Splitting Wood with a SWORD? - Which Works Best

This is the kind of abusive testing I do so you don't have to... and you really shouldn't. Depending on the blade material, cross-section, and edge geometry it might do fairly well, although obviously far less effective than an actual splitting axe or maul.

Some blade types on the other hand are absolutely terrible for chopping or splitting wood, unsurprisingly. Can you guess which ones are best and worst as improvised tools?

At the end I'm also giving some tips for cleaning the blade when there is pine resin or other gunk on it.


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Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:
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