>>1926108>i dont like the downswing standing closer to wood im trying to split for fear of a mistrike into my foot/legCompletely valid concern and one of the reasons I like long handles for splitting. It varies from person to person, but there is a "sweet spot" in terms of handle length and head weight for chopping purposes that balances the effort needed to generate inertia as well as accuracy. What that is for you will only be known after trying different configurations. Going back to the point you brought up, a few things you can do to all but eliminate the chance of the axe glancing and injuring you is to: A. Stop using a chopping block for splitting. If you "need" to use one, I'd go with one that's 6" tall, tops. Not only do chopping blocks raise the wood up higher, reducing the amount of force you're able to drive through it, but it puts the axe on a trajectory towards your legs should it glance off. B. Don't allow the head of the axe to break the plane of your hands. Meaning, don't allow the head of the axe to ever be lower than your hands more or less. See pic related. Imagine both of the axes barely hitting the front lip of both of those rounds, and glancing back off towards the user. Which one of these guys is going to need stitches? Get used to bending your knees and widening your stance if you need to do so. The "plane" rule isn't a hard and fast one, and i can't say that i adhere to it personally, but its a good method of keeping you safe.
