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I was cautious about ordering this, because when I bought it, there weren't many reviews and one of them was negative. But based on the product I received, that person didn't actually try the product. First, the bad, then the good - it takes a small amount of dexterity to use the device properly. I wouldn't call it idiot-proof. It is a leverage-based system, and you have to know how leverage works to use it successfully. If you're an idiot, probably don't buy this. Also, this is nit-picky, but the locking mechanism that holds the tower up is a little awkward. It doesn't seem to matter how tight you try to lock it, it can still move. However, because of the way this thing works, that's not really much of a problem. Even if it slips, all it does is move closer to the wood, which provides you with better leverage. Seriously, the tower might move a little, but all the pressure is in a straight line to the fulcrum, so it doesn't impact the function or put your fingers in danger. Would it be nice if it locked in place? Sure, but it's at least tight enough that it doesn't just fall down from gravity, and that's all you need. The other thing is splitting is a little slow, but that's because you're trading speed for power. That's not the designer's fault. That's just physics. Total, it probably takes about 15 seconds for each full cut. Far slower than using a splitting axe, or even the using a ring style kindling splitter, but much more controlled and quiet, and takes less energy than swinging an axe or mini sledge.Now the good - This thing has quality just dripping from every corner. The steel is thick and strong. The handles are well formed and rock solid. They feel good in your hand without being fancy or decorative. The design is smart and collapses neatly like a pocket knife. The steel is all laser cut, I think, because all the edges are crisp and uniform (not sharp, just well defined). The packaging was smart and protective (even though I'm pretty sure this thing could have been dragged behind the delivery truck and still survived ok) The website and included fliers and instructions are all clear and easy to read and - surprise! - written by someone with English as their first language. Their marketing material says they're made in the USA, and everything I see in the product says that's true, in fact, it wouldn't surprise me if this was a dedicated craftsman putting these together in his garage because he wants to make the world a better place. Everything is solid. Everything is well designed. Every piece is stronger than the bare minimum requires. And I really felt the price was reasonable, especially considering the other leverage-based kindling splitters that cost twice as much and have to be mounted to a post or a wall. This thing can sit next to your fireplace and is quiet enough to work inside without waking up your family in the morning (it makes some noise, but about as much as you might make washing the dishes.)All in all. I'm glad I took the chance and made this purchase. It feels like giving my money to someone who deserves it for a change, and I have no doubt I will be able to pass this down to future generations for them to keep using long after I'm gone.

This device would perform well if it were larger. Splitting clean pieces of oak with straight grain was a challenge unless only a thin sliver of wood was being split. From an already split piece of clean straight grain oak, I tried to split too wide of a piece and my device bent at the base. The hinge that projects perpendicular from the base also bent to one side. If this unit was scaled up with larger dimensions and stronger materials it would work better. When trying to split wood on a table top, I wasn't able to get enough leverage. Using this unit on the floor, you're bent over for too long in an un ideal position. I was tired after splitting 'match stick' sized pieces from just one piece of pre split wood. I like the concept of this design and it was packaged really well but it was not an effective tool in my experience.

If the wood you want to split is not longer than 16 inches and is straight-grained - this is a good tool. On my first use, I was able to cut some good kindling. But the wood worked with is limited to flatness, height and grain. I had to dismiss a lot of possible logs because of knots in the grain. But overall - I'm glad I have this. I really hate handling axes and hatchets. This is a much safer option.

was a bit hesitant after reading other reviews, but i'm pleased we purchased it. it is somewhat clunky. could have a better base. would be nice if it came with bolts. definitely works best when secured to a solid surface.

Although the base is thick metal, the steel is low strength and bends, which is hard to straighten. The splitter will not do mesquite which is what I needed split. The splitter handle pops out of the grooves used for leverage.