Slide action wood splitter - GIF

[Airstreamer]

I guess one good question is: how much force can you apply with this slide splitter as opposed to swinging an axe overhead? Also of note: ease of splitting varies enormously between different wood species, and between dry or wet wood.

Cross-bladed axe:

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Interesting idea that probably works well with easy-to-split wood, but if the axe sticks in the wood it's going to be a lot harder to remove. As a teen I was taught to twist the axe slightly as it hits the wood which tends to widen the split making it more likely that the pieces will separate, and reduces the chance of the axe sticking. I don't think that technique would work with the cross-bladed axe.