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 RUclips 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 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!
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.
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.
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. 😊
Its a different axe from my 5 axe video but its similar in use. I do thin splitting handles a bit but nowhere near as thin as felling axe handles. For a block to split on just use any large rou d of wood
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?
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.
@@benscottwoodchopper thanks Ben .. yeah still pretty new to the whole thing this will be my first year in the cord wood challenge so at the moment I only have 1 boys axe and I just came across a splitting maul. Just from my little experience I think I might put together a heavier axe for splitting to see what I live better mainly for bigger rounds for the smaller stuff I just use my boys axe with the ground method I’ve seen you, Kevin, and Steve use and seems to be very productive. Thanks again
I put a 22 degree edge on all my splitting mauls I like it to bite in like an axe then the rest of the heft of the mail head pops it open on some axes I put a 20 but on the ones that have harder steel I've put a 17 degree edge on them and it makes them slice through wood the way my knives slice through onions at work
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.
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).
@@benscottwoodchopper Thank you for your advice :) Well I will learn with the hultafors HY10 1.2, thin the handle, break it, sharp it and so on :) And see thing coming. Ah and trail to find some steel protection (chain mail for feet and legs in europe). Thx again
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.
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
I am 6'4", both have the same handle length at 80cm. Which one i think depends on the wood you split, personally i think the ochsenkopf handles most better but the gransfors works better on dry wood
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
@@benscottwoodchopper they have a 1.25kg (70cm) Axe and a 1.25 kg Spaltbeil with a 50cm Esch Handle. I love the Spaltbeil for the easy stuff. I found one with such a perfekt handle and finish, I had to take it with me ^^ and there is no need for a protective caller with a hatchet. If you overstrike one handed with a 50cm handle you need new glases :D
@@benscottwoodchopper great to have you back with new content. If you are looking to sell some more of your axes, I'm in the market for a hard wood felling axe, feel free to get in touch. Cheers chap, have a good xmas
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.
@@benscottwoodchopper I'm 66 now. When I was a young powerhouse the Oxhead just smashed right thru. I bought that maul for $49 in '91. The GB in '20 or so and it gives a better 1st bite maybe bc it's lighter the head is moving a bit faster idk. Oxheads through Stihl are fantastic bargains.
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”.
I think both are really better viewed as spliting axes for the most part. Whilst the gransfors does have a tempered poll, it is very small and not an ideal for wedge driving. So basically both should be viewed as 2.5kg 80cm splitting axes and are very comparable
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?
@@benscottwoodchopper I didn't even know that. With those Stihl splitters I could find and see those around all over at the local hardware stores. Pulling from memory though, picking those up they were some heavily built axes. I don't know why the designers would believe that much axe is needed for just splitting wood. But everybody like myself creeping around on the channels like yours have had this conversation about why I'm sure.
2 to 3 times more expensive though and isnt as effective as the spalt fix on the majority of woods. I just made an update video after 1 year of hard use
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.
Great video Ben. Really enjoyed it.
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 RUclips 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.
Yeah only time really it pays to go through the middle on big rounds is knotty softwoods but on most other woods slabbing the side works best
btw do you have a link to the video you mentioned, always interested to hear the contrary opinion?
Beautiful splitters Mr. Ben, you look to be in good training condition sir. Very nice landscaping and drive also...
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!
I love that wood clunking sound LOL
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.
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.
Sorry but I couldn’t help but notice the stamped driveway. I used to do some of those. Looks nice. Axe does too lol.
Nice Axes ....greetings from Germany Peter
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.
Are the Stihl axes actually made by Ochsenkopf?
Cheers.
@@EssexCountyPhoto Yes they are. I bought the Stihl variety in Norway and it has the Ochenkopf stamp on it.
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.
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. 😊
Its a different axe from my 5 axe video but its similar in use. I do thin splitting handles a bit but nowhere near as thin as felling axe handles. For a block to split on just use any large rou d of wood
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 prefer the ochsenkopf for most woods
Nice axes
Nice sized cherry rounds!
Have you done any alterations to the handles on them thar mauls?
No both are stock
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.
Mostly i just keep them stock or file the chips out lol
@@benscottwoodchopper thanks Ben .. yeah still pretty new to the whole thing this will be my first year in the cord wood challenge so at the moment I only have 1 boys axe and I just came across a splitting maul. Just from my little experience I think I might put together a heavier axe for splitting to see what I live better mainly for bigger rounds for the smaller stuff I just use my boys axe with the ground method I’ve seen you, Kevin, and Steve use and seems to be very productive. Thanks again
I put a 22 degree edge on all my splitting mauls I like it to bite in like an axe then the rest of the heft of the mail head pops it open on some axes I put a 20 but on the ones that have harder steel I've put a 17 degree edge on them and it makes them slice through wood the way my knives slice through onions at work
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.
the geometry looks similar so i imagine they would perform the same. The steel collar is a great thing to have
Enjoyed the video,what is the chopping block from?.
I am not sure, the bark has been removed
Good to see u back Ben! Cool pair of axes, seemed to work well. Did u get a new place?
Yeah they both are very nice, the ochsenkopf is going to be my new axe for work, ill do an update after long term use
I like both 😊
What axe is there on the garbage can?
Old brades 1561
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).
Small splitting axes imho are rather pointless, 1.2kg felling axe works fine for small wood
@@benscottwoodchopper Thank you for your advice :) Well I will learn with the hultafors HY10 1.2, thin the handle, break it, sharp it and so on :) And see thing coming.
Ah and trail to find some steel protection (chain mail for feet and legs in europe). Thx again
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.
Both have 2.5kg heads, they are in the same catagory and wieght class of tools
@@benscottwoodchopper Which one do you prefer?
@@bernhard7658 the ochsenkopf, its a little bit less sticky and better on knots. The cost difference is also a nice factor
@@benscottwoodchopper Thank you very much! 👍👍👍
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
I am 6'4", both have the same handle length at 80cm. Which one i think depends on the wood you split, personally i think the ochsenkopf handles most better but the gransfors works better on dry wood
Try the gränsfors big splitting axe. It's light weight and powerfull. You can split long time without getting tired
Too light for my taste, like at least 4lb head.
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
Yeah the smaller one is nice also, would be great for smaller work
@@benscottwoodchopper they have a 1.25kg (70cm) Axe and a 1.25 kg Spaltbeil with a 50cm Esch Handle. I love the Spaltbeil for the easy stuff. I found one with such a perfekt handle and finish, I had to take it with me ^^ and there is no need for a protective caller with a hatchet. If you overstrike one handed with a 50cm handle you need new glases :D
@@benscottwoodchopper great to have you back with new content. If you are looking to sell some more of your axes, I'm in the market for a hard wood felling axe, feel free to get in touch. Cheers chap, have a good xmas
@@jukeseyable will do! Might have some things for sale soon
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.
After one year of use video i actually prefered the ochsenkopf but yes very close, both great
@@benscottwoodchopper I'm 66 now. When I was a young powerhouse the Oxhead just smashed right thru. I bought that maul for $49 in '91. The GB in '20 or so and it gives a better 1st bite maybe bc it's lighter the head is moving a bit faster idk. Oxheads through Stihl are fantastic bargains.
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”.
I think both are really better viewed as spliting axes for the most part. Whilst the gransfors does have a tempered poll, it is very small and not an ideal for wedge driving. So basically both should be viewed as 2.5kg 80cm splitting axes and are very comparable
Quantos quilos pesa o machado amarelo amigo
2500g head
@@benscottwoodchopper Com o cabo ele peza esse peso
@@jonatamateustrindade543 yes, total wieght with the handle is over 3kg
I believe the splitting block should be just lower than knee level
It depends, this higher block is nice for smaller wood
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?
Its pretty big but not the worst ive held
@@benscottwoodchopper Surprise, surprise. I don't know when I would get my hands on one. They're about 120 dollars, maybe more, here in the states.
@@skaagkaal2613 is the stihl pro axe also $120? Its litterally the same axe rebranded
@@benscottwoodchopper I didn't even know that. With those Stihl splitters I could find and see those around all over at the local hardware stores. Pulling from memory though, picking those up they were some heavily built axes. I don't know why the designers would believe that much axe is needed for just splitting wood.
But everybody like myself creeping around on the channels like yours have had this conversation about why I'm sure.
Guess im buying a $110 axe from Stihl
I'd still rather have the GB. Form and function.
2 to 3 times more expensive though and isnt as effective as the spalt fix on the majority of woods. I just made an update video after 1 year of hard use