Fiskar's

[brian89gp]

I've found in general the x27 works better in wet and/or stringy wood. I have a normal 6lb and 8lb maul to compare it to.

The wet and stringy stuff the normal mauls just bounce off. The x27 may take a few swings but as long as I hit the same spot I will get it split in no more then 3-4 swings. The biggest I have split is 30" silver maple and 28" black walnut, both 18" long. A few swings of the x27 and I can split them down the middle usually. For dry hard stuff the x27 just sticks in it where the normal maul will blow it apart. Also anything that is excessively knotty will usually just reject the x27 where as the normal maul will eventually get it apart. I was also able to split sweet gum pretty easily with the x27 where the normal maul was a measure of frustration.

For me, even if the x27 might take a little longer to split, I can swing it for easily twice as long as the normal maul.

What I would like to see is a 6lb or 8lb version of the x27. Would have the weight to handle the nasty stuff, and the head shape that seems to work pretty well.

 

[clemsonfor]

I've found in general the x27 works better in wet and/or stringy wood. I have a normal 6lb and 8lb maul to compare it to.

The wet and stringy stuff the normal mauls just bounce off. The x27 may take a few swings but as long as I hit the same spot I will get it split in no more then 3-4 swings. The biggest I have split is 30" silver maple and 28" black walnut, both 18" long. A few swings of the x27 and I can split them down the middle usually. For dry hard stuff the x27 just sticks in it where the normal maul will blow it apart. Also anything that is excessively knotty will usually just reject the x27 where as the normal maul will eventually get it apart. I was also able to split sweet gum pretty easily with the x27 where the normal maul was a measure of frustration.

For me, even if the x27 might take a little longer to split, I can swing it for easily twice as long as the normal maul.

What I would like to see is a 6lb or 8lb version of the x27. Would have the weight to handle the nasty stuff, and the head shape that seems to work pretty well.

This seems like an honest good review. Not saying all others are lieing it just seems to hard to beleive that i have wood that takes 3 hits with an 8 lb maul to bust and this "ax" bust by it being in my hand the wood wants to jump apart.

Your review makes sense and i can see where it will be applicable but swinging this tool twice as much really wont get me any better off i dont think if i have to hit certain pieces 3x where my maul i hit once? Some things would benefit like if i was cutting perfect wood like 16" dbh red oak that is straight grained. I just dont seem to be that lucky with the trees i get, i cut tops etc up sometimes i even split the knots or put them on the end of a piece as often as possible to east the splitting of one log. Thanks for this review.

 

[brian89gp]

I've found in general the x27 works better in wet and/or stringy wood. I have a normal 6lb and 8lb maul to compare it to.

The wet and stringy stuff the normal mauls just bounce off. The x27 may take a few swings but as long as I hit the same spot I will get it split in no more then 3-4 swings. The biggest I have split is 30" silver maple and 28" black walnut, both 18" long. A few swings of the x27 and I can split them down the middle usually. For dry hard stuff the x27 just sticks in it where the normal maul will blow it apart. Also anything that is excessively knotty will usually just reject the x27 where as the normal maul will eventually get it apart. I was also able to split sweet gum pretty easily with the x27 where the normal maul was a measure of frustration.

For me, even if the x27 might take a little longer to split, I can swing it for easily twice as long as the normal maul.

What I would like to see is a 6lb or 8lb version of the x27. Would have the weight to handle the nasty stuff, and the head shape that seems to work pretty well.

This seems like an honest good review. Not saying all others are lieing it just seems to hard to beleive that i have wood that takes 3 hits with an 8 lb maul to bust and this "ax" bust by it being in my hand the wood wants to jump apart.

Your review makes sense and i can see where it will be applicable but swinging this tool twice as much really wont get me any better off i dont think if i have to hit certain pieces 3x where my maul i hit once? Some things would benefit like if i was cutting perfect wood like 16" dbh red oak that is straight grained. I just dont seem to be that lucky with the trees i get, i cut tops etc up sometimes i even split the knots or put them on the end of a piece as often as possible to east the splitting of one log. Thanks for this review.

I would rather swing the x27 10 times versus an 8lb maul just once.

The x27 isn't a miracle or anything, just a different design that seems to work really well in some circumstances. The only thing I would suggest is giving it a try if you have a chance before dismissing it, you never know.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Backwoods Savage, do you recall which Fiskars you used?

Super Splitting Axe (original head design, 4.25 lb, 28")
X25 Splitting Axe (updated head design, 4.09 lb, 28")
X27 Splitting Axe (updated head design, 4.09 lb, 36")
Pro Splitting Axe (2.25 lb head, 28")
Other?

X27

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Well Dennis I do agree it was a disappointment today ! But to be honest it goes through most of my dry stuff very well with the exception of the super knotty stuff. That is also the first time I tried a round that big too lol. Your a hard taskmaster! :lol: I can say that the fiskars X27 is much better than the old ax I was using but then my old ax was a piece of shipoopy too.


Pete

So maybe the next time you come I'll let you try our splitter! You can even sit while splitting.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I couldn't say that as I am truely inexerienced with most firewood tools. For insatnce, my ms290 is the best saw in the world. I say that because I came from a 40cc poulan pro. I have used others, Jonsered and Stihl but not as much as I used this. However, my uncles 2250 is pretty fast and the way he maintains things which is not, seems to be pretty bullet proof.

I can't speak for all axes but I do like it more than the maul in this situation. I will always bring both because I may find out that it works great in some situations where that maul does not, and vice versa.

The rounds will tremble and shake when they see the x27 and split there pants! I thank you..

I see swinging an ax faster than a maul that weighs half as much, but what im curious about is a NORMAL axe. I have a fibrglass handle axe thats say 20-30 yr old head. Is the fiskars going to be that much better than this axe?

[/quote]


That part in bold is something that I've wondered about. I'm thinking that most of the posts I've read concerning the Fiskars is from folks who do not have that much experience. I don't know for sure but I've certainly wondered about it. For those with less experience, when they get hold of a tool that works better than what they had, it is almost a miracle to them and perhaps this is the case with the Fiskars. No doubt there are exceptions because I do remember some with more experience using and liking the tool.

Again, I'm not trying to run down the tool or blow someone's bubble; just stating what I found. I'm still a bit amazed but perhaps I expected too much.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Okay fellas. I've caught flak over the Fiskar's and many pointed out that I had never used one. That has all changed as of this morning. I did use one but not for long because my back just could not take it. However, I was really sadly disappointed with it. I could hardly believe after reading all the positive comments that this thing did not perform all that good. I was not the only one to swing it and the other fellow did not have any better luck than I did. If I split by hand, it will be with the splitting maul.

btw, it was the longer handled one too.

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Are you sure about that? It couldn't possibly be the Fiskar's fault, must be your technique. Were you holding your mouth the right way, bending your knees, and doing a roundhouse swing? Has to be operator error. HAHA! ;-) Or at least that's what I've heard. Me personally, I just swing a maul and the wood splits.......but I have never tried a Fiskars yet.

Well quads, you know how it is. We try different tools. Some work for us and some don't. Operator error?! With me that is always a possibility.

Actually I was thinking about you when Pete brought the Fiskars and wishing I could just call you up and have you come over. We'd have had some fun.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Do you think that maybe, just maybe, Dennis was still using the milk crate while splitting with the Fiskars???


Naw, I'll bet he gave it a good run for its money and what he said is word.

That was perhaps the biggest mistake of all. I didn't have the milk crate. :lol:

 

[pen]

That part in bold is something that I've wondered about. I'm thinking that most of the posts I've read concerning the Fiskars is from folks who do not have that much experience. I don't know for sure but I've certainly wondered about it. For those with less experience, when they get hold of a tool that works better than what they had, it is almost a miracle to them and perhaps this is the case with the Fiskars. No doubt there are exceptions because I do remember some with more experience using and liking the tool.

Again, I'm not trying to run down the tool or blow someone's bubble; just stating what I found. I'm still a bit amazed but perhaps I expected too much.

Did you swing another maul or axe at the same time for a comparison?

I use(d) the maul that I grew up using as a kid that belonged to my grandfather. It's an old 8lb maul shaped like one that quad has posted pictures of. I've switched back and forth between a dozen other tools over the years and always came back to that 8lb maul.

I bought the x25 a few years ago because I thought that the reviews had to be inflated by inexperienced folks. I was hell bent on proving them wrong. I received the x25 in Jan for my birthday and went outside to the "bone pile" of logs that I'd had trouble with in the past and threw to the side for splitting at a later time. I couldn't believe how it went through them. I kept switching back and forth between my favorite maul and the x25 and couldn't believe the progress i was making.

Anyway, I tell that story because I didn't tell the 4 guys I usually split wood w/ about the axe yet because I didn't want them saying BS and hand them the tool to try and find it to be junk (they are ball busters and would like nothing more than to bust my chops over my fancy internet tool from overseas). Instead, I waited until June, constantly switching between the various tools I have (including a 6lb maul, one of those chopper axes w/ the flip out wings, a good old double bit axe, standard axe, etc) until I was thoroughly convinced it was working better.

After a day of cutting and not planning on splitting, we were about ready to grab a beer and I handed one of the regular buddies the x25. He took 2 swings w/ it splitting apart a few 2foot diameter logs. Never said a word and handed it back to me, we had our beer, bs'd a bit, and went home.

About a week later I find a package in my truck after work. It's an x27 (just came on the market at the time). That buddy bought me one, one for himself, and 4 others. All 6 of us that received an x27 that day had a variety of tools before that were our favorite. One guy used a 12lb monster maul, another a modern 8lb, another a 6lb, etc. A year later, and about 35 cord of wood split between the group last year using the x27, there is only one tool that you'll find in the back of our trucks. Nobody has switched back.

Now, that is simply the reason that I have also given this tool good reviews. However, our good results may not be duplicated by everyone. Sorry to hear you weren't as pleased Dennis. If after some more toying w/ it you aren't pleased, I'm sure you shouldn't have much of a problem finding a buyer for it.

pen

 

[Backwoods Savage]

That part in bold is something that I've wondered about. I'm thinking that most of the posts I've read concerning the Fiskars is from folks who do not have that much experience. I don't know for sure but I've certainly wondered about it. For those with less experience, when they get hold of a tool that works better than what they had, it is almost a miracle to them and perhaps this is the case with the Fiskars. No doubt there are exceptions because I do remember some with more experience using and liking the tool.

Again, I'm not trying to run down the tool or blow someone's bubble; just stating what I found. I'm still a bit amazed but perhaps I expected too much.

Did you swing another maul or axe at the same time for a comparison?

I use(d) the maul that I grew up using as a kid that belonged to my grandfather. It's an old 8lb maul shaped like one that quad has posted pictures of. I've switched back and forth between a dozen other tools over the years and always came back to that 8lb maul.

I bought the x25 a few years ago because I thought that the reviews had to be inflated by inexperienced folks. I was hell bent on proving them wrong. I received the x25 in Jan for my birthday and went outside to the "bone pile" of logs that I'd had trouble with in the past and threw to the side for splitting at a later time. I couldn't believe how it went through them. I kept switching back and forth between my favorite maul and it and couldn't believe the progress i was making.

Anyway, I tell that story because I didn't tell the 4 guys I usually split wood w/ about the axe yet because I didn't want them saying BS and hand them the tool to try and find it to be junk. Instead, I waited until June, constantly switching between the various tools I have (including a 6lb maul, one of those chopper axes w/ the flip out wings, a good old double bit axe, standard axe, etc) until I was thoroughly convinced it was working better.

After a day of cutting and not planning on splitting, we were about ready to grab a beer and I handed one of the regular buddies the x25. He took 2 swings w/ it splitting apart a few 2foot diameter logs. Never said a word and handed it back to me, we had our beer, bs'd a bit, and went home.

About a week later I find a package in my truck after work. It's an x27 (just came on the market at the time). That buddy bought me one, one for himself, and 4 others. All 6 of us that received an x27 that day had a variety of tools before that were our favorite. One guy used a 12lb monster maul, another a modern 8lb, another a 6lb, etc. A year later, and about 35 cord of wood split between the group last year using the x27, there is only one tool that you'll find in the back of our trucks. Nobody has switched back.

Now, that is simply the reason that I have also given this tool good reviews. However, our good results may not be duplicated by everyone. Sorry to hear you weren't as pleased Dennis. If after some more toying w/ it you aren't pleased, I'm sure you shouldn't have much of a problem finding a buyer for it.

pen

With all due respect pen, I've swung enough axes and mauls and sledge hammers in my time to know what would happen. Nice try though.

 

[pen]

With all due respect pen, I've swung enough axes and mauls and sledge hammers in my time to know what would happen. Nice try though.

No disrespect intended for you either. I was just asking if you had better luck with another tool that day as well, perhaps a favorite maul or such.


pen

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I could have done that pen but my body was shot by the time we finished the cutting and no way would it take the splitting. As it was, I only swung the axe a couple of times and let Pete do the rest. He tried several ash, a few pin oak and a cherry. Not good results with any of it.

 

[perchin]

OMG... with ash, still had these problems...haha

 

[Thistle]

Have been splitting wood manually (with a 9yr break when I owned Speeco 20 ton hydro from '96 to '05) since I was 15 or so.Until last spring I used the ol' 20lb Monster Maul almost exclusively.As I gotten older that's harder to swing (mainly just drop it on the log haha)Some 'easy' rounds I used the vintage Plumb 5lb double-bit,other real tough & gnarly monsters I needed the sledge/wedges to bust 'em open out in the field.

I'm the world's biggest skeptic & just had to see what all the fuss was about with those new-fangled axes.Bought the X25 last May & though I'll say its not perfect (nothing is really) - it splits about 90% what I've got now.Easier & faster with much less effort than anything I've used before.Only the occasional tough,gnarly or extra -large log is trouble for it.Those I leave to hit with the MM or sledge/wedges at a later time.Once they're opened up,the X25 usually goes right through each 1/2 or 1/4 log. Wish I'd bought an X27 now though,they arent sold locally.Will get one eventually.

 

[oldspark]

OMG... with ash, still had these problems...haha

Yea I question this thread for there is a lot of BS(bull sh!t) in it, I will add I split wood by hand for 30 years so no body's gonna blow smoke up my ash. I will just let you guys wonder where I am at on the subject.

 

[pen]

I could have done that pen but my body was shot by the time we finished the cutting and no way would it take the splitting. As it was, I only swung the axe a couple of times and let Pete do the rest. He tried several ash, a few pin oak and a cherry. Not good results with any of it.

If you have any old favorites that you still love, throw a picture of them up! I'm always looking for something to add to the list of what to look for when the wife makes me pull into a yard sale. I like the x27 now, but that doesn't mean it is as good a tool as there can be. I'll never give up that 8lb maul and do still pull it out for nostalgia purposes and probably always will.

Never hurts to have more tool options than necessary! I have one wife and two children, but I can swap tools around!

pen

 

[Backwoods Savage]

OMG... with ash, still had these problems...haha

Yea I question this thread for there is a lot of BS(bull sh!t) in it, I will add I split wood by hand for 30 years so no body's gonna blow smoke up my ash. I will just let you guys wonder where I am at on the subject.

oldspark, it is the type of bs you just posted that will get threads closed. Thank you, but your post is a bit out of line, sir, and we do not wonder a bit.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Have been splitting wood manually (with a 9yr break when I owned Speeco 20 ton hydro from '96 to '05) since I was 15 or so.Until last spring I used the ol' 20lb Monster Maul almost exclusively.As I gotten older that's harder to swing (mainly just drop it on the log haha)Some 'easy' rounds I used the vintage Plumb 5lb double-bit,other real tough & gnarly monsters I needed the sledge/wedges to bust 'em open out in the field.

I'm the world's biggest skeptic & just had to see what all the fuss was about with those new-fangled axes.Bought the X25 last May & though I'll say its not perfect (nothing is really) - it splits about 90% what I've got now.Easier & faster with much less effort than anything I've used before.Only the occasional tough,gnarly or extra -large log is trouble for it.Those I leave to hit with the MM or sledge/wedges at a later time.Once they're opened up,the X25 usually goes right through each 1/2 or 1/4 log. Wish I'd bought an X27 now though,they arent sold locally.Will get one eventually.

Holy cow! A 20 pounder will make you realize you did some work! As I've gotten older, I graduated to hydraulics but not by choice. I enjoyed splitting by hand until the injury. A 6 pounder will suit me much better than a 20 pounder. As for the years, I have about 30 years experience splitting by hand. When you get the x27 I hope you post a review.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I could have done that pen but my body was shot by the time we finished the cutting and no way would it take the splitting. As it was, I only swung the axe a couple of times and let Pete do the rest. He tried several ash, a few pin oak and a cherry. Not good results with any of it.

If you have any old favorites that you still love, throw a picture of them up! I'm always looking for something to add to the list of what to look for when the wife makes me pull into a yard sale. I like the x27 now, but that doesn't mean it is as good a tool as there can be. I'll never give up that 8lb maul and do still pull it out for nostalgia purposes and probably always will.

Never hurts to have more tool options than necessary! I have one wife and two children, but I can swap tools around!

pen

pen, right now my favorite is a 20 ton MTD hydrualic splitter. ;-)

 

[Thistle]

Have been splitting wood manually (with a 9yr break when I owned Speeco 20 ton hydro from '96 to '05) since I was 15 or so.Until last spring I used the ol' 20lb Monster Maul almost exclusively.As I gotten older that's harder to swing (mainly just drop it on the log haha)Some 'easy' rounds I used the vintage Plumb 5lb double-bit,other real tough & gnarly monsters I needed the sledge/wedges to bust 'em open out in the field.

I'm the world's biggest skeptic & just had to see what all the fuss was about with those new-fangled axes.Bought the X25 last May & though I'll say its not perfect (nothing is really) - it splits about 90% what I've got now.Easier & faster with much less effort than anything I've used before.Only the occasional tough,gnarly or extra -large log is trouble for it.Those I leave to hit with the MM or sledge/wedges at a later time.Once they're opened up,the X25 usually goes right through each 1/2 or 1/4 log. Wish I'd bought an X27 now though,they arent sold locally.Will get one eventually.

Holy cow! A 20 pounder will make you realize you did some work! As I've gotten older, I graduated to hydraulics but not by choice. I enjoyed splitting by hand until the injury. A 6 pounder will suit me much better than a 20 pounder. As for the years, I have about 30 years experience splitting by hand. When you get the x27 I hope you post a review.

LOL no kidding.Factory weight was 15lbs total,after fixing the broken pipe that happened when some fool I loaned it to backed over it - its now 20lbs with the reinforced heavy pipe handle on very accurate (unfortunately) bathroom scale. I'm not 25 or even 35 anymore,that old beast is just too much for me now.Used less than a dozen times in past 9 months.Hate to part with the thing though,sentimental I guess.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

For sure, hang on to that baby. You'll get good amusement as you age and look at that beast. :lol:

 

[BrotherBart]

pen, right now my favorite is a 20 ton MTD hydrualic splitter. ;-)

Put a new carb on mine this afternoon.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

BB, I got ours out and started. Then Pete come so no splitting done yet. However, this thing is really starting to use some oil now so we may have to do something. I don't think a Briggs is worth overhauling so when it goes, it will probably be a new motor. In the meantime, oil is cheaper than metal.

 

[perchin]

OMG... with ash, still had these problems...haha

Yea I question this thread for there is a lot of BS(bull sh!t) in it, I will add I split wood by hand for 30 years so no body's gonna blow smoke up my ash. I will just let you guys wonder where I am at on the subject.

oldspark, it is the type of bs you just posted that will get threads closed. Thank you, but your post is a bit out of line, sir, and we do not wonder a bit.

It seems that a mod seen his post...and even posted after him, yet didn't seem to mind. I meant to be humorous not disrespectful... I'm 29 and in decent shape, and can swing a maul or ax with ease... maybe you can't if your having troubles with 18" rounds of ash. If so, I would more expect you'll find the same results with a 8lb maul, just sayin

 

[Thistle]

For sure, hang on to that baby. You'll get good amusement as you age and look at that beast. :lol:

If I'm still around in 15 yrs,I'll post a pic of me trying to lift the damn thing :lol: Anyone need a boat anchor? :coolgrin: