Split Kindling Safely!

[@awesomenesschanel]

I didn't quite catch the comment on why you use blunt tools "Because sharp tools ____". Could you elaborate on this more? it seems counter to any usual advice I get about using hand tools and I was surprised that you gave that advice.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I was taught to use a sharp edge for cutting wood and a blunt edge for splitting wood. Our felling axes were so sharp you could shave with them, our splitting axes had a much duller edge. The idea was that a sharp axe will often get stuck in a log, while, hopefully a blunt axe should split it or bounce. People who use a sharp axe for splitting often learn the 'flick as it hits' technique to stop the axe getting stuck. In general, yes hand tools should be very sharp. All best, Vince

[@2bingtim]

Glad you asked as I too couldn't discern what the word was.

[@lorncha]

It takes a lot for my old man to be impressed, but he was this and said it is all sound advice. Thanks Vince great video!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Lorna, glad he liked it.

[@SpiderDanification]

Thank you! You made my day! Now I will be able to split my wood pieces into small chunks, for decoration purposes. Sometimes one does not think of the obvious things in the first place, so I am glad that I found your video.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I split a load of kindling today - it is so relaxing! All best. Vince

[@ronniefaraldo9197]

Great I found you. Even though I'm American born 77 years ago I live in the Swedish forest . Thank you

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are welcome - and what a great place to live!

[@imonoke7903]

THANKS YOU!!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome.

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

My grandfather on my mom's side was from Sweden!!! It's nice 👍👌💕 to hear from you handsome young man!!!!☺️ She was from Norway 🇧🇻!!! My father was from Denmark🇩🇰!!! And I was born in Houston 🇺🇸 Texas 🇨🇱!!! Now I jet back and forth between Alaska and Alvin Texas!!!!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Scandinavia is a really great place, and good people in my experience.

[@CanoeKayakFishingAdventures]

Thank you for showing the technique you use to split kindling.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

As with all things wood fire, kindling is really interesting! All best, Vince

[@judyofthewoods]

I am always amazed at how much more I can learn about a simple, long practiced activity. Love the sissi stick/clamp idea. Also a good reminder to dig out my froe to make good use of it. And last, but not least, I once admonished a friend for using the back of an axe as a hammer for driving a wedge, though had in mind protecting a good tool. He said the burr would not matter when splitting as the split would have opened before the burr could get to the wood. I think this is a good demonstration of the importance of not only knowing things, but knowing ALL the reasons WHY!! This person is already virtually blind in one eye (not burr related). This video may help him keep his eyesight. Thank you. Better to learn from other people's experience or knowledge than the hard way.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Hello Judy, it is just great to be able to chat and learn about wood fires from people in many different areas - I have been surprised at how much helpful comment is written. And you are right about axes - they are not hammers! A few taps on a nylon felling wedge is ok, but never so hard as to open the eye or cause a burr. Hope you're having a good winter. Vince

[@hilbert551]

Thank you. Watching from Texas.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I have no idea what winter is like for you. But have a good one! All best, Vince

[@nikolakarovic6509]

Great video and great tips. Thank you sir.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - have a good winter. Vince

[@kleptosepto1848]

one of the most enjoyable kindling videos I've ever seen. Thank you for this, sir.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome. The news is full of people with 'mindfulness' problems - just take some time with sticks or kindling, and then enjoy your fire - I think it keeps me sane!? All best, Vince

[@reneedla]

Thank you! I am a female in my 60’s and am now solely responsible for cutting my own wood and kindling. Thankfully I already instinctively followed most of your techniques but the addition of the sissy stick and clamp will definitely help! I just got a froe but haven’t used it yet. I be using it as soon as I get a beatle made.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

A good thing to adopt the sissy stick and keep all your fingers! I have just had a heavy beetle made and it will work so much better than the beech-wood one I have used for ages. Thank you for your comment. All best Vince

[@wayneberry8703]

Cheers mate, I’ve been cutting a bit of kindling myself lately and will adopt your method of using the sissy stick, thanks.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Good luck with it all - any technique that keeps all your fingers is worth a try! All best, Vince

[@ejhickey]

Excellent video with some good tips especially the bungee cord and the sissy stick. I like and subscribed

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you - glad there was some useful stuff for you in the video. All best, Vince

[@danpatch4751]

The bungee cord wrap along with the froe is a great idea. Ill be using that for safety. I usually have used the one method you showed with the Hatchet working from one side to the other. Thanks👍

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - KZbin is a great place for sharing ideas - and Happy New Year!

[@markk8975]

Good advice. Safety is so important, even with seemingly menial tasks. I started wearing a glove on my left hand ( non axe hand) because of a few close calls.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

That sounds very sensible - tragic to lose a finger or thumb. When I worked with 33 men on chainsaws, three got cut, the only time I have ever followed a man by his blood trail. All three were caused by momentary lapses of concentration - one had his nose rebuilt and was ok, one wrecked his knee and one lost the use of his big toe and so had a limp and struggled to run - sad when you are only about 30 and have children. And after all that - Happy New Year! Vince

[@miketrevellen6101]

What a wonderful video. I have your book here in MI, American. And i always ensure I have kinderling for 4 months of fires during our winter months, usually from seasoned ash.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Hi Mike, sounds good, I have one of those big old laundry baskets full of kindling on the porch, and a heap by the stove to get it a bit drier and up to room temperature. I hope you enjoy the book. All best, Vince

[@raytry69]

Very good advices! I almost chopped off my pointer finger once while I was chopping kindling wood. Very dangerous!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Glad you kept your finger ok! Maybe a sissy stick from now on - that is what I do now. All best, Vince

[@steve1234596]

Thanks mate for a great explanation and demonstration. All the way from Australia 🇦🇺

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - enjoy your summer - we had our first frost today, which is great! All best. Vince

[@steve1234596]

@@WoodFiresWithVince Thanks Vince, a frost would be nice mate, it’s already warming up down here ☀️

[@jamesnelson1443]

Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!!!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks James - I split a whole basketful of kindling yesterday, such a peaceful job.

[@garethgordon9141]

Great video, never knew that "ordinary" metal on metal could have parts fly off; thought that was only hammer to hammer so thanks for that. Never heard of or seen a free before so more education gratefully received. My sissy stick is a pair of snipe nosed pliers but your is simpler. Thanks for your effort and time.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - I am glad it was useful. Thanks for your comment.

[@Rick1dat]

That was a good job showing how you do it. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Rick, I enjoy splitting kindling and there is always more than we need! All Best, Vince

[@HollisWicker-fo9jl]

Good video. I've got a froe and now I know what I'm gonna do with it. Thx

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Make sure you get a good heavy beetle - mine is too light and I make it look harder work than it should be!

[@upstairsmanagement]

Thank you for the video; that was SO helpful! I've just moved to the country in Australia and this video was a real gem that I will put to use this afternoon. 🙂

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you - I hope you are somewhere great, I really enjoyed my visits to Australia.

[@debluetailfly]

Your co-workers who lost eyesight from metal breaking off reminds me of a story a man told me years ago. He was young and he and a friend were going to cut down a tree that was beside a house. They picked a calm day and using axes and a crosscut saw began their work. After cutting a considerable depth into the trunk, wouldn't you know, the wind began blowing - the wrong way! The man was frantically driving steel wedges into the saw kerf to stabilize the tree and keep it from blowing over on the house. A chip broke off and hit his upper arm; every time his heart beat, blood would squirt out. They bandaged it up long enough to finish the job. A man came along with a truck, I think it was a Pepsi delivery truck. They tied a rope to the truck and could then finish felling the tree. In today's world, companies would prohibit you from using a company vehicle to help someone. My friend would certainly have been blinded if that steel had hit him in the eye instead of the arm. These warnings are always good reminders to work safely and use good practices.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Hi Daniel, many thanks for your comment - really interesting and instructive. Nowadays safety is pushed so much that it is hard to work out the real and present dangers from the extremely unlikely hazard events. I once read a woodfire book that advised to have some water handy when lighting a fire . . . to douse the match! You are lighting a fire! An example of nonsensical safety advice. And that's why comment like yours is so important, plus I like the Pepsi truck helping out!

[@lisacawleysmith2878]

Fantastic tips & presented so well, very calming too! 😊

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you - I hope you picked up at least one thing that will be useful to you! All best. Vince

[@Leo-f1x]

Great video! Learned this technique. I'm selling kindling for the winter in America.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

A tough way to earn, I have only ever split kindling for my own home - but it does not take long to produce a decent amount - I hope it sells well for you. All best. Vince

[@Leo-f1x]

@WoodFiresWithVince It's just for extra money. Not my main job. People in town are willing to pay good for it.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Sounds good - I have had second jobs all of my life, the only way to have some disposable income for most of us I think!

[@Leo-f1x]

@@WoodFiresWithVince Nice talking to you. I'll let you know how my kindling adventure turns out. 🙂

[@robertthompson1993]

Just starting to collect our wood for next year. First time with a wood burner. So these vids are super helpful. Thanks

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I hope you have a great winter - dry logs, cosy fires, relaxing evenings!

[@herelieskittythomas3726]

My husband almost took his finger off the other day cutting kindling. We took care of it at home. Almost the worst injury I have tended to. I was second guessing my abilities every step of the way. We even had wild pigs trapped the following day and I had to butcher and process them myself because we couldn't risk infection. My husband is healed now, the fingernail may never regrow and he has some nerve damage. We got lucky ❤

[@herelieskittythomas3726]

It was Thanksgiving evening and we are far from a hospital.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Well, that is a cautionary tale, I am glad you got through it ok and your husband has mostly got his finger back. The slower heavy axe or 'sissy' techniques might be worth thinking about. I had a man step on a running chain saw once, he was ok but it missed the boot's steel toecap and ballistic nylon upper and went into his instep. He healed fine, but as you say there was a lasting consequence, in that he never really got the use of his big toe back, so limped and found running difficult. Trapping wild pigs sounds a big deal! And I like your quotation about freedom. All best, Vince

[@DanielThomas234]

I tell you. I’ll look forward to that video about collecting sticks. I have an obsession for it. Closeby where I live, there are areas of beech that often provide a nice haul. Just small branches and sticks that fall in windy weather and stay off the ground, maybe getting entangled in lower parts of the tree are great. You’d fill a canvas backpack in no time. Stack them at back of shed so they’ll dry. Love doing it. Will enjoy seeing your video.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Beech is the best for sticks, I will get on with the video when I have a full free day - you're right, getting sticks is just fun, it's like being a kid again!

[@hendrikplumer6814]

I'm always looking for a better way of doing things, so thanks for the good advice. I still have all my fingers and intend to keep them. Subbed!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

A good plan - thanks for your comment. All best. Vince

[@melchurch3019]

Handy tips. I will be using a sissy stick from now on. I got a deep cut on my thumb with a hatchet while splitting wood for a pioneer maple syrup making demonstration. I had to put on a makeshift compression bandage on it and hide the wound under a mitten. Luckily there was snow to kick over the blood on the ground while I did the demo. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Hi Mel, a 'sissy clamp' is my new normal I think. A bit like you, I had a pruning saw close on my hand once while I was helping children at a woodland club. Embarrassed that a so called craftsman had cut himself, I clenched my fist and put my hand in a pocket until I was able to get away. Also, I made Maple syrup from Norway maples in Scotland once - fun to do and the syrup was great. Before that, I had always thought it would have to be a Sugar maple.

[@elektro3000]

Interesting video, I've never thought about making kindling from logs before. In my experience, every tree has far more small sticks than I'd ever need to light all the fires I can burn with the trunk and the limbs, so I just season and dry the sticks with the logs and there's my kindling.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Yes at least half of my kindling is sticks, and I mean to make a fun video sometime soon on which I choose and why. Over the year all the sticks gathered amount to a lot of wood!

[@EmilioV2333]

Excelente técnica y trabajo!! Desde Argentina, Lo felicito!!

[@ragingreek]

Well demonstrated 👍 great tips on saving our hands and fingers!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zennbubba]

Lots of good advice to be had here. They only 2c I would ad is "only handle things ONCE" rather than raking the cut up kindling on to the ground and having to come back and pick it up( my least favorite chore picking things up off the ground) put some type of storage system next to you to put the kindling in. Handle it once. Thanks for the tips.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Yes a very good point. In woodland management this was a key thing - most wood is not very valuable so we tried to never do any 'double-handling'. Good comment - thanks. Vince

[@gilesripley9222]

Love this video. Wish i had seen it before i nearly chopped my thumb off with my hatchet! Anyway, sissy stick or bungee chords here i come! Thanks for the tips.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Great that you kept your thumb - and the sissy stick or clamp will help keep it that way! All best. Vince

[@georgemoutafis4399]

Excellent presentation!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you, an important subject and a chance to start using my froe!

[@sam_yyz]

Great video! Your voice is like the David Attenborough of wood fires. 🙂

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Sam, as long as you find the videos have some useful bits as well! All best. Vince

[@mikeh8228]

Glad to see you using that old cedar fencing! At one time I had quite a lot of it and it all got made into kindling! HA HA I would use my band saw to cut it to the right length and then it would split so easily!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

It is fast and lights well - I spent an hour or so splitting kindling at the weekend, it's so relaxing. All best, Vince

[@frankmckenzie8981]

nice video, pleasant narrator and very useful advice, thanks a lot!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Frank, I hope you enjoy some of the other videos, all best wishes, Vince

[@High-Tech-Redneck]

Really nice work. I have a pocket version of your kindling splitter, it is called an electrician's sheath knife. I can hit it with most any piece of wood and create kindling for a fire anywhere that I am. The shape of the Kline Tools sheath knife is EXACTLY the same as the tool you are using, just smaller. Best wishes for your continued success.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you - I don't know that knife, I will look it up. All best. Vince

[@JT--XL365]

thats the same setup i use when i split up kindling. chair and a stump. cant go wrong with that.

[@JoATTech]

So it's froe or frow ... YT told me it's throw :D. Now I need one :D. Grear video. I always wear safety glasses when chopping wood (and work with tools actually). My friend got big splinter into his eye when he was splitting the wood with axe. And he now got all sort of problems with that eye.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I have just checked and see that it can be Froe or Frow - although in England I have only seen the spelling Froe. I don't know anyone injured by a wood chip, so very interesting to read that you do. Our eyes are such a big deal. Thank you. Vince

[@JoATTech]

@@WoodFiresWithVince I'm not sure how big "the wood chip" was. Maybe it was actually quite big - like the whole kindling. Dude said it was a chip. I'm using Fiskars X25 (or 21) to make my kindling and sometimes (especially with birch) these kindlings fly up to 2meters. I have to ask my trusty blacksmith what is the price for the froe, but I'm affraid it would be ~300$.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

In England a froe seems to cost from about £40 to say £140 - so say $50/60 upwards - so I would hope you could find one ok. I can imagine that a bespoke one made for you would be expensive! Good luck finding one. Vince

[@robbybankston4238]

We had froes for years. They are great. Sometimes the best ways are the simplest. Our ancestors already figured this out centuries ago.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are absolutely right. I wish I had taken more notice of the old men working when I was young and just starting out - I feel that so much woodland knowledge was lost as we moved onto chainsaws etc. All best, Vince

[@Zlinky111]

Great vid. Thank you. ❤😊

[@papajoeknows8355]

Great video, thanks for sharing! 👍🏻

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - it was fun to make. Thanks, All best. Vince

[@komaklos]

Lovely video! I tend to lay the board flat on the copping block and hold it so that my fingers are away from the block. Then I use a hand axe to chop and break the kindling. Kinda like using the axe as a froe, but on the flat side of the piece of wood or stick.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

If it works and you keep all of your fingers - it is a good technique! All best. Vince

[@jamesthemovie]

Thanks for another wonderful video Vince. It's lovely to see you back making these. You have a very calm and relaxing way. Cheers!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you - I have more ideas than I will ever have the time to film! Vince

[@johnnewman59]

Thank you.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome. All best. Vince

[@wilsonhallman2399]

Nice video. Great ideas.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you - I want to get on with a gathering sticks video soon, to go with this one.

[@Zombiesheriff]

Thanks so much for this new video :) great advice to help stay safe ❤

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

A bit like me taking to top down fires - once I understood the advantages and saw that they worked - I will now make much more use of the 'Sissy Clamp'. I would feel a bit of a dimwit if I made a video on safe techniques . . . and then cut my thumb off!

[@smsgtbulldog]

Well said Sir!!!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks so much

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - let's keep our fingers and thumbs, and eyes! All best, Vince

[@pedroclaro7822]

Use a chain and a hook at the end, with just a bit of bungee. You can split a whole log for kindling without even having to pick up a single piece. Works for lot splitting too.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Good thought, thanks for that, all best. Vince

[@barnyardbrio7597]

thank you

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome. All best. Vince

[@jeaniecameron295]

Gorgeous

[@iangleed6738]

great film thanks

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Ian, they are fun to make. Vince

[@boonlid]

pocket82 has a great technique by driving the axe into the log at an angle then knocking the smaller pieces through with a hammer/hitter to make kindlin

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks - I will look for that, always good to learn something new.

[@badmoon7549]

I love splitting kindling. I like splitting wood also, but not a couple cord at a time.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Exactly! I like to sit and split enough for two or three weeks, a pleasant hour or so tapping away. Then I try and limit myself to about 7 sticks to light each fire - making it last. Thanks for your comment. All best. Vince

[@pocatefo1]

Gran habilidad maestro. Esos palitos serían geniales para mi cocina rocket.😊

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Sounds good, I have always wanted to try out a rocket stove! - all best wishes. Vince

[@nathanthomas1334]

just ordered your book, thank you can't wait to read it

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Nathan, I hope you find some useful information in the book - I really enjoyed writing it, such a great subject! All best, Vince

[@johnwright6706]

I never thought of the 2 stick clamp.....

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I know! Me too, it was ages using a sissy stick before I thought, why not use two. I had thought about using metal tongs or making some scissor-like wooden tongs, but have not done that yet. All best, Vince

[@ThePrairieChronicles]

A family friend decided to have a look at the squeaky fan belt in his wife's car. A split second of distraction or a poor choice cost him the top half of one finger. There was nothing _left_ to find and have reattached at a hospital: the finger was basically paste... and the long-irritating squeaky fan belt never squeaked again. A split second of distraction with a pistol cost my father one of his eyes. Nearly cost him his life. But it's not just the "one offs". Even in a routine activity, accidents can and do happen. Thank you for stressing safety. I wish you Happy Holidays.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you for this - all very good thoughts. Life is hard enough. As you say, these tiny moments of distraction or lapses can be awful. My best mountaineering friend got run over by a Volvo car - the driver for a couple of seconds was blinded by a low November sun - in those few seconds a catastrophe unfolded which is still going on. And after all that very sober thinking, - have a great Christmas! Vince

[@ThePrairieChronicles]

@@WoodFiresWithVince I'm so sorry about what happened to your friend. How awful!

[@Dagger909]

Where did you get the froe? Genius for making kindling!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

It was a present from my son - but I think that there are many for sale on-line. Or maybe even get one made? All best. Vince

[@Dagger909]

@@WoodFiresWithVince thanks! I found a type locally which seems good enough! I'll buy one next year! For now a sledgehammer and a wedge will have to do 🙂.

[@raceroth9419]

Thanks old timer. Love the education although should be common sense, but often overlooked.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Agreed - but one slip and you're missing a finger - so good to remind ourselves! Vince

[@DanielThomas234]

Billhook in itself could be a brilliant video.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Hi Daniel, nice idea - I have used billhooks, reaphooks, short and long-handled slashers, etc - but I don't think my knowledge is good enough for me to make a video on this - other woodsmen know more than me on this! Vince

[@adrianbartlett3450]

Hi Vince. Just subscribed to your channel. We have a relatively new wood stove and have recently had 2 trees felled, one that was too close to the house and one that had ash dieback. I am enjoying chopping the would with a wood splitting maul and making kindling. The main issue we have is keeping the wood stove going. Getting it started is fine but the logs ( we are currently buying seasoned dry logs ) just tend to turn black and do not burn so well, seems it needs constant blowing from me with the door open and this causes smoke to enter the room. Eventually i can get a good fire going but it shouldnt need 20 minutes of intervention should it? Would appreciate your thoughts. Cheers.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Evening Adrian, Hmmm, this is a tricky question as it could be a number of things. But essentially it can only be the airflow or the log's dryness that is causing your logs not to burn. First I would buy a moisture meter and check that your firewood logs are really 'ready to burn' (= to or < 20% mc) - not just surface dried. You could also split the bought logs smaller - as smaller logs catch easier. Once you know that your fuel is good, it is then time to look at the stove's airflow and the chimney's draught. I would also buy a CO sensor in case the fumes are leaking back into your room. Look carefully at the stove's air controls, especially the secondary airflow, and give the early fire plenty of air. (I was in a friend's house last week and the secondary air vents on their stove were fully closed as the family thought they were just decoration.) Once you know that your logs and the stove's air flow are good, you have to consider the house and chimney. Some houses are so airtight nowadays that you might find that opening a window a little suddenly allows a good draught. Lastly it could be the chimney - a blockage, nest, loose brick or just that some wind directions do not suit it. Obviously a professional sweep's help is needed then. Let's hope it is just the logs are not properly dry! I have two videos on how I light my fires - ordinary and top down - see if either of those help a bit. Best wishes, I hope this gives some ideas! Vince

[@adrianbartlett3450]

@@WoodFiresWithVince thanks for the detailed reply Vince. The house is very old and far from airtight so i don't think that is the issue. There is only one vent on the stove which i put in the ooen position to start a fire. The chimney has recently been swept when the stove was installed last January. I will buy a moisture meter that's a useful tip. I try to split the logs small. I find i need to clean the glass a lot so i'm guessing there is too much smoke. Maybe it is my lighting technique. I will buy your book. Many thanks. Adrian.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

@@adrianbartlett3450 Morning Adrian, one other quick thought. When you first light the fire leave the door open just a little. It may help to get everything warm and create the draft needed. Last thought, maybe ask the previous owners what they did!? All best. Vince

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😊thanks for sharing

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

You are very welcome - and I have just had a much better beetle made, so working with the froe will be easier.

[@gewoonmijnglasvullen]

nice video, do you use fresh cut wood or dried wood??

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Interesting question! I was using dry wood as I wanted to use the kindling at once. But all logs split more easily when still 'green' (wet) - so if I was going to make a lot of kindling and store it, then I would split the logs before drying them. Thanks for your thought, all best. Vince

[@ioda006]

The Bob Ross of fire making

[@JohnFourtyTwo]

I don’t think he knows who Bob Ross was but I’m sure he would understand the compliment if he appreciates beautiful nature paintings of Alaskan landscapes.🏔️🖼️ 🎨 👍

[@Nelson-rd1et]

Nice video mate… From Oshkosh, Wisconsin-

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks - I really enjoyed making this one, lots to think about! Vince

[@roadtriplover.]

Hi. You say all your tools are blunt because sharp tools get …what was it? Im having trouble hearing the word you use, and Ive been misinformed, I think, as I keep being told to sharpen my hatchet to get the cuts I want. Im wanting to use my hatchet to make kindly for my home and campfires. Thanks in advance for your response!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

My training as a woodsman was that if the tool is to cut wood, it must be as sharp as you can get it. But if you are splitting or clefting wood, then the edge should be sharp enough to start the split but not actually cut into the fibres. So, sharp tools for cutting - blunt tools for splitting. There were 12 of us students on a two year course when I first started. We were competitive and I remember that I could shave a human hair three times on my 4lb felling axe. But my splitting axe was blunt to stop it getting stuck in the log. I hope that makes sense. All best wishes, Vince

[@frangargett3296]

As a kid I used a hedge slasher with a small handle.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

The slashers I have used were slightly thicker than most billhooks, so I can see that that would work well. Thanks, Vince

[@peterellis4262]

While you did not mention it, the froe mustn't be hit with a metal hammer. Same issue as with the billhook. Use a wooden club by any name on the billhook and it's not any more dangerous than the froe.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Fair point, any metal on metal is dangerous. The steel felling wedge hit with a sledge hammer or back of the axe are the worse. And I have just got a heavier beetle made of oken, after years of using the light one in the video! All best. Vince

[@paulfranks195]

Sound advice Sir, but why not a left hand leather glove when splitting kindling ?

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Interesting question. When I first started working in woodlands I did a two year course at Dartington Hall to get the UK's Royal Forestry Society's, 'Woodman's Certificate'. One of the main things the instructors pushed was no gloves when using cutting/sharp hand tools. This was because they knew that, especially when wet, the tool can slip out of your hands. So I guess I have just got used to not wearing gloves - but having had bits of kindling come back up into my right hand, when splitting close with a big axe, I do wear a glove then! Long answer - hope it makes sense.

[@paulfranks195]

@@WoodFiresWithVince Thanks for that. I appreciate the stance that a bare left had keeps the mind alert to danger. I've ( onviously) always worn a left hand glove and as you were wisely taught, never a right for fear of glove slip. Really appreciate your reply sir.

[@ImaOkie]

I use only my wifes best carving knife and a rock as a mallet ! 😄

[@johnduffy6546]

GREAT video! Getting metal shards dug out of your eye at the local ER is NOT fun.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Agreed! Also some people say use eye protection - but I have never found safety glasses that do not steam up when working hard - making it more dangerous!! All best. Vince

[@라메르-z5d]

고수님이시네요 ㅋ 칼로 야채 써는 느낌 ㅋㅋㅋ

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

The translate has not worked! But thank you anyway! All best Vince

[@alfkeulen5725]

Abfab. Simple, but oh so practical...and safe. Another lesson learned, plus a great new word: sissy stick. After all, enjoying a wood fire with all ten of your fingers sure beats the alternative of nine or less.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Agreed - and you only need to get it wrong once!

[@haqvor]

I'm another statistic, I cut myself quite badly with a shaving sharp hatchet while making kindling. Luckily the hand surgeons are really good and after a year my hand is about 90% of what it was before the accident. Lessons to be learned is that you never are as precise with an axe as you think you are and never for any reason have a body part in front of a sharp edge. There are always another way of doing things and if you can't think of it leave the task for another day.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Really glad they were able to fix you up - I guess it is worth remembering that axes were a main battle weapon for much of our history! Thanks for adding your story. All best. Vince

[@haqvor]

@@WoodFiresWithVinceThank you. Using a froe seems like an excellent idea and seems easier and quicker than using a hatchet unless the grain is perfectly straight. I will look to see if I can find one.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Get a good heavy beetle too - mine is too light and it makes it all harder than it should be. Again, all best wishes, Vince

[@haqvor]

@@WoodFiresWithVinceI'm thinking about making a mallet from oak, that will probably be heavy enough. If not I can make it as a dead blow mallet and fill it with lead pellets. All the best!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

That should work!

[@nickmail7604]

Great film, your axe didn't half look like a maul though.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Interesting point - Fiskars sell it as a 'Splitting Axe' not a maul, but it is certainly a hybrid between a traditional felling axe and a standard maul. Thanks for your thought! All best. Vince

[@MrTrda]

What is the name of that tool please : )

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

The long blade on a handle is a froe, sometimes spelt frow. They were common once to split roofing shingles. All best. Vince

[@MrTrda]

@@WoodFiresWithVince nice tool! Going to ask the local blacksmith if he can whip one up for me 😎

[@2bingtim]

@@WoodFiresWithVince Wondering if a machete may do the job similarly too?

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

It probably would, but the blade is rather thin to split kindling well - plus it may damage the back.

[@stevenwintersnight1036]

this is asmr

[@frankwoodman7901]

I'm no sissy but I do use the stick😮😅😅😂

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Yes agreed - it's not being a 'sissy' to want to keep all your fingers!

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Sweetheart get yourself a brass headed dead blow hammer not only so you won't damage your froe knife but being a dead blow will certainly improve your depth per blow!!! There worth there weight in gold!!! And they won't jettison a piece of steal up into your handsome eye 👁️☺️😏!!!!

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

I have had a new beetle made from a really heavy tropical hardwood, it should work better than my old beech one - thanks for your thoughts, I hadn't considered using brass.

[@zaxmaxlax]

I was using an old meat cleaver but a piece of the blade broke after a few days of use, definetly not the tool for the job.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Interesting, as that should have been a really good steel - maybe there was an old fault in the blade? All best, Vince

[@goldeneagle9761]

♥️

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thank you!

[@Anna-jt3xu]

Yes I think I will go to the beach to find sticks instead of buying kindling

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Nice idea, but you don't want too much sea salt in your chimney flue - better sticks from the garden, hedges and woodland.

[@Sadowsky46]

I‘d put gloves on both hands, because even the lightest accidental touch with a sharp axe can cut the skin severely

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

A fair point - but I was taught by old woodsmen who would not let any of us ever wear gloves. They said you have poorer control of the tool, and in the wet gloves can cause the axe to slip from your hands. But I do wear a glove when close to the axe head as bits of sharp kindling have come up and cut my hand in the past! Thanks for your thoughts. All best. Vince

[@Lemendeer]

I should have watched this a month ago before I chopped off part of my thumb.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Sorry to hear that,

[@misfitty-vd6kv]

NOT THE BEAGLE.

[@EyeSeven7]

I am afraid I am going to be the only one here to disagree. The safest way is to mount an inverted axe head onto your roundel and use a plastic headed mallet to hit gently down to split the kindling. It is more precise, infinitely safer and much quicker. I own a kindling business so have some experience.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Interesting point! To have a fixed blade and strike the kindling onto it is a good technique, and I know people who make their kindling that way. I should perhaps have included that system . I guess nothing it totally safe as I have met a guy with a very bruised finger as hit it with the hammer he was using to strike the kindling - but, at least he did still have his finger! Thanks for the comment. Vince

[@EyeSeven7]

@@WoodFiresWithVince thanks. A nice set of leather gloves (avoids splinters too) and holding the kindling at the side rather than at the top and you should never have an issue with any sort of hand injury. Some goggles and your eyes are protected too. It is amazing how little power the mallet needs if you are using wood that is quite dry already.

[@undefinednull5749]

Ancient peoples would not have waste energy/time with splitting fire wood, right? Just gather piles of various sizes of wood...

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Yes I would think that is right. Gathering sticks would work best if you only had stone or bronze tools. Plus they had peat and dried animal dung as options. Even now, if you have the time to go out and get sticks, and the space to store them, they are a good option. Thanks for the interesting question. All best, Vince

[@shermanhofacker4428]

Nice explanation and demonstrations, a forked limb set up as a break for giving a twist with the froe might make it a bit faster. This is how I often make kindling kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4HThqNrbqtlsKs

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Thanks Sherman, interesting video, I have not seen kindling cut like that before. all best wishes, Vince

[@herberar]

Stop watching this video. I don't even have a fireplace nor a barbeque.

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Maybe you will have one day - but you're right, thinking about it, I watch videos of things I will probably not do! All best, Vince

[@cnoshoes7049]

Must say,if you use a big unessary axe, your risking horrible painfull tendentious in your forearm, people hurt themselves sharpening axe,& holding kindling with finger's 90°,mad,I hold lump at glance angle,blunt axe,...did get cut bad once useing machete,camping, don't do that pissed !!! Xx

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Yes I wouldn't want to use a big axe all the time for kindling, but it is ok just for making some occasionally.

[@taominatr]

Sharp tools get what sorry?

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Hi, when I trained I was taught that cutting tools need to be as sharp as possible, like a felling axe, but tools used for splitting should not be too sharp as they are clefting the wood, not cutting into it. I have found that thinking to be helpful. All best, Vince

[@dappy848]

God help us if we have to demonstrate like this. are we all gone so stupid

[@chadleitschuh3012]

A froe is the biggest pos I've ever used I used the steel for something else it would be hard for you to pay me to ever use one again

[@WoodFiresWithVince]

Yes their main use traditionally was to make roofing shingles, and the logs have to be just right. Vince

[@Michael-ji3gw]

I cheat and use a kindling cracker.

[@Anna-jt3xu]

What’s a kindling cracker