Shingle Froe Tool, 15in Splitting Froe Blade with 18in Froe Knife Handle – Froe Axe, Kindling Axe, Wood Froe Tool

I have read all the reviews of all the splitting froe's on Amazon and picked this one after weighting all the pro's and con's. That being said, we all use our tools differently, some with experience and other's with none and that has to be taken in to account also when gleaning knowledge from the reviews... I have 70+ years experience in woodworking tools and have cut and split enough firewood in that time to know a decent splitting froe from a poorly constructed one. This one has a mildly hardened blade with just enough temper to maintain an adequate edge, the weld is very well done and the handle I wrapped with a couple of wraps of duct tape before setting the head to the blade, I do not permanently attach my froe handles, yes it will loosen but it can be set with just a tap with the wood mallet or on the block to quickly reset it, I prefer it that way... I used my angle grinder to put a 20-25* angle on both sides of the blade, again my personal preference and also how I know about the blade steel toughness and temper. The single edge already on it is used for splitting shingles. I use my tools severely and I have literally beat the h&ll out of this splitting froe (with a heavy WOODEN mallet never use a metal hammer on a splitting froe blade) and it has passed with flying colors. Remember the splitting froe is not for splitting knotty chunks of hardwood, use an axe for that! Good luck!

I saw a lot of reviews were seemingly dissatisfied with this tool. In the title I said "froe-like" and mean it- this is not a forged carbon steel froe like Roy Underhill would hammer out of a leaf spring. It's welded and it's low carbon cold rolled steel. Good thing if it breaks, because it's simple to weld and drive on, bad thing is if you sharpen it up too much it will fold the edge. The handle is actually quite nice, but do pay attention to the grain when you install it. For maximum strength the grain should run parallel to the blade. Again, it's a cheap alternative to a forged steel tool, don't try riving 10" wide white oak shakes 12" long or get carried away torqueing on the handle to split up firewood, it ain't for that. Cedar shakes, 8" x 10" long, I'd say no problem driving it thru a chunk with a wooden froe club, but if you're really doing that you'll already know the difference between this tool and that.

It is very easy to use, and very sturdy. I like the length of a handle when making spoon . It allows an even cut across the log making less waste. I love the product.

The edge is not centered and will not give even control when splitting. It is dull and so will require reconfiguration of blade. Handle socket is not tapered so I will have to narrow the top to fit handle I won't use a screw it weakens the handle.

This is a very sturdy product. It is a great value. The iron froe blade is heavy with solid welds. The handle is smooth and straight. The delivery box came with a hole torn in it so large that the product could’ve fallen out. I was grateful that this vendor has the foresight to tape the handle-tightening screws to the froe blade.