How to Cut a Log With an Axe
- 1). Hold the axe by the handle with both hands. Right-handed people generally find it more comfortable to have their left hand wrapped around the end of the handle, while left-handed people will prefer having their right hand wrapped around the end of the handle. Stand so the axe reaches the log when your arms are fully extended. Your feet should be about 12 inches apart.
- 2). Lift the axe over your head, maintaining your grip on the end of the axe and sliding your other hand toward the head of the axe. Twist the head of the axe in the direction of your upper hand so the blade sits at a 45-degree angle with the log.
- 3). Bring the axe down toward the log, sliding your upper hand toward your other hand as you do so. Hit the log with the bottom corner of the axe blade.
- 4). Strike the log in the same spot on subsequent swings. Rotate the angle at which the axe strikes the log 90 degrees on every other swing to create a V shape in the log. Continue striking in the middle of the V until the log splits.
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