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How To Split Wood Using An Axe Or A Knife

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How To Split Wood Using An Axe Or A Knife

Knives and axes are both great for making fire wood. Bush craft expert Simon Ellar demonstrates how to cut wood, both large and small, whilst camping. Knives and axes are both great for making fire wood. Bush craft expert Simon Ellar demonstrates how to cut wood, both large and small, whilst camping.

Step 1: Knife technique

Place the blade of your knife over the end of a piece of wood, which is a little narrower than the blade itself.

Try to use a knife with a full tang, meaning the blade extends all the way into the handle.

Hit the top of the blade with a heavy item, such as another piece of wood.

Hit the tip of the blade which should be protruding from the woods side, until the log is split all the way through.

Step 2: Hatchet technique

With larger pieces of wood, a good axe and a strong hit in the centre of the wood you are trying to split should be fine.

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Tips & Comments
  1. muddythewater

    So thats how to use an axe. Wow was I doing it wrong!

  2. Rupadarshin

    Great! Iv'e been doing this for years with billhooks and machetes, then I bought a solid tang bushcraft knife - and he's right it works. Health+safety? Common sense - start slow, don't try a log thicker than your knife is long, wear safety glasses if your worried about chips - and gloves too if really paranoid..

  3. Anonymous

    Some woods won't split easily - eucalyptus for example, so choose carefully!

  4. Anonymous

    He didn't need to mention quality explicitly: The fact he mentioned having a full tang is valid enough!

  5. Anonymous

    Yes you can use a folding knife to split wood. I have done it before with an Opinel. Do not lock the blade or it will break the locking ring

  6. Anonymous

    could u use a penknife 4 this?

  7. whowhatme

    Ah , but he doesn't give a safety hint . If the knife is made in China , don't hit so hard . Quality is so important .

  8. Anonymous

    GREAT SHAME HE DIDNT MENTION HEALTH

  9. Anonymous

    GREAT SHAME HE DIDNT MENTION HEALTH