Slide action wood splitter - GIF

[PJs]

I learned on a double bladed as a youngun, then to a single blade and a sledge & wedge for tough stuff. Never used a maul and saw no real need. Most of ours was oak and Always dried properly. TM51 is absolutely right about the stability of the stump and never let the wood tilt toward you or wobble about, like a bobble head...just l@@king for a glancing blow to spit a shin or foot. This guy got Christmas early.