> start near near the far rim so the crack is only supported on one side
I have no professional background, so maybe I'm totally wrong, but I would advise against that, because if you aim a bit too far or the wood gives too easily, most of the impact will be against the haft instead of the head, and the haft can break this way.
I usually start at the near side and then work towards the far side, which is only dangerous if you don't have a wide base (another log maybe) under the piece you're currently splitting, because if you miss the near side, the axe is flying towards your feet.
Good to call this out because it’s something people should think about.
> because if you miss the near side, the axe is flying towards your feet.
Had a close call here once and have gone the other way ever since. I’ve missed long and broken old wooden handle splitters this way, but the Fiskars are incredibly tough and just sting the shit out of your hands if you miss.
I have no professional background, so maybe I'm totally wrong, but I would advise against that, because if you aim a bit too far or the wood gives too easily, most of the impact will be against the haft instead of the head, and the haft can break this way.
I usually start at the near side and then work towards the far side, which is only dangerous if you don't have a wide base (another log maybe) under the piece you're currently splitting, because if you miss the near side, the axe is flying towards your feet.