Splitting Mauls are basically the same thing as a standard axe but in a larger, more powerful version. The handle on most axes can be anywhere from 36” to 48” while some splitting mauls have handles that reach up into 60” or even 72 inches! This gives it much more leverage and thus power when slicing through logs of wood which makes them ideal for chopping anything you want with ease including firewood, large pieces of lumber, etc. Axes typically weigh around seven pounds while splitting Mauls will weight between eight and twelve depending on what they're made out of (steel vs fiberglass). A good rule if deciding whether or not you want to buy an ax or a splitting maul would be this: if you're looking for something with more power and brute force, go ahead and pick up one of these bad boys. If you just need something small that will chop through fairly thin pieces of wood, stick to the usual axe!