Firewood, My Stomping Grounds.

[@moose1164]

Completely agree with your outlook on education. My 8 year old son recently kept getting in trouble in class. He was constantly drawing in class. We go to school, look at his notebook in his desk and got completely blown away with his artistic ability. After about 5 minutes, I tell his teacher to never say anything about him drawing. After showing numerous people his artwork no one can believe his level of skill at his age. School should feed these kids interest and their god given talents instead of forcing them down the “correct/narrow path”. I’m a true believer in working in a field that you truly love instead of going to a job where your dread waking up for everyday.

[@OntarioFirewoodResource]

Right on!

[@Slingin_Bait]

Outside of meeting new friends and hanging out with the current ones. School was a waste of my life after grade 5. Years of being forced to sit inside all day and have things that you have no interest in regurgitated from a teacher that has no interest in you.

[@rockkhound943]

Moose . I could not agree more with most modern schools kids are sheep . I actually moved to a smal town with very highly regarded school systems. Whole schools with less than 1000 kids is where it's at . Way more focused on what kids need instead of what the traditional just throw at them an hope it sticks . Do your research there not hard to find an its worth it . Kids with higher learning ability are generally lumped in as some sort of behavioral problem because they get bored which usually turns into a.d.d bullcrap .

[@Arfabiscuit]

School didn't do anything for me as i could already read and write beforehand . I started to learn much more when i left school at 15 .

[@griffinbrown5056]

A group of (unthinking) fish is called a school. Never school a child. Educate them, teach them to think.

[@michaelmangrum5460]

I understand completely that feeling of being doomed. I had a bad neck injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. Not permanently thank the Lord, but my Outlook was so bleak that I was begging my family to accidentally spill a bottle of pain pills in my mouth. I recovered almost completely, except for the pain that I have constantly. Whenever there's a thunderstorm I hurt so bad that I throw up and also when there's a cold front coming through. But now I'm 67 and still there's nothing I like more than splitting wood. I've been doing it since I was 8. An ax in my hands makes me go to someplace very peaceful. I can't do it all day long anymore but I can last for an hour. It might be only an hour but the world goes away and it's just me and my axe and the wood. Thank you Lord for showing me what matters.

[@nicktemple954]

I just want to thank you for your videos! You put a smile on my face every day! Weather it’s you running saw or talking wisdom. I love it. Keep up the good work!

[@theodorebowers9737]

I am 73 old man and was in a Orphanage and can't read and write. I us the microphone in the computer to write. Never when to school sometimes I think I am not to smart people say a lot that I am the smallest man they know was very good with my hands. Great at fixing things too. Always came to me for help then days . I helped eveyone When they find out that I can't read write and things they treat me like I am a ass and a big Dummy talk behind my back say bad thinks and not true .things are different when they find it out . Sucks makes me feel like cap a lot and get depressed from it . Things never change don't they ? People think they are better than orders all the time. Not like when I was a boy. People were nicer BACK then. Always said need anything come to me I am different I will help you you can Count on me Lol need help bad been ill for yrs . You know the deal no time to Betsy bad back didn't know etc. Lol My wife always said they are making a ass out of me and no one helps me She right . But I didn't care like to help people can't help myself. Life was never that nice to me a lot but there is good in everyone I believe that and I believe in GOD GOD-BLESS YOU ALL AMEN 🙏🏻

[@JohnRWeber]

Silly me, I thought this was a video about cutting and splitting wood. Boy, was that a short-sighted view on my part. This is a story of life, human ingenuity, experience, perseverance, finding purpose and allowing work performed well to provide us all with a sense of being, value and purpose. There may be an occasional glimpse of the almighty thrown in along the way. Regardless, the pure humanity and artistry evident in these videos is awe-inspiring. Thank you, Billy, for the inspiration you share with the world. You are a treasure.

[@pkope6849]

Well Said John.

[@andrewpeverill862]

When you spoke about your early years at School... it was the exact same for me. So nice to hear your story and looks like we have both turned out just fine. God bless...

[@bjohnson6108]

I love every bit of this. Your continued relationship with Ken speaks volumes about the quality of you two.

[@FJ40Brian]

Buckin that handle in the slowmo intro at the beginning. That handle has crazy side to side flex reaction after the flick!

[@ED-es2qv]

When I was 60 to 100 pounds, I used to split most of ten cord of wood every summer. I loved it, and I was good at it, but not when my dad bought a fiberglass handle splitter. That thing flexed just enough I couldn’t get a good snap into the wood. New ones are probably better, but I like hickory.

[@karlrovey]

I have a fiberglass handle splitting maul (it was the only option available). It has good for the Bradford Pear I've been splitting to burn in my fire pit, but hasn't been used for anything else.

[@SusanCastelli]

I can watch this for days!! Im mezmerized at the whole procedures involved in felling a tree!!! Learning so much!!!!

[@evanoldhoff4904]

Buckin, my 7 year old recently decided he couldn’t handle, and dident want to be at school. He was the one with all the friends, all his peers looked up to him, he told me he could not handle the pressure from the teachers. He told me he was looking around seeing the other kids doing the work while he sat there confused, multiple conversations with the teachers about how he needs some extra help, but nothing. About two months ago I’ve pulled him out of school. Everything for him has been going amazing since. But I have been personally struggling with whether it was the right choice or not. Thank you for your words my friend, unexpected as they were, my son struggled, I struggled, you struggled. No more, the education system is broken. Your words have helped in a way you can’t imagine. Love ya brother.

[@billybobswood8153]

i think my grand-kids said it best!! papa has got good hands! anything they wanted i could build wood or metal!!

[@laurpaqu]

school is the only place where we will find what you are not good at and then have you do more of it...I was an educator for 31 years and now became a full-time wood producer. Much happier now.

[@MagosOfTheLuminary]

very pleasing environment

[@jensenwilliam5434]

You are 100% correct on the outlook on live. Thank you Billy Ray and bless your family.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thx

[@SkyG760]

I know what it’s like to have a father figure that didn’t have to be, he passed a year ago, I’m just glad I seen what a real man looked like because I’m the father I never knew I could be, I’m only in my 30s, tree worker, not much falling around here, you are inspiring BR, thanks brother 🙏 🪓

[@rangisrockbabyhaenga2853]

Ae, me too. Men like Billy and Ken are super heroes . Sent here to uplift and inspire us to be better men. From a boy to a man there is a time in your life when you are struggling with transition... Potentially the most critical period where as young men our thoughts feelings shape our future . Good, bad, indifferent . What is absorbed and learnt at this time will determine future actions , relationships and values. Men like Ken and Billy? I admire them, and love and respect to all men who help young people grow up to be happy beautiful adults. That's a cycle that should be recognised and rewarded more. Arohanui from Aotearoa, New Zealand

[@tome.joyner887]

Thank you Ken for taking Billy Ray and his family in when he was such a young boy. Thank you for the stability and security that you brought to his life at an age when it is so important. God bless you for your kindness sir!

[@broadriverforge]

Love that slow mo!!

[@dougtruluck6010]

Love your comment on education- “I felt I was being left in the dust and the last thing I was was stupid”. Very succinct and spot on! Love you!

[@b.nunn.2702]

Loved watching you axe splitting wood doing the " Flick" method right as you strike the wood! My Dad taught my brother and I this at about 10 years old! It saves a lot of struggling trying to remove a stuck axe!

[@lanefrank6208]

If a video is worth a thousand words, this best shows the flick. Thanks, Buckin’.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

you bet

[@kavemanthewoodbutcher]

Love ya Buckin! Kindness, sweat and argyle will save the world!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

argyle calms things down ,, love wins

[@andrecharlebois705]

On my "vacation" I skidded out 3 cords in 2 days by snowmobile. Great feeling. I've got my 1/2 cord piles elevated on 3 ft stumps \ platforms to get them above the snow line. Easy pulling the 4 footers into the sleigh. Wish I could do wood work all the time...

[@DMMeier66]

It’s cool to watch you go through some of those old formative memories in such an honest and raw way. The fondness really comes through in the footage.

[@ted7x]

the synchronicity of the first part of this video, to me ,personally, today, is incredible. what an amazing world we live in thank you for sharing the world through your point of view, huge fan

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thanks Ted , Means alot

[@123gonow]

That is probably the best camera work that you have documented on the topping of trees and the damage it does. It was neat to actually get a good visual on how nature took it back. So cool tx for sharing this Buckin !

[@ronaldnelson]

I'm like you I was pushed through school because I could not read or right, they even put me in a special class, but I was a log home builder and one of the best in the USA. I was good with angels and numbers.

[@vincentnail2881]

Whenever you work with someone you like. It seems like the aches and pains go away for a bit. Great video

[@jamesnelson1443]

100% agree Billy! People with Soft Hands making decisions are the problem

[@davidthomas5997]

1st. Good Afternoon brother. Good to see you. Love seeing where you spent your childhood.

[@robraines859]

I'm with you Billy earning your keep makes you appreciate it more.Have a good evening man and thank you.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

welcome rob , always nice to heaer yer words friend

[@lauraquigley6403]

I am a friend of Bills so I appreciate your doing the next right thing!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Blessings

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

keep the faith Laura

[@lauraquigley6403]

@@BuckinBillyRaySmith u too just a day at a time!

[@laurarosekrug777]

Hi Buckin, it was neat to see the area where you grew up & even your bus stop! Ken seems like a great guy 😊 That 3.5 pounder looks “DEADLY!” 👍

[@KEVINSEPTEMBER]

I'm glad I found this channel, you're a kind soul and the world is a better place with you in it. I don't think I've ever swung an axe in my life but for some reason I like watching your videos. I do work with my hands and agree there is a certain fulfillment after a hard days work. Thanks friend!

[@chitsgigglezoutdoors2659]

Hey buckin I been watching you now for about 2 months and haven't missed an episode. Just wanted to say hello thanks for the tricks of your trade you teach I have learned a lot that I thought I already knew. Lol. Oh those wedges your stepfather has , they do work I have used some like them in the past to split oak and hickory. Have a great day. Keep em coming.

[@JimmynVegas]

Pretty (new to the channel) old guy. Still working (61) but acquiring more old school skills and knowledge everyday. Working my way with a 👍🏽 thru every video. (Talk about a task)

[@patrickbateman7369]

I grew up in a Hollow in Illinois and the incredible memories of running around and playing in the woods are some of my fondest memories so I can fully understand that feeling you get coming back there.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

😁

[@ronfox5519]

Love hearing your insights on the axes. So many variables to such a simple tool. As for the splitting wedges and points, i say dont sell them short. In tough wood, they are super nice. A real work saver.

[@kenweis7913]

There's something about going back to your old stomping grounds.......I like to see B.R. EXCITED ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS.......

[@davidthomas5997]

I love your take on spirituality. I couldn't agree more. It is a personal relationship. I love it.

[@buck1978]

Wow what a great place to grow up in and as always wise words Thanks for another great video Like a lot of people on here found your channel for wood chopping tips and stayed for the community Keep Em coming sir

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thx

[@Beastys]

Brings a warm smile knowing you are out there.

[@kentabyte]

11:24 OMG what a view it's wonderful

[@johnrosier1686]

Great to see Buckin’ can reconnect and still have a good relationship with Ken after all these years. Nothing like a well designed, very sharp axe. I have used some dull ones and about wore myself out trying to get anything done.

[@benmiller5303]

You are one very good man, I get educated and impressed with every viewing. I have to be physical now, and had to be 50-odd years back, I had the right configuration of brain to do well at school, but looking at the thing, I could find little motivation. If I am not in Nature, I die inside.

[@SueAtkinson-p6b]

Billy, I live in the UK and many years ago I had one of those conical wedges made by Oregon and they were called wood grenades. You used them either with the back of a maul or sledge hammer and were used for splitting gnarly wood. They worked pretty well.

[@hawkforgeusa1014]

Buckin Its amazing to hear your story’s about your childhood because they are so much like my own . I too grew up running through the woods pushing down small dead trees and if I could not push them over I had a hatchet I’d chop them down as best I could and I did learn a lot through those times . My dad had one of those round Oregon wedges. Love you videos brother.

[@mcbridecreek]

I like how you have embraced your eternal spiritual self. The positiveness is inspiring! I’m a carpenter and have spent a good deal of time learning to drive a nail. Letting the hammer do the work. Swinging the hammer with finesse. I see that in the way you swing an ax. Putting the right force exactly where it needs to be. The power comes with fully using the wrist in the swing.I’m enjoying your example! Thanks

[@jonmccormick6805]

Hi Buckin'. Thanks for the hometown growing up tour. I went back to my old place a few years ago and it isn't home anymore. I also don't miss the happenings there. I'm so blessed with a small family, a few close friends, a good craft and bumping into a few interesting people from time to time. Merry Christmas to you, and yours, and yes, that includes Ken and Nancy.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

your a great spirit friend

[@ryanelkin8272]

god bless you buckin billy ray, you've really helped my mental health with this one tonight.

[@brandonwaterworth8339]

I love you’re message from your youth! If you can’t hear the Father’s voice, then your radio ain’t turned on!

[@brandonwaterworth8339]

Beautiful cedars by the way! Reminds me a little of Niwaki, a Japanese tree pruning technique.

[@keithprine8981]

Ken you did a fine job loving on Billy Ray ...... God bless!

[@HardToCatchTwice]

You really have a terrific snap in your swing. Lovely

[@CabinRidge]

Man oh man, what a interjection, amazing how many of us out that grew to the same with the same issues ,, love and good vibes to everyone here. Thanks billy

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

welcome brother

[@ВасилийБубнов-х9у]

Привет из Украины Вы сильно помогли одному парню пилить и рубить дрова! Ваше умение и опыт заслуживает внимания в мире! (P.S. нислова не понял но действия понятны БлагоДарю Вас)

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

love wins

[@JDanielsOffGrid]

Slava Ukraine

[@shapeshifter7753]

This has been a blessed day for me! A Buckin video of his ol’stomping grounds😊 I’ve been asking to see this for many years! Mostly because I love when his energy hits this astronomical level 🌟 I just knew it would make for great content!!! It’s surpassed my hopes👍 and to top it off I found my first plumb head! And a few other goodies!! Thanks for doing this Buckin! I really enjoyed this trip down memory lane with ya!!!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

my pleasure good friend

[@OpenAirAdventure]

Ye makes sense Buckin , we were misunderstood in the 70 and 80s. Patients and resilience was all we had. Street smarts helped too. Love you all.

[@kevinduff3797]

Thanks to Ken and Nancy! Your property is beautiful!

[@stuartramage5933]

BILLY we have all got a talent or something we are really good at .its just such a shame we dont all get the chance to shine .peace an love from scotland stuart an family.

[@ekehengeveld3895]

Thanks for your story off your school and your lucky day with the Tree. I have had exactly that same experience!

[@renharbour3323]

A few years ago I watched your video where you shared your enthusiasm for the HB Avrika, so I ordered one. Holy cow, what a tool!! I absolutely love that axe and use it continuously for some falling and a lot of splitting. While I do love it, I hope to score a wood bullet at some point! Also wanted to comment on your views pertaining to education. I have been blessed with two grandsons that were born a month apart. Though they are only 4, they couldn't be any different little men. One is a book smart brainiac and the other cares nothing for books but loves everything mechanical, can identify the majority of hand tools and understands how to use them. Both are impressive little men, but couldn't be more different. Oh yeah, my mechanical grandson loves to spend Saturday mornings watching BBR with me. Much continued success Buckin' !!

[@snowman6678]

The slow motions were unreal? I was extremely surprised at how compliant the handles are?! They absorb shock unless wear and tear on the body!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

you slightly let go of thr handle at impact

[@martyrutter3630]

What an assortment of axe’s you have. All have something to do with you journey to the wood bullet , which this channel has fallen in love with. We all will continue to fallow along 👍👍👍

[@clrd4tkoff]

Awesome Video Buckin!! It was cool to see where you grew up! It's beautiful!🤗

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thank you

[@jonosada5555]

Thank you for your time and bring in wood I'll throw a log on the fire for you!!!!!! KEEP ROCKEN!!!

[@marcleblanc7021]

I love it!! When ole Buckin does the lumber jack hop, lol thats when you know he is giving it a hell of a wallop! lol 😁

[@tedhardulak7698]

Its great to hear your education and life outlooks. PARENTS-- If you want to make your kids stupid just give them a cell phone when they are young and a T.V. in their room unsupervised. Let them just not interact with other kids person to person. I truly believe that a kid like this will learn all he needs from the social media. And then parents are surprised when the kid is lazy or disrespectful or no COMMON SENSE. I am watching the decline of kids because they don't do the things that Billy is talking about. If I told my Dad or Mom I did not want to do something I was sore for a few days. I started working some at 14. Bought my own car. Learned how to fix it. And do manual labor. I raised my kid the same way. Now he can fix his own house, make great money, and help others. Patents, please lose the phones yourselves, and set a good example. I had a friend that was offended by how well his kids took to me. I never looked at a phone when they were with me, never took or made a call. I let them know they were not second place to a device in my pocket. He did not do this. Easy tp figure out.

[@jamesrogers6376]

I luv you brother. I can relate totally. I had to go to "special " classes for reading. I just couldn't comprehend it. But math. My grandpa had showed me and tried to teach me a slide rule. I could almost instantly see a math problem answer in my head. But I couldn't speak or read well at all. Now I luv my job. It's whatever God has for me next.

[@Hausmann300]

It was super cool to see where you grew up and hear the stories..... thank you for sharing this with us.... also big thank you to Ken for his role in your young life!!!!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

thank you

[@Supwisebs]

That new Bullet from Brad’s is a beaut, NO LUGS is the way to go 👍

[@asphaltwarrior1990]

Hi Buckin , love what you are saying...I'm over here in my England, Staffordshire, ...I drive a truck, or a semi in your world, play guitar, and I cut firewood with my 62cc powersaw, and split it with my axes ...love your videos, love your outlook on life ...just wanted to say hi...best regards... Alastair

[@andyd.1793]

I recently took a walk through a place where I used to live, too. It was nice seeing what was familiar and what had changed. There's magic in that nostalgia☄

[@NJUSA36]

I really like the way you speak truth! I also like seeing a little bit of the back history in your life. The life lessons really do make the person. I completely understand your frustration with the reading and comprehension Because I am dyslexic and also have a major problem with reading spelling and comprehension ever since I was very young. Keep on doing what you’re doing that’s why we all watch your videos. ❤

[@byronroubanes1617]

Buckin, this is one of the best videos. It sparks in so many ways! Thank you,

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

glad you are here friend

[@backyardcigars8670]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!

[@rorydaddy]

I Love Your Videos and Positive Additude, My Uncle Tom was A Logger, in the 1920’s, In the Pacific Northwest, lived in Logging camps, got into Gun fights, Tuff Guy Stuff, Lived in a log cabin, he built, till he died in 1973 at the age of 93, I have a few photos of them cutting Crazy huge trees with Axes and toe boards, would love to share the photos and Stories, When I was very young man and I would stay with him during the Summers, Wish I could talk with him now, and hear more stories and smell his Cigar burning again, Keep Choppin Buckin, Love It!

[@wednesdar452]

We had that exact wedge when I was a kid!! You had to beat it with the sledge and it did --kind of-- work, albeit not at all efficiently. Ken is charming! Fun video.

[@hpelisr]

Buckin, I have to make a comment here. I'm so glad you showed the David Douglas plat, Even here in Pennsylvania we use Douglas fir wood for building. I like the wood, just now this past couple of weeks I have been upgrading my home, and bought some nice Douglas fir from the Home store. Beautiful wood and strong, my boy Patrick said wow tough to get a nail into the wood. Even has a burn stamp saying Western Douglas fir. For us here in Pennsylvania that means, Northwest Americas or Vancouver. Great wood.

[@glendajune9140]

Great job on your step-dad’s property Buckin. The the variety of axes 🪓 today. Got the job done!💯❤️👍🏾💜🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@G.A.gigger]

Ken seems like a fine gentle man ...notice not gentleman because I could not tell that ...can tell he has a gentle disposition...and quite the spot to grow up in Buckin ..as always enjoy your videos...by what you say it is time for me to quit being an old shake blocker and actually getting a splitting profile ax and retire my arvikas ...save my arvikas for the cedar...I sure did notice the cedar shakes on the roof..cheers

[@4Runner123]

Great video definitely reminds me of when I went to school and issues I faced also in 70’s. Never realized that a big part of my problem was I needed glasses! Reading was something I did but I used to get migraines. Until I discovered that I needed glasses in my early 30’s. Migraines gone! I guess I always strained my eyes without realizing. As far as splitting wood I swear by a wedge I bought many years ago at Lee Valley it has a twist in it and makes the job of splitting the largest of rounds easy. I just looked at their website and they do sell one not sure if it’s made by the same company “mine was made in France” still have it.

[@johnphillips3512]

Always love your videos. Inspirational. And teacher.

[@Gordon_L]

A nice reflective share of your past Billy , I enjoyed this very much . Ken seems a top fella and the memories of the area were good to hear . I don't comment a lot but enjoy the channel , all the best to you and the family and friends over Christmas , peace and prosperity to all , cheers .

[@briangayheart3584]

I know what your talking about . In school they told me I was stupid then IQ test. Then they called me lazy I quit and taught myself . And now I can do just about anything. Tree work is my life now

[@martyrutter3630]

Nice trip down memory lane and your passion was inspiring ♥️

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

hi Marto

[@outdoordauber]

Great message!! I definitely know when I'm short on "dirt time".

[@pmich1000]

Buckin! I have a few of those odd wedges. My grandfather had them from the 60s or 70s. They are cool pieces for sure

[@anthonyoverbee2049]

It's always good to see you Buckin!! Thanks for all the knowledge brother

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

God-bless you and your interjections 🙏 Love you all...❤❤❤ Lieutenant Bradley

[@09Freebird]

Those oregon cone wedges are amazing for notty wood. My old friend Stan in east van let me borrow one once. Great message Billy

[@jeremiahshutt1579]

For fun especially in winter I go about finding someone (almost anyone lol)to go into the woods .To just find a (or more )tree to fell and split up into fire place peaces.If there is some ready to split for whom ever ill do it gladly ..anyway .I've A connection to wood I'm unable to put to words and I'm unsure why I'm different in this way from most.If we had a wood that embodies "us" I'm CEDER i even cook with it don't know many that do .

[@jeremiahshutt1579]

Kindred spirits!?'likely, the way I've addressed" strangers "through out my life has come naturally from my heart and mind (friend)before or after I make a statement or question is always(friend)

[@toddhansen5072]

Love seeing where you come from brother! Love you all! ✊

[@spencerpetrofsky2162]

Love the videos Billy! Your videos have gotten me into restoring axes. I'm about to fit my first handle to a 3.5 pounder that was badly damaged but looks pretty good now. Almost shave sharp using your techniques. Thanks for your content!

[@scottallpress3818]

What a beautiful spot ken lives at ! I tell ya bucking your so right about the schooling thing , I sat for years in classes I couldn’t care less about but we HAD to do them . I nearly failed high school , but an English teacher who made the lessons fun saved my behind big time , I still won’t pick a book up unless I’m interested in the topic ……

[@woody1755]

Awesome tools my friend as always, learn from you everyday.....much love Buckin!

[@michaelwhiteoldtimer7648]

Hello Ken and Nancy. Great splitting video Buckin

[@donaldbaileybaileystree475]

Beautiful place,that's where your beautiful heart came from

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

good to hear ya talkin about emotional/family stuff ..and how everyone has a spark in them. I call it an angst, a yearning, to connect w/ the source of all physical matter, and soul matter..almighty god

[@justinjones5288]

Ive just started splitting wood and bought the Fiskars 36” splitting axe. So far its awesome

[@rockkhound943]

I started splitting firewood 20 years ago to sell an sold an average of 100 rik a year and split majority of it by hand, I have had the same splitting ax for the past 14 years of that which is a Fiskars SPLITTING axe . I went thru countless other splitting mulls an such and they all broke . The handle is not fiberglass it is HDPE which is one of the strongest plastics on earth and the handle in the ax head are molded together and it comes with a lifetime warranty and they are made in Finland next to indestructible I split all hardwoods ,Oak ,Hickory, Ash ,Maple an some popular. I love wooden handle axes but they cannot stand up to hardwoods consistently.