Splitting Axe vs Splitting Maul: Differences Explained

Updated on December 20, 2022 by

The main difference between a splitting axe and a splitting maul is that an axe is lighter, has a sharp cutting edge, and a shorter handle. A maul has a blunt, hammer-like edge that is used to force cut wood open or used with a wedge.

Very few manual cutting tools are as efficient as the splitting axe and maul. Although we have many types of machinery to serve the same purpose, the popularity of manual cutting tools isn’t likely to fade away anytime soon. 

Splitting axe and maul are the two most common wood cutting tools specialized for splitting wood more appropriately than any other type of axes. Despite serving the same purpose, the tools have their fair share of differences. 

To ensure that you can pick up the right tool, we will discuss splitting axe vs. splitting maul differences based on the features, types, and uses. So, without wasting any time, let’s dive right in. 

Comparison: Splitting Axe vs Splitting Maul 

Before jumping into the details, here’s a quick comparison between the tools:

Features Splitting AxeSplitting Maul 
Weight Lightweight, 3 to 6 pounds Heavy, 6 to 8 pounds 
Head Design Sharp, features a tapered cutting edge, a blade, and an eye portion Fat, blunt, hammer-like wedge or semi-wedge shaped 
Handle Structure Short, no longer than an arm’s length, wood or composite handles Very long, made from fiberglass, metal, wood, or plastic 
Usage Multi-purpose, used for chopping, splitting, shaping, etc Only suitable for splitting wood with precision 
This table explains the differences between a splitting axe and a splitting maul

What Is a Splitting Axe? 

A splitting axe features a long wooden handle and a narrow, tapered head that break apart the wood fibers instead of cutting the wood grains.  

The head is made heavy so that the pressure can concentrate on the blades and strike the wood harder and penetrate deeper. 

You can find splitting axes from hundreds of brands in different sizes and materials in the marketplace. Iron, steel, and copper are the most common material used to make the blades of splitting axes. 

Gransfors Bruks splitting axe with collar
A 31-inch splitting axe with steel collar by Gransfors Bruks

There are dozens of premium splitting axes manufactured today, so I have tested them all to come up with the best options:

Editor’s ChoiceBest OverallBest for Tall/StrongBest Lightweight
ProductFiskars X25 Splitting AxeFiskars X27 Super Splitting AxeEstwing Camper’s Axe
PreviewFiskars X25 Splitting AxeFiskars X27 Super Splitter AxeEstwing Campers Axe
Total Weight5.3 lb5.7 lb3.7 lb
Length28 Inches36 Inches26 inches
HandleCompositeCompositeSteel with Shock Absorbing Grip
More InfoCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

What Is a Splitting Maul? 

As the name suggests, this tool is also used to split the wood fibers. A splitting maul has a long wooden handle and a very heavy wedge-shaped head used for cutting and hammering. Mauls are more suitable for splitting relatively large and thick wood logs. 

The head of a maul is longer and less tapered than any other cutting tool. Although most common blades are wedge-shaped, semi-wedge and conical blades are also becoming popular nowadays. Mauls are sometimes called sledgehammers because of the blunt hammer-like poll side. 

Council Tool splitting maul
A splitting maul by Council Tool

I have written a comprehensive guide to the best splitting mauls on the market. Here are my top 3 picks:

Editor’s ChoiceBest OverallBest Value for MoneyBest Premium Maul
ProductFiskars Isocore MaulHusqvarna Splitting Maul1844 Helko Werk Splitting Maul
PreviewFiskars Isocore Splitting MaulHusqvarna Splitting Maul1844 Helko Werk Splitting Maul
Total Weight8 lb7 lb8.5 lb
Length36 inches32 inches36 inches
HandleShock Absorbing CompositeHickory WoodHickory Wood
More InfoCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest PriceCheck Latest Price

Differences between Splitting Axe and Splitting Maul 

As both the tools have striking similarities in their appearance, many people use the terms axe and maul interchangeably. No matter the popular opinion, the tools are very different in their features and functions. 

Below we have rounded up the most notable dissimilarities between the splitting and maul so that you can identify the tools within seconds. Let’s have a look. 

Weight 

If you’re in a hardware store trying to figure out which axe-like tool is a maul, pick the tool and measure the weight. A maul is far heavier than any axe. 

The big metal-made hammerhead adds to the overall weight of a maul. Generally, a splitting maul weighs from 6 pounds to 8 pounds. 

As for the splitting axe, the weight usually varies from 3 pounds to 6 pounds. Because of the lightweight, most people prefer splitting axes for cutting regular firewood for camping or burning in a fireplace. 

Head Design 

The head design is another key feature to differentiate between the two tools. Splitting axes have a sharper and less heavy head compared to a maul. Usually, the head of a splitting axe is divided into 3 parts: cutting edge or bit, blade, and eye.  

A tapered cutting edge pierces straight into the wood while the blade digs deeper into the fibers. Then we have the eye portion that connects the head to the handle and prevents the axe from popping out. 

On the opposite side of the blade, the splitting axe is completely flat, which means you can’t use the head for hammering tasks. Most axe heads are made from steel, iron, or copper and feature a stainless steel coating to prevent rust. 

On the other hand, mauls can be identified by their long, fat, and blunt heads. You can instantly recognize the maul head from the wedge-like shape and a very short cutting edge. The blade and the poll side have more of a hammer shape to drive a nail inside the wood. 

For improved strength, the maul head is made from heavy-duty iron. This blunt head strikes the wood with excessive force that breaks the wood apart parallel to the wood grains. Splitting maul heads has twice as much weight as the splitting axe heads. 

The Handle 

In case you can’t spot the tools from their weight and head design, check out the handle size. Splitting mauls have longer handles to balance the weight of the head and the shaft. The handle also helps to detach the blade from a wood log easily. 

As the long handle is further away from your lower body, chances of injury are reduced. Typically, the maul handles are made from fiberglass, plastic, or metal to provide sufficient support to the heavy head. 

On the contrary, splitting axe handles are mostly made from wood or composite materials. Composite handles are generally more long-lasting and lightweight than wooden and metal handles. 

Axe handles are a few inches shorter than splitting mauls. Try to compare the tool with your arm’s length. If the tool has the same length as your arm, that’s surely an axe, not a maul. 

Usage 

Because of its lightness, the splitting axe is frequently used for splitting wood. The small handle and compact head make it easier to strike the wood with less force so that you don’t have to face frequent hand fatigue. 

Some splitting axes have slightly curved, oval-shaped handles so that you can have a strong and safe grip over the handle. Additionally, you can use the splitting axes for performing many chores other than cutting wood. 

Mauls are extremely helpful to split the heaviest and thickest wood manually. The extra weight makes it easier to dig deep into the wood. One strike of the splitting maul for some softwood is enough to tear it into two pieces.  

However, the heaviness causes muscle fatigue, and after a while, you might become exhausted. Also, you have to put extra force to split the wood properly. That’s why mauls are mainly used for handling the heaviest wood. 

Conclusion 

Now you know the splitting axe vs maul differences as per their most obvious features. We understand the temptation to buy any axe-like tool for splitting firewood, but those tools might eventually leave you completely frustrated as only the splitting tools can do the job right. 

Opt for a splitting axe if you want to split wood regularly with the least effort. Otherwise, pick the heavy and blunt splitting maul for neatly splitting even the hardest log woods. 


Photo of author

Michael Culligan

I am a lumber worker who performed logging services for Oregan's forestry industry for over a decade. I have spent years honing my skills and experience to become a well-rounded axeman. I enjoy timbersports and have ranked in my local lumberjack competitions. I'm exited to share my knowledge of axes and lumber tools with everyone to help. I also have a large collection of restored vintage axes that I carefully maintain.