I have the GB splitting maul and the Ochsenkopf was a beast! The GB splitting maul is possibly the greatest hand tool you can own because it's so effective with minimum effort.

I kept my family solvent with a Stihl ms261 and a G.B slitting maul for 3 years splitting upwards of 75 cube a year. I've now had that axe almost 30 years. It's still on the original shaft. It is a heritage piece that my son also learned to split with and I'd be devastated if it was ever lost to me. I've considered buying the new Husky branded one and mirror polishing the old one and bringing it inside but it still just cries out to be worked. I've never bought into the macho splitting larger rounds in half since I was taught by an old woodsman 35 years ago to work round the sides first making shorter splits with less effort. It's great to see someone who really knows how to swing an axe. There's another guy on KZfaq who slates the G.B and it is laughable how badly he limp wrists the axe either by design to make a point or through pee poor technique.

I didn't realize the GB has a concave profile. Almost sound like a counterintuitive design, but it seems to work just fine on that wood. Any axe / maul that doesn't stick when splitting is gold.

Great video Ben. Really enjoyed it.

I have looked at the GB a few times but the price or availability has usually put me off. The Bahco I use is ok but a bit light and not enough wedge for the more gnarly stuff. Good to see you back!

Nice Axes ....greetings from Germany Peter

Beautiful splitters Mr. Ben, you look to be in good training condition sir. Very nice landscaping and drive also...

Sorry but I couldn’t help but notice the stamped driveway. I used to do some of those. Looks nice. Axe does too lol.

I love that wood clunking sound LOL

Good video. Personally I think I’d like to use the Gransfors. That extra bite, thinner and concave made it seem less bouncy. Of course, I’ve used neither so I’m just going with how I think it might feel in my hands. I like Ochsenkopf in general though.

I like the way both of those work. I’ll probably wind up with the stihl branded ox head because we have a stihl dealer nearby, and they’re usually on sale.

That's really nice wood to split, and with quality tools. You will have some great firewood in one to two years. If the GB splitting maul was heavier, says 8lbs, I would be tempted to get one. As it is, it is too light for the heavy stuff, and it is very expensive. After testing both tools, did you find a preference?

I couldn't use a block that tall but as a scrawny old man I can't generate your chopping force. 😉

I enjoyed that very much! I just can't decide which to buy....I have two Gransfors already so may go for the Ochsenkopf just for variety! dunno.

Good to see u back Ben! Cool pair of axes, seemed to work well. Did u get a new place?

New subscriber here. Love the no nonsense reviews. Is that the same model as the one you recommended in your 5axes video? Also do you thin the handles of your mauls? Also what makes a good plinth (or whatever it’s called) for splitting on? Thanks again for great videos. Sorry if my questions seem basic. 😊

Great video Ben, it’s always a pleasure. What kind of grind do you use on your splitters .. I have about 35 maybe 37 degrees and I feel like it could be better but it’s also a splitting maul idk if I’m expecting more than I should be from it.

Nice axes

Nice sized cherry rounds! Have you done any alterations to the handles on them thar mauls?

Is it the 70cm or the 80cm Ochsenkopf 2,15/3,55kg? The Gransfors Splitting Maul has 3,18kg. Different weight - different tool. It looks like you prefer the Ochsenkopf.

Try the gränsfors big splitting axe. It's light weight and powerfull. You can split long time without getting tired

Hi Ben, great video have you tried the Helko Saxon splitter? the OsChenkopf looks pretty similar style. I have the Helko and annoyingly have to baby it chopping eucalyptus without a steel collar.

Enjoyed the video,what is the chopping block from?.

I like both 😊 What axe is there on the garbage can?

Somebody may have said, but of course the idea of a maul is the hammer side of the deal so you can use wedges. A regular axe isn’t finished so you can do that, and metal on metal you are risking the metal “shattering”.

How tall are you? I’m leaning towards the ochsenkopf since it has the longer handle which I like since I’m 6 foot. Of course the gransfors is beautiful and would make for a nice Viking prop I think you’re paying for the looks and craftsmanship vs something else you can buy cheaper and will do it just as well

Hello, Sorry to reask ;) Did you have any advices about light splitting axe like fiskars x17 or Gränsfors Small Splitting Axe ? Are they usefull for splitting ? (of course small logs than thoses) Or not better than a "classic" axe like hultafors HY10 1.2 ? Thank you in advance. (I have some small diameters logs of hardwood to split but hesitate / dont want to go to heavy axe head).

Ochsenkopf the Best 🤝

I have both and the Oxhead is a great tool as is the GB. If I had to pick one then the GB by a score of 95-90. It's really that close. The oxhead from Germany is great; the GB just a bit better.

I believe the splitting block should be just lower than knee level

Ochsenkopf does make a Spaltbeil (splitting hatchet) with a 1.25kg head. Might be nice for your "boars". Did you test it already? I have one without the rotband plus, it does make it a bit lighter and handier. And 20€ cheaper... :D

Quantos quilos pesa o machado amarelo amigo

Guess im buying a $110 axe from Stihl

My god the handle on the Ochsenkof looks like it sucks. Who the hell did those germans think would be using it? Giants or Olympic level strongmen with hands the size of my foot size?

I'd still rather have the GB. Form and function.