Splitting logs - talk to me about the a-word

[MisSalLaneous]

I probably won't use it on others, but I need something easily packable to split logs for my camping stove.

Does anyone have or know of a good axe or alternative that can be used when camping? It would need to be relatively small and has to come with a sleeve to cover the blade.

I've seen this mini survival axe, these beautiful (well, for an axe) Gransfors ones, and then someone mentioned a wedge, which I know nothing about.

Any ideas gratefully - and warmly - appreciated.

Now you tell us of your chainsaw habits, Nettle.

This flinting sounds all the business. You need to talk me through it slowly - how long does it take to light a fire? Hob quicker, I assume, but for lighting a fire? Compared to matches, for example? Mind you, matches are evil and make me swear. I actually scratched off the whole coloured bit of a match last weekend - this minute little match-hat flew through the air, and, unsurprisingly, no flame. Stupid Tesco matches. I now want magic.

Wood grenade.

But having said that, you need more than a camping mallet to whack it. DH says a sledgehammer but that might be overkill.

And obviously you'd need more than a gavel...

Ah, it seems your dh right, Mary - have just done a search on how to use and that's the general consensus. Good reviews from people having to do a lot of splitting on a regular basis, in case anyone interested.

DH said if the log is fairly dry, then it's really easy.

He started off trying to split green damp stuff and said it was a mare. But dry is fine. Apparently.

What camping stove do you have for which you need logs????

You don't want an axe ,well you do ,but for serious log splitting you need a log grenade -cgi.ebay.co.uk/Roughneck-Wood-Grenade-Log-Splitter-Wedge-/300577122500?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item45fbcae8c4
they are great.A nicely weighted small hatchet is good for splitting fairly small logs, but the log grenade does the huge fat ones.I spent a decade and a half on a boat splitting logs daily for nine months of the year,so have experience! Also wear protective eyewear every time.

Hellymelly, how are you darling, I haven't seen you in ages. In a wild hijack of the thread, try Beulah, DH thinks it would be a good fit and has checked there are places. Sorry, end hijack.

I would also like to vouch for Helly's log splitting knowledge. I personally am more of a small axe in the middle then tap it on big log/base until it splits girl but appreciate this might be a bit 70's (last time I split firewood)

Ha, I'm now starting to feel a bit inadequate with all you lot heavy duty logging people (technical term).

Good to hear re dry logs, thanks for checking Mary.

I've got the Frontier stove. We've only used it outside yet when camping, but have the kit too and will cut the hole for the flue kit in my bell at the end of summer to extend the season. It's fab, but as it's so small, I need smaller wood for that stage between kindling and the big log burning.

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page on this link, you'll see some more photos. I want to pack it: kindling, then log quartered, and once that going well, add one proper log to keep it going for a couple of hours.

Btw, it makes the best toast ever. Not the sole reason I bought it, obviously. It's not that nice.

Helly, pm me your direct line. I might need you to camp close in winter.

Since our logs are small and usually dry (campfire logs), splitting shouldn't be too hard, I would guess. And we'll only need to split about 5 or so logs, I would think. I know I could just split some at home and take with, but the idea of doing it around the campfire feels better.

No worries re hijack, lost, I'm just nattering away anyway, I can go on for ages. I am the camping goldfish, it's a wonder axes are still on my mind...

small dry ones would be fine with a hatchet.Very very easy.Pop it onto a good hard surface like a flat stone and aim to cut it in half like an orange for the first blow.Then chop those halves into smaller segments.If you need shorter sticks than the logs length then put the cut kindling stick with one end up on something,steps are the best,then stamp on it.Main thing with hatchets is having a nice sharp blade and how the weighting feels in your hand. You could always come and camp near lost and me,its luvverly.And you'de get your logs chopped....
Hello losty! -I am not sure where Beulah is,but we also wondered if it might be a bit too small ? Will look on map anyway.At the moment we are thinking Emlyn vs Eglwys.Emlyn was lovely but its some distance to do every day. All very stressful.

I don't know why I wrote "you'de" I do not normally lapse into olde englishe.

Thank you very much helly - really appreciate the tips! It's so beautiful there, I'm still drooling over fforest site. Just wish it wasn't so far, so will have to wait for a longer trip one day.

Eglwys good but strict, Beulah small but lovely feel to it (about three more miles than Eglwys). and of course the science guy is awesome

I would recommend keeping helly close at hand to anyone, she is not only beautiful but a style queen and fantastic at chopping wood, what's not to love?

My DH is out again tonight, so I have been entertaining myself with a camping accessories magazine, there was a wonderful section on pegs, where's slubber when you need her? Still think axes are a wonderful topic though MisSal.

:) Well, I have to get up in 4 hours, so off to bed. Was lovely chatting to everyone, and thanks for the advice. Good night.

Aw..shucks....thanks Losty. Wish we had gone to see Beulah now, we are meant to be deciding this week in time to apply to the powers that be. I will send you a message via facebook to avoid hijacking this thread...

Off on our awfully big adventure on Sunday Helly so inbox me quick (or just pop down tomorrow and I'll make you a cup of tea). Our ducks are on the pond so if you and the girls could go and chuck them a few snails and say hi it would be great. I wouldn't worry about Beulah and timing, they would welcome new people with open arms if that's what you decide.

Nos da (night night) MisSal, I would say happy dreaming about axes but that could go wrong. sleep well.