Stihl Pro Splitting Axe

The STIHL Pro Splitting Axe features a premium American hickory wood handle for reduced vibration and a long steel sleeve to help protect the handle in the event of an overstrike. Its patented 5-piece head attachment system is up to 2.5 times stronger than a traditional axe head connection. The head is forged from premium C60 steel and shaped to feature an extra-large striking face for improved splitting performance. Weighing in at 5.5 lbs., this wood splitting axe is also well-balanced for swinging. Lighter than a splitting maul, it’s a dependable wood axe made for working all day.

[@arnilazarev1771]

STIHL SUPER! 👍👍👍 🤝🤝

[@rnilazarev2553]

STIHL N 1 👍👍👍

[@riverrivers250]

beautiful looking axe,,, looks heavy and powerful

[@webopus]

Howdy, I think it's the compromise between weight and balance that makes it special. It just feels good in the hand.

[@kobelcofan]

I've never used a STIHL tool I didn't like. Splitting up that firewood sure is great exercise.

[@webopus]

+kobelcofan I like this axe more every day. A neighbor just bought the Pro Maul. I'll try to get a video about that up before long. I also have a Stihl MS290 chainsaw and an FS 46 weedeater that work beautifully. I have a 60" Stihl Cant Hook on my Wish List. Thanks for the comment.

[@RatandCat]

Nice. Someone just sent me one a Stihl pro and I haven't taken it out of the box. Looking forward to using it.

[@webopus]

I gave mine to my neighbor when I relocated to Arizona. I miss it. Enjoy yours. If you split a lot of firewood you'll be happy to have it.

[@PR-do5qi]

This is the same splitting axe as the Ochsenkopf OX 648 Split-Quick Axe ROTBAND-PLUS. They actually make them for Stihl. Very fine German quality axe. Nice review Charles.

[@webopus]

+paul route Thanks for the information. I'd never heard of this company/product, but see that it has been in business, under various names, using the Ox-Head trademark since 1781. That's a long tradition of tool-making. I see they have lots of other forestry tools as well. I may have to look for an American distributor. www.ochsenkopf.com/en/products/index.html

[@JesseLJohnson]

@@webopus I don't think Stihl actually makes any of their forestry tools well besides their saws. I have one of their Peavey tools and cant hook and log stand those are made by Logrite just orange instead of blue like they are from Logrite. If you don't have one of their cant hooks and log stand get one lol or if not the Stihl/Logrite the Log Ox or Woodchuck. So nice being able to easily roll logs plus lift them off the ground so you aren't putting you're bar in the dirt. I bought the Stihl just because I could drive 5 min and pick one up the others I had to order online and the Stihl was the same price in store as the Logrite was online and the Stihl orange looks good with all my Stihl saws. I really like that Log Ox though might buy one of those too just they are $190 the Stihl cant hook for the 60 inch is $124 and the stand is $39 I got the 48 inch though because they didn't have the 60 in stock the 48 is $114 I believe. I bought the Stihl hookaroon too awesome tool also a Logrite tool painted orange with a Stihl logo. I think that was like $80. Great tool for picking logs up off the ground or hooking them off a pile or out the back of a trailer or truck bed.

[@webopus]

@@JesseLJohnsonJessel, Thanks for the information. Since I made this video I moved to central Arizona. I gave all my forestry equipment to my neighbor, except for my small Stihl chainsaw which I doubt if I'll ever use again. Have a good one,

[@theshadowpeople1493]

yeah Charles I will say it's a lil pricey but after looking at your video and seeing how its head is constructed and put together it looks like a winner would love to see a update after you have used it for a season I have purchased and used there equipment when I was in the landscaping business you can't beat any of there products !

[@webopus]

I did a short comparison video between the Stihl Pro Splitting Axe and the Pro Splitting Maul where I discuss how much I prefer the axe. You might find that interesting. Thanks for the comment. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C0kKCJncp-r80

[@markypolo55]

Yeah, I saw that Maul in the Stihl shop. Fell In LOVE! But still "choking" on the 100 bucks. LOL>

[@webopus]

+Marky Polo Go for it! It will last you a lifetime. Thanks for the comment.

[@tinman1955]

@@webopus It will last you for a life time or till you break the handle - whichever comes first.

[@matt4270]

This axe is a bargain at $100- ! MUCH better than a Fiskars for $60-, or chinese hardware store axes. The Husqvarna axes are great too for around the same money, but I love the overstrike sleeve on these.

[@webopus]

matt4270 I've seen/handled the Fishers. It was too light for my taste. I guess I was startled by the price on the Stihl because I've been buying trashy mauls for so many years. :-) But you're right - this axe is worth every dime. I also have a Stihl MS 290 chainsaw and an FS 46 weed-wacker - both of which are fabulous - so I'm inclined to like their products. Thanks for the comment.

[@andrewgraham5080]

i would be interested in having a closer look at your wood store. seems like a great construction.

[@webopus]

Andrew, Do you mean my wood drying tents? I did a 3 part video about my firewood curing process. Here's part 1. Enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/goXFqZpjhrh5iac

[@bobtheboozer15]

Im in South Australia using mine in slow growing very hard to split wood and its great I have a similar selection to this vid

[@webopus]

+bobtheboozer15 Howdy. I like mine more every time I use it. Glad to hear you're pleased with yours as well. I used mine to split about two cords of Hemlock last week and remember thinking, "Wow. that was easy work!" I only have to apply about 30% of the effort necessary to get the same result I need with a normal maul/axe. Thanks for the comment from Down Under. :-)

[@caperi79]

+bobtheboozer15 I also have this axe and had used a couple times but last Friday I went through my first heavy splitting, red wooded eucalyptus rounds. I own a maul which is not stihl but has the same design and size, and let me tell you the axe is WAY superior. I also have a KM 100, a 192 t chainsaw and a 230 chainsaw. And a SG 86 blower

[@webopus]

+Carolina Perez Hi - I'm glad to hear you had a good experience with the Pro Splitting Axe. I've only encountered on type of knotty pine that has stopped it in its tracks, and had to use a sledge & wedge instead. Thanks for the comment.

[@bobtheboozer15]

+Carolina Perez I have added a sharper edge to mine recently to get better penetration into the hard wood we have around here made a huge difference.I started with the MS250 and PS3 chain then got a MS 260 with 3/8 full chisel chain 16/18 and 20 inch bar then happened across a ms 261 with 3.25 18 bar for a very good price.The 260 carries the 3.25 now and tungsten tip chain for the nasty stuff.Im getting addicted to chainsaws

[@webopus]

+bobtheboozer15 Yeah. Aren't chainsaws one of the best inventions ever? I have the MS 290 with a 25" bar for serious work, and the MS 170 for small jobs. I recently picked up the 60" Peavey as well. I don't know who I'd live without them.

[@tinman1955]

I just bought the Stihl today. The head might weigh 5.5 pounds but the total weight is 9 pounds by my scale. Also have the True Temper for some years which weighs 12 pounds. Initial impression of the Stihl is I wish the handle was longer. I'm used to the long handle on the True Temper. The Stihl has a narrower blade which penetrates easier but tends to get stuck in the wood if it doesn't split. Build quality is excellent but wish the over-strike guard was longer as I already dented the hickory on the first day. It's a nice tool but the TT is better when you need the extra clout. The Stihl is nicer for lighter work.

[@webopus]

Howdy Tin Man, thanks for your perspective. The maul, which I believe I discuss in a separate video, has a longer handle. Personally, I like the shorter handle as it allowed me to focus my energy on a precise spot with more precision. But that's just me. I live in Arizona now and I gave my axe to a neighbor. He seems to like it as well. Thanks again for the comment. Happy splitting.

[@dirkhalbsguth9345]

dear Mr Long, friendly greetings from Germany. Your video is super, I used the same Ax but from Ochsenkopf.

[@webopus]

+Dirk Halbsguth Hello. What kind of tree do you mostly use there for firewood? Here we have an abundance of Hemlock, Alder and Red Cedar - although I generally use the the cedar for construction purposes. Thanks for saying, Hello. :-)

[@dirkhalbsguth9345]

+Charles Long good day, we used mostly oak, hornbeam and beech tree for firewood. that's why I use only good axes. please excuse my bad English

[@webopus]

+Dirk Halbsguth Aha. Intersting. I wish we had oak. The hardest wood around here is Maple. You're English is just fine. Es ist viel besser als mein Deutsch.

[@dirkhalbsguth9345]

+Charles Long Sir Ihr Deutsch ist Spitze 👍. my favourite firewood is birch it's easy to cut easy to split it got power and it is really cheap. but my family loves " Deutsche Eiche"(German oak);-). we also use hornbeam and I hate it, it is really hard to Split.

[@georgezarifis7409]

What about the growth ring orientation on the handle?

[@webopus]

+GEORGE ZARIFIS Good question. Take a look on the video I did about the axe and the maul. You might be better abel to see it better. If not, let me know and I'll try to determine that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C0kKCJncp-r80

[@kvn08cosmo]

Hey Charles - Great video . . . I have a question for you - can you turn it over and pound wedges? ? ?

[@webopus]

The guys at the Stihl store say yes, but I'd be reluctant to do so. My neighbor has the Pro Splitting Maul (see URL below) and we've used it to pound wedges with no issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C0kKCJncp-r80

[@kvn08cosmo]

Ok thanks. I bought this Pro Splitting Axe yesterday. I broke it two hours later. You know the plate at the top of the axe head? I sheared off both the screw and the pin holding it on. I'm not sure if the integrity of the axe has been compromised or not, but it broke nonetheless. I too was told I could pound wedges. I have an email into stihl confirming whether or not you and I were misinformed about pounding wedges. . . I'm going to see if I can get it replaced with the maul. Thanks for the reply.

[@webopus]

Wow. I'm sorry, but this is good information to have. Is the vendor doing the replacement/switch, or are they making you go directly to Stihl? Please let me know how this is resolved and your conclusions. If you compare the head of the axe and maul, you'll see the maul has more metal in the wedge-striking area. The axe is pretty thin there. Thus my decision NOT to use it for wedges. I hope it's resolved to your satisfaction.

[@kvn08cosmo]

So the vendor said he would replace the handle and metal plate. I used it today without the metal plate - split about 2/3rds a cord, and didn't have any problems. So I think it's safe to assume the integrity was in fact NOT compromised. (I used my sledge where I needed wedges.) I have NOT heard back from Stihl in response to my email. But I'm going to do my best to get the axe replaced with the maul. Also, Stihl has yet to publish my review on their website. Kinda weird. I'll keep you updated. Hopefully your subscribers are reading this and don't buy the WRONG tool like I did. I think its a great axe, but I didn't need another axe. I needed something that would pound wedges. SO readers - don't let me discourage you from buying this axe. . . It really is great.

[@webopus]

I forgot to mention that my neighbor and I used the Pro Maul to pound wedges without issue. The thickness of the head construction seems to make the difference. If I do an update of these videos, I'll mention your circumstance Thanks again.

[@79pejeperro]

Hi, great vid. I am in the same situation you were. I have a splitting maul, a maul, wedges, an axe... but many times I feel like I don´t have the right tool to split. Too heavy or too light, too wide or too thin... I split all kinds of wood, from ultra tough eucaliptus to easy cedar or other straight grain woods. Do you think I need this? What version is yours? I think it´s the bigger one (80cm). I think 5´5 pounds is nearly three kilograms, which is the bigger one. Are you happy with it?

[@webopus]

+79pejeperro It's the best splitting tool I've ever used - hands down. It's really all you need, except for a sledge & wedge for the largest rounds. There is only one model, as far as I know. This is it: www.stihlusa.com/products/hand-tools/axes/prosplitaxe/ There is also a Pro Splitting Maul, but I prefer the axe. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C0kKCJncp-r80 Let me know if you need more information. Thanks for the comment.

[@79pejeperro]

Well I don´t know in US but here we have two models available, And yours is the bigger one. I know there´s a splitting maul, which I have used, since a friend of mine owns one, and it´s a great tool but it´s quite heavy and most times I don´t need such a brutal tool to get the job done. I am impressed to hear you think this axe is the best splitting tool you´ve had. Coming from an obviously experienced person, that´s something to be considered. Thanks for your reply.

[@webopus]

+79pejeperro Hmmmm. That's interesting. It's the height of the blade that makes the axe preferable for me. The maul is okay for splitting rounds and driving wedges, but noting cuts like the axe. It's an amazing tool.

[@79pejeperro]

Charles Long I must tell you sir, that today after work, I stopped at the Stihl store and ordered my AX 28 CS. That´s the code for the 80cms, 2´8kg splitting axe. Thanks for your advice!!!

[@webopus]

+79pejeperro Outstanding! Please give me your appraisal and let me know if you like it as much as I do. Happy splitting.

[@gauchocacador2625]

Lindo machado!

[@webopus]

Sim, são ferramentas bonitas.

[@Kostandino1978]

Hi there) My family owns olive trees, and we use to trim the branches and put them in the wood-stove/oven. We have Husqvarna and Shindaiwa chainsaws, but also need to purchase a stable, reliable and practical splitting axe. Doesn anyone has an idea about t\which axe is performing well with cross-section of OLIVE tree branches?

[@webopus]

+ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΤΟΜΠΡΟΣ I'll leave this question open to comments from viewers. Do you live in Greece by any chance?

[@Kostandino1978]

Hi, thanks so much! Yes, I live in Greece, in the island of Corfu, just off the northwest coastline of mianland Greece..

[@webopus]

+ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΤΟΜΠΡΟΣ Yes, I know of Corfu. It appears to be a blissful place to live. Wonderful, climate. How large is you olive orchard? I've had a little experience with olive trees in Arizona, but nothing extensive. Are you using the branches for firewood, or something else.?

[@Kostandino1978]

aww nice) Corfu is indeed a great place, naturally beautifull.. only sadly since its a part of Greece in the last 150yrs, there hasnt been much infastructure and engineering development here. But there is a lot of potential in the island, you would be surprised about the opportunities that could be created should a proper management takes charge.. Our olive trees are the typical mediterranean olives. its not the broadness of the cross section, but rather the characteristics of olive wood.. hard to play with Charles.. Our branches are cut and then destined for our stove-oven, the classic one with cooking amenities.. maybe you have seen some in the net.. (if you type in google: Viometalko E-250, you will see my stove-oven unit)

[@79pejeperro]

+ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΤΟΜΠΡΟΣ I´m from Spain and I know olive tree is super dense and heavy, but I´ve never splitted thick rounds of it. In my opinion you don´t need a maul because you need the tool to penetrate deep into the wood and mauls edges are too wide. On the other hand, a normal axe will get stuck in the super dense olive wood. I think this is the tool you need, now choose the bigger or the smaller version considering the length of the rounds you are going to cut. Anyway, if you have an old axe there, sharpen it and get a good handle and try it. I say this because you talk about branches, I don´t know how wide they are, but maybe an axe would do the job. In my case, i have a wood stove at home. I get all the firewood I can by my self, from eucaliptus to cedar, almond tree...so I have all kind of woods and grain to split. I have a maul and wedges, a splitting maul, a normal axe and now I´m thinking of buying this splitting axe. By the way I also live in an island, Tenerife, in the Athlantic Ocean.

[@JimmyHagar]

I just ordered me one of them the other day see if it's better than the Fiskars

[@webopus]

I hope you like it. But realistically, it all comes down to individual preferences of weight, balance and ergonomics. I've never used a Fiskers, but the Still is superb.

[@richardlawrence3770]

I have two fiskars which I lend out at times.However my Stihl stays with me.

[@k-techcowboy4260]

Wondering how it would do in green stuff

[@webopus]

A lot of what I cut with this axe was pretty green. In other words, many of the rounds came from freshly cut trees.

[@k-techcowboy4260]

@@webopus same here. How'd it fair. I'm mostly in hard oaks and locus alittle osage too.

[@webopus]

@@k-techcowboy4260 As I remember, I did extremely well. But then it split everything beautifully. I've since moved to Arizona and don't Split wood anymore. So that's my best recollection. It's a great axe.

[@HQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQHQ]

2:38 that is not worth of $100. 3:05 you can make your maul sharp as well.

[@BrendonHoppy]

Are you left handed?

[@webopus]

Nope. I'm a righty.

[@BrendonHoppy]

@@webopus thanks,, I hold and swing an axe the other way round,, left hand at the end of the handle, right hand closer to the ace head,, I am also right handed. Is there any advantages in doing it your way? Or does it just feel more natural to you?

[@webopus]

@@BrendonHoppy Hmmm. Good question. I never thought about it. Perhaps it's because it mimics my boxing/shooting stance - weak side forward, dominant arm and leg to the rear. The left throws a jab/hook, or in this case extends the axe, and the strong arm pulls the weight of the axe through the arc of the swing. Yes, that's probably it. Thanks for the comment and the brain-teaser. :-)

[@BrendonHoppy]

@@webopus Thankyou for your answer,,, I am trying to learn about technique,, as I have plenty big rounds of acorn oak to split on my own, also why I am looking at axes and mails etc. I am finding that it's not all about brute force,, any other tips for me?

[@webopus]

@@BrendonHoppy In addition to what I have already mentioned, the single most important thing is the selection of the round you use as a base for your splitting. It's actually best to cut one specifically for this purpose. Its height should ideally be such that you are not required to lean over too much during your swing. This will avoid a lot of back pain. And again, your target is not the top of the round you're splitting, but the surface beneath that round. In your mind, swing THROUGH the target, not to it. Best of luck. Oak can be very hard to split.

[@WoolysWorld]

great review, have you ever split logs with a tyre attached to your chopping block? saves all the bending and picking. have a look : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqbIlWZpi8ljhq8m48s

[@webopus]

+Woolys World Howdy. I just watched your video. My grandfather came over from Ireland, and I love hearing the Irish brogue. What kind of wood are you chopping there? Yes, I'm familiar with the tire method and tried it once. I don't remember why I abandoned it. I think it's because most of the rounds and quarters I deal with are too large to fit inside the tire. However, If I could find a large truck tire it would be worth considering again. Thanks and best wishes to my Irish brethren.

[@WoolysWorld]

+Charles Long it's mostly larch, we had the disease here so the forestry cut all the trees down.

[@k-techcowboy4260]

There 55 at ace

[@webopus]

I'm assuming you mean these axes are $55 at Ace Hardware. Since I made this video seven years ago I'm not surprised that it's discounted in some locations. Thanks for the update.

[@richardlawrence3770]

At my Ace it's $ 103.00.