The Strangest Axe Ever Made!

[@sladenorthernil]

I will say this, it works MUCH better on properly dried rounds. The rotten or soft (spongy) wood let's the push arms chunk out without pushing the split away. Try it on a seriously hard, dry round and watch the magic.

[@JoshuaBurton110213]

The fact he puts it against the Bismarck off the bat is saying something right there.

[@Brian-cw9pp]

I once had a handle with poor grain orientation fail. The head flew up and the poll hit me square in the nose. I never felt so unlucky and lucky at the same time. I had two black eyes and a bloody nose, but man, at least it wasn't the edge that hit me.

[@WoodNMetalWorkshop]

My father bought one back in the 70's and I still have and use it, I re handled it in the 90's still going strong. I have found that it works best on dry or fresh cut rounds, if they are soft or punky at all it tends to just sink in and do little.

[@orwaw1001]

اللءغنفنفىغً🧠👅🧒🏽🐱🐻🦊🐹🐨🐽🐨🐽🐮🐮🍡🍡🍰🍰🍬🍦🌰🥤🍵🍼🍭🥜🍰🍬🌰🍩🍿🍮🎂🎂🥧🍦🍵🍵🍻🥂🥂🍼🍹🍹🍸🍹🥄🥡🥡🥡🥃🍿🏀🏀⚽️🎱🎱🎱

[@RagnarBlox]

Same story here. My father retired to Florida in 2002 (no more fires are splitting wood for him) so he gave it to me (Upstate NY) and I'm about to order a new handle for it.

[@andyman2154]

I've had one of these for about 10 years now and I absolutely love it. I also love the sound it makes when it splits the wood and the Springs retract

[@zbudda]

The "My Self Reliance" channel, the guy who built his own log cabin by hand, uses this axe all the time, to chop frozen logs for firewood.

[@budwoodman1716]

In the first couple of strikes on the Ponderosa round, it appeared that the wood was 'wet' (definitely not dry) and it seemed that the end grain was 'spongy', thereby causing it to absorb the action of the maul and negating its ability to forcibly split the wood. Had the wood been dryer, and the end grain more 'rigid', I do not think you would have had that problem.

[@partyboy099]

My dad had one through my childhood and loved it. Sadly it "disappeared" after it was lent out. I just ordered one for him for Christmas. Although in his age and health I'm not sure how much he'll be splitting now, but considering we just had a conversation about it I think he will appreciate it.

[@lerch25]

I used to have one and it did help split tough stringy wood. They do eventually get stress cracks and break the head but you can reasonably expect to get 3 years of heavy use out of them.

[@christophersteves]

Thanks for reviewing this, Wranglerstar. My Dad has one from the 70’s back on our homestead in the Adirondacks, and I recently purchased one for myself when I saw they were back in production. I personally like them quite a bit, and I think it works great. On relatively straight grained wood, it really rockets the splits apart. On gnarly stuff, it seems to hold its own pretty well, but I think the gains vs. a traditional maul are less when splitting really knotty stuff. For me, there’s some sentimental value in it as well. I can’t even think of splitting wood without hearing that funny clinking noise these axes make when they impact a round!

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Shawn James uses this axe, ''My Self Reliance'' He's got a series on KZbin he's building his own Log Cabin, totally off grid in Northern Ontario

[@TheCheeseAndSteak]

Should try it on some Australian timbers, black wattle is amazing firewood, but it is hard to cut and chop, If you chop it at night you may even see it spark!

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Shaun of My Self Reliance uses one of these all the time and it does throw the logs quite a ways away. Great video.

[@r.d.k.909]

Bruce McConnell -I think that’s what got everybody talking about it. I just got mine last week but haven’t had a chance to use it yet. Looks like it works better on dry wood than wet wood.

[@carolbeard3024]

Considering how wet that wood is I'd say it's doing pretty good.

[@RavenJCain]

Great insight on what we think we know versus what we truly know. Lot of pride invested in things people think they know.

[@camerongravitt4230]

In all seriousness. I could have a terrible day and be zoned out with everything. Work, life. Even going to the store! But when I watch and listen to you break down an axe into it's best appropriate qualities and other equipment I myself may use. Really puts my mind at ease. Because it's nice to see that someone else can slow down and appreciate the finer things in this fleeting life we live. It humbles me to be completely honest. And on that note. I just want to say "Thank you sir !" Not many people would take the time to even ponder the idea of it. Love your channel and keep up the great work! 👍

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I used one of those many years a go, worked well on dry not rotten wood. Cheers from Tokyo Japan!

[@alanj7306]

Hello Tokyo 👍

[@drmaudio]

That wood looked like it might be a bit wet and punky. Considering that, it seemed to split pretty well. I bet it would do really well on drier wood.

[@guitarguy123451]

I can say from experience that the worst part of this tool is having to chase down the pieces when someone else is splitting, lots of time running after flying bits of tree carcass.

[@wobblysauce]

If you have wood that is too big for the tire.. you need a bigger tire.

[@CobaltSeven0]

What you mentioned about grain orientation would make for a very interesting video Cody. Perhaps you could handle an axe with incorrect grain and see if it fails as expected?

[@JonDurf]

Greatest Chopper Ever. Even as a kids I never thought chopping wood was hard. BUT that was because my dad I had one of these. Then I tried an Maul as an adult.... I instantly asked for one as a wedding gift 15 years ago. Love em.

[@evillefabrication388]

I've had one for over 30 years and use it every winter. Never replaced anything. I use it mostly on oak.

[@kylehiltner4185]

I have 2 of these axes, classic models that I got from my grandfather. I love them and prefer to use them on all but the most stringy of woods. The thing I like about the axe is that it does not get stuck in the wood nearly as often as other axes/mauls I have used.

[@JohnBorgen]

There's a guy on here (My Self Reliance) building a log cabin in Canada (Alberta, I think). Anyway, he's using this axe for all his cordwood work. That *might* be why there's suddenly more interest in this axe. He's got a couple hundred thousand followers, so maybe that's enough to generate the interest in the axe.

[@brown7002]

John Borgen i had the same thought lol

[@behumanxxx]

The reason I looked up the axe

[@thathikingguy]

My Self Reliance is an awesome KZbin channel. He talked about this a few days ago

[@wranglerstar]

I'm not familiar with this channel. If you recommend please include a link to his channel so we can subscribe,

[@MySelfReliance]

That Hiking Guy thank you. A few of my subscribers pointed me to this video.

[@thathikingguy]

My Self Reliance you’re very welcome. Your channel is awesome and you deserve way more subscribers.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Cody you would like the "My Self Reliance" channel and his chats at the end of the video are right up your alley I think. Cheers from Tokyo Japan!

[@shaolindreams]

I also recommend My Self Reliance channel... Also saw this axe there too. Awesome channel right up Wranglerstars street i would think. I like both your channels because you both are straight up guys that are skillful and have good work ethics, both work within beautiful natural environments and have thoughtful talks.... Technically it would seem you chaps are birds of a feather :)

[@blabla9786]

Another truly original video cody, nice to see you are not just taking other people's video's and thumbnails, and slightly changing them. keep it up!

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

Glad to see you checking this thing out. I first saw it on another channel that I don't particularly put any value in his opinion and was curious as to how it would actually stack up.

[@62tackle]

My dad had one of those that he used for years until it broke. He loved it so much I went out an old original one down to give him for fathers day a few years ago. They work pretty well on moderate stuff in my experience.

[@JawnHuey.]

3:53 I don't think the wings on the axe came out to soon. When dead wood becomes wet, it starts to act like a sponge and will basically absorb the first swing (as seen at 4:10). This is probably the reason why I like using a traditional axe because it can go deeper passing the soft spongy part of the log while being able to reach the hard splittable center portion of the log. However I wouldn't mind having a Chopper 1 log splitting axe for dry wood. It's always good to start split/cutting before winter comes (Wood gets wet!!!).

[@demure4398]

it doesn't give you more force it redirects the force from down (trying to push through the wood) to out (ripping it apart), the outward going force is more efficient and better at spiting the wood rather than forcing it through the wood

[@markd9946]

Didn't see it mentioned in comments so I was wondering if it might have split better had you aimed the ax toward the center of the round and struck it near the outer edge. With grain, not across grain. That technique works better for me.

[@aliasfred]

I bought one of these about 20 years ago, still works great ( a little rusty from forgetting it outdoors once) but still works great. Works sorta good on gnarly elm, if you cut the rounds short enough, then no problems. Also does very well with all the "straight" grained woods, white oak, red oak, birdseye maple, regular maple, poplar, cotton wood, etc. etc.

[@oudijzergek]

My dad got one 20+ years ago, thise really do work !. Do not use in confined space as it throws the wood with some force, it will go through windows !

[@bchant19]

5:08 now that's a nice shot with the shadow and the axe coming into frame pretty cool.

[@Quagmire88]

Looks like it would work better in dry seasoned wood. The soft wet fibers of that wood are counteracting the actions of the fingers causing it to not split.

[@rmojo23]

My self reliance had a video on this a few weeks ago and sparked a lot of interest.

[@MySelfReliance]

rmojo23 Thanks

[@alexburgdorf419]

That's definitely where some of the interest is coming from. He has a great series on building a log cabin for anyone interested.

[@brown7002]

Yea your videos on KZbin are top notch @my self reliance when i seen this video was my first thought ive seen this before!!

[@PLBL]

It seems like it works best on surfaces that arent all mangled yet, ie where the arms have something solid to push against as opposed to just pushing against mushy flakes of wood and just softening the blow (like at around 5:35)

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I 'inherited' one of these when I purchased a house with a fireplace and found a 'Chopper' rusting in the garage. I have used several kinds of splitting axes and mauls over the years. This is a bit 'unwieldy' but, on the strong side it DOES split well AND the design not only imparts splitting power down the length of the baulk but it stops the axe from sinking in so far that it becomes 'bound.' I went back to using a splitting maul and wedges. Today, at 72, I would use a power splitter and get back to sitting by the fire!

[@scottjenkins4613]

First experience with the same kind of axe was as a 10-12 year old kid (1980ish). I weighed probably 100 or 110 pounds soaking wet, and didn't realize it at the time but I lacked the strength to swing that axe as hard as needed to make it function. I struggled with it but chopped firewood over two or three seasons for my grandfather. It never worked as advertised and I grew away from it. Over time, the levers rusted and stuck in the outward position, so I discarded it all together. I'm interested to compare it with a proper axe, now that I am an adult and could put good, strong swings on them. Thanks for the video, this brings back many fond memories.

[@waynehullihen3066]

Used one in my younger days. Didn't work well on the hard woods of Pennsylvania. I still have it. I have a log splitter now. Nothing like power equipment.

[@bethhovan7822]

Wayne Hullihen where in Pennsylvania

[@bobs5596]

splitting by hand makes a man into a bull.

[@tamaram4338]

Shawn from my self reliance uses one of these all the time. It is neat to see you review it.

[@gagetreadway1409]

You are one of the few channels I trust for honest reviews, when I first saw this product I was expecting you would eventually review it. Not the results I expected! I'm excited to see how it handles over time

[@lancesurgeon7614]

This is not an axe, it’s a splitting maul. Since it isn’t used for cutting you don’t sharpen it. Had one since the eighties and never had an issue except chasing the wood. Started using a tire and that solved the problem.

[@BUBBADUDE123]

Between you and Taras Kul, I get to see the best most thorough reviews on any outdoor tool. Awesome videos!

[@calebhammett942]

at around the 5 minute mark i thought the cinematography was really great with the way his shadow was on the background there and you could see him winde up for the swing then the axe comes into picture. all in all i just wanted to give you some props for great filming, makes for an awesome video

[@GRanitMIff]

My uncle has one of these and when i saw it i actually was surprised and i asked him but he didn't know that too but it was on his barn that left him his father-in-law so thanks a lot to you 'cause now i know what is used this axe for . Cheers from Rep. of Kosovo .

[@darrylmcleman8765]

My Self Reliance recently featured that axe in his vid.from Ontario Canada.He seemed happy with it.

[@dennismckeown5863]

Yes a great video for this Axe chopped wood like it was going through butter.Great channel too.

[@floridaboy34601]

My Mom bought one back in the early 80s which she of course never used. It became mine after her death in 1985. I used it for more than 20 years and could split wood faster with it than with a log splitter. I still have it but the fingers have since broken off. These axes are awesome.

[@jetskidude78]

I think they make replacement parts now!

[@TheGoodguy68]

Axes and parts are available online.

[@alexpowers3697]

You chose a friggin' indestructable tree!!!

[@oldredcoonhound2182]

I bought one of those around 1981 great splitter. My brother in law " borrowed it" and I haven't had it in my possession since. He still loves it

[@brenthussey8921]

Funny thing is I remember as a kid my dad buying one of these things in the early 80s. I wasn't but about 13 or 14 years old but I hated that thing. It seemed to get stuck in our hardwoods down here in Mississippi. Would always seem to go down past the head and stick. What a pain in the rear end to get out of a half split piece of oak.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

I've experienced, firsthand, the dangers of a poorly made axe handle. The grain wasn't oriented properly and had it not been for a literal act of providence the axe would have broken in half and likely caused a serious injury. On a related note, it would be interesting to see a video about the grain orientation of axe handles and other such tool related traditions and knowledge that people often take for granted. Just an idea for a future video if you're interested.

[@patrickdoherty8063]

Love mine. Used it for years and years before I got my hydraulic splitter. Had a to be careful since the chunks really fly! Spare springs are critical. They break occasionally, and then you are done. Easy to fix if you have a spare. Joy to use in straight grain wood. Working around the edge of a maple round is very fast. Quicker than the hydraulic splitter - especially if you you constrain the round so you are not chasing it down.

[@rjtumble]

Given the stuff behind the blade, I wonder how easy it will be to sharpen? Can you run a stone over the edge or do those things behind the blade get in the way?

[@Jimmy.O.]

rjtumble I think you can unpin those.

[@krpajda]

or you can just fully open them, rest the axe on its back, let them lay flat

[@Preacherwin]

You can unpin the arms. I have an older chopper and it is a bit of a pain to do so...trying to get those springs back in proper place. For regular touch ups, you are best to try and tape the arms back...not ideal, but doable. For the record, I love my chopper for straight-grained wood. For more gnarly stuff, I prefer a more traditional maul. My only complaint is that the pins that hold the arms in place do tend to break. I've had to replace them twice in the last couple of years.

[@sgrisez]

Sounds like the pins on a snow thrower: break the easily replaceable pins instead of the more expensive part.

[@patrickloveless6211]

It's pretty simple. Take the stone to the axe not the axe to the stone. Do you understand?

[@Nauct]

Tests for different grain orientation? See what the difference in failure rate is? That'd be cool video

[@rustybird4955]

Ashton Simmons had a pair of these for more than 20 years...splits everything! Knotty hickory, even blackgum(on a bet).

[@LOPEZ7655]

You should invest on getting a slow motion camera. That would be interesting and satisfying to watch your tools working in slow mo 👍🏽

[@thnksno]

There's a youtuber My Self Reliance who uses this axe. Reading the comments here, many others have mentioned this and apparently he has a recent video about it. However some time ago I noticed his axe and did some research on it. There is a difference between the new and older 70's-80's versions, probably just a China vs. US made thing, but the older axes have entirely different markings. For some reason the older heads command more money than the newer version, anything from China isn't worth half of what it's being retailed for.

[@davidoyama9753]

Great Video ! I also saw Shawn James on self reliance using this axe splitter. It looks awesome ! Thanks Cody !

[@GrooveyGrubworm]

I have an original chopper 1. It works great! But if you use it on smaller rounds they will fly away so make sure no one is to the side of you when using it. I have had pieces of rounds get thrown 20ft or more at high speeds.

[@drifters_end]

I bought one over 30 years ago. Used it for years and have now passed it onto a friend who continues to use it annually. Still all original parts.

[@niall111]

That is awesome to hear, i'm thinking of getting one from before I saw this video. Did you ever use it on such a rotten piece of wood? :P

[@paulgargan6134]

I have two,one for the house an one for camp,broke handle, had one made at local wood mill that makes peavys. Bought mine in the 80s.

[@GlenRickerd]

Love the challenging yet realistic tests you dream up. This engineer approves! That was one gnarly round you chose. Wet & tough to split! Laughed on that first swing!

[@hisbodyfat]

Test your theory, make a video stress-testing handles of both grain orientation. Maybe crude ones you make yourself from identically sourced wood.

[@SBTDesigndotcodotuk]

I have one of those! My dad bought it in the 80's no idea where from as we're in the UK. I have it in my workshop and still use it.

[@RickP654]

Cody, I was noticing when you did the close up exam on the first swing that the wood looked to be dody. I would say it will work a lot better on solid hard wood.

[@edwardscott9200]

I bought one of these axes when they first came out. Absolutely love it! One of the best features of this axe, which has yet to be mentioned, is that the 2 spring loaded arms prevent the axe from wedging itself in the wood if it fails to complete the split. I think if Cody does a comparison test and introduces a traditional axe or maul with the same punky wood, you'll see what I'm talking about.

[@MountainFisher]

I found it was very economical to rent a powered log splitter for a weekend after I cut my winter's firewood when I lived in OK. Mostly blackjack OAK! Splitting with a maul was a pain, especially if there were knots. I cut several cords of wood and sold 4 cords and kept 4. The first cord paid for the splitter and having the log splitter was a time saver. If you wonder about the grain orientation Cody just look at baseball bats and if a hitter hits with or against the grain. If the batter hit with the grain going the wrong way it results in a broken bat and very sharp shards flying all over. That said, I think the grain on an ax is mostly important if you miss and hit the handle instead. I forge an occasional ax head, mostly Viking axes and I always put a sword guard on them. Just a piece of brass running from inside the head down about 8" from the bottom of the ax head. Here is a link to show what I did to my copy of a Medieval Danish ax. www.flickr.com/photos/139620264@N03/29380469734/in/album-72157671162338314/

[@Nellyrcb]

2:55 "big, nasty, heavy, gnarled, wet wood" lol 😂

[@arthurnied5500]

The channel My Self Reliance did a review on this about a month or two ago. He uses this axe regularly

[@shawnmazurk3816]

I have been using mine for about 30 some years. Works great 👍

[@philsmith2746]

I have had one since 1978... and it's been a great chopper ever since!

[@emil8786]

get 3 different grain pattern handles. crank them in the vise and put downward pressure on them, see which one breaks first

[@CharlieTrevaskis]

Did it seem to stop the axe before going too deep making it easier to pull out if it didn't split? It also seems to have slowed down the axe so you didn't have to deal with stopping it.

[@AdventureCayman]

My father had one of these, I remember using it to split firewood as a teenager. I also remember it wasn't ever the axe I liked to use, I don't think I had enough strength for it.

[@2naturesownplace]

Wrangle something I need to point out.. the maker is very clear ( at least when I bought my last, yeah I have a few included a composite handle one ) this is a cast metal piece..not meant for striking nor meant for chopping other than splitting.. I noticed a few were concerned about sharpening it..In the 30 years we've had out first and the most recent I have only once had to correct the edge due to an unseen fencing spike in the wood.. other than that...good to go...let it ride

[@donaldfuller5041]

My father had one of these when I was a kid back in the 70's. It worked good for certain types of wood.

[@Kdallen220]

Have one from 1980 and a new one that was given to me 5 years ago. Works on red oak really good. White oak and others, it's so-so.

[@flinchfu]

Fun fact: When you slow down a video, it also slows the speed of recorded sound. That's why you see the impact before the sound in slomo shots. It's not an audio sync issue... The actual propagation of sound waves is slowed down too.

[@andrewrumbold5494]

hard to find wood that is wetter than that! Need comparison in same video

[@daviddalla7104]

My dad brought one in the mid 80s (Syd, Aust). I now use it some 30 years later, have replaced handle and a sping but the actual axe is still going strong. Great axe, makes short work of Australian hardwood.

[@greathodgy22]

I have had one since the 70's. Sitting in my garden shed, have not used it in 10 years. The electric log splitter I made put a end to that.

[@andrewoost9048]

The camera angle at 5:05 is ... REALLY good

[@btobians]

I have had one for over 30 yrs and I still have it and use it. It does not do well with knotes but what does other than hydraulics. I love my Chopper One

[@brettsteele7386]

Shawn for the KZbin channel My Self-reliance uses that axe and he shows a different web sight. Great axe and awesome video as usual.

[@MercyMinister]

The Chopper One is made and sold in New Jersey, the land of firewood and wood splitting.

[@HandToolRescue]

Actually the strangest axe is my hand during a Judo Chop.

[@LanceSheppard]

Hand Tool Rescue regular can of tobacce? No says I! Ninji star!

[@dudechill]

Dude,

[@SuperTexasBlues]

its called a JUDY chop

[@LanceSheppard]

Scott G and they aint no need fer a one legged ningy 😂😂😂

[@gordonsalive9998]

Hand Tool Rescue Like a voodoo child, Hendrix would be proud.

[@MrJwallone]

Good review Cody. I inherited one from my father and it's all iv ever used to be honest. Glad to see it came across your testing bench.

[@redbadger3531]

I'm getting a 'Deja Vu'. My Self Reliance channel did this review a few weeks ago! No matter - can't beat a good axe video.

[@Jeiiyman87]

I think its performance would have been even better in a harder wood like oak or cherry. It seemed to sink into that pine alot

[@davidb5978]

We got ours in the earlier 80's. It works fine on fairly clear wood but the big draw back for me was the weight wears you out faster then a regular splitting axe.

[@xxgg]

Funny... there is another KZbinr "My Self Reliance" had a short clip about him talking about this axe.

[@Robert-ij9ih]

xxgg yeah... and a week ago he did the "Swedish butter knife" video.. The Swedish homestead... did a video about "butter knifes" .... one week before Cody... Well guess it's easier to copy someone else ... 😐 hard to have new ideas when you do as many videos as he does

[@grimsoul0]

Taras Kul (aka CrazyRussianHacker) also done a video on this axe about 3 weeks ago.

[@finnbright3163]

Yeah they all watch each other's channels so it would make sense that they all get ideas from each other.

[@killerbrettws]

Grimsoul Blackheart that guy has no ideal what he is talking about ever so it don't count

[@jalopyjoe4483]

Robert - GarantiPuts. Well if that's the case, then the Swedish butter knife was copied from little wranglerstar who did a video in March.

[@tuplin8649]

I had one... It did work very well for about 10 cords. It blew the pivot casting. Used with second growth Douglas Fir.

[@xxcoldembersxx863]

These are some examples of wood that can be found near you, they are hardwood, try the axe with them. Bigleaf maple Black cottonwood California black oak California-laurel Giant chinkapin Oregon ash Oregon white oak Pacific madrone Red alder Tanoak

[@Budro4764]

Great video Cody......... That was some very twisted wood for sure..... Those spring activated things are called pawls or dogs... As in a recoil starter for a mower or chainsaw. Anything spring activated like that and come back to normal position fits that description... As for as grain orientation I agree that a straight up and down is the best on any tool. I found out that the grain is best on Sledge Hammers. A few of my helpers in the building trade would break them on purpose to get out driving stakes for a form... They didn't know that after the first handle they had to pay for the rest.... We used the 12 and 16 pound round heads called circus malls. Not the kind you showed in your video about the 50 tools... 50 bucks apiece for the big ones.. Handles were only 10 to 15 apiece and didn'y have to be hung like axe. It was like a pick axe style..... Axes usually hit what they are aimed at...... Young guys not used of a sledge can miss a 2X2 stake and then the handle gets the blow.... The better handles that I mentioned are a way better wood than the big box stores.... With One exception That handle you did for Justin was a great handle for that axe. That name brand is a great brand if you pick the good ones ... Plus Tard Mon Ami ~!~!

[@baileytanner5232]

Try on fresher wood not rotten.

[@fuge74]

from base ball bats and bows, I think grain orientation only matters in the manner it breaks and if it is a thin piece of wood, it will effect strength. the wood type also matters as some woods are better against but most are good with normal orientation.

[@FranticMatty]

I think it would work better on drier wood so the teeth on the side can actually push against something.

[@Danielvegan1]

A friend lent me this axe years ago to chop wood, there is nothing like it! Great video by the way.

[@pushpushlambert8079]

We have one of the original ones ... The springs break eventually... But can be replaced... Splits frozen just fine .

[@servihomestead4324]

Thanks for all your great videos. I love the Oregon Trail PC game closing! We couldn't wait for computer day in the library when I was in elementary school.