Heck, I like splitting by hand. Yes, I do have a hydraulic splitter, and I save all the knots and maple and such for it, but the straight stuff gets all done by hand. It really makes you feel like a hero when you throw piece after piece of red oak onto the chopping block. Whack! Whack! One shot one kill. I've been using an 8 lb maul that has a nice taper from the rather thin edge to about two thirds of the way to the poll. I have looked at some of those high end ones however, ( I think the name is Granfors if I remember right) and would b pretty happy if I found it under the tree (hint hint honey.)
