Some splitting mauls are truly works of art with custom hand-forged steel heads that bare the smith’s name etched into with beautifully crafted wooden handles. Some mauls and splitting axes are almost too sexy to use. That’s not the case for this pair or Truper splitting mauls.
These two steel beasts mean business. They are true workhorses. That doesn’t mean they don’t carry a certain aesthetic of their own, but these were manufacturing with mainly one thing in mind – function.
Two Sizes to Choose
There are two basic models to choose from, and your choice mostly depends on the job you have in mind. For small to medium jobs, the lighter 8 pound version should do just find. For larger tasks, you may want to opt for the heavier 12 pound version.
Click the link below to read the review for which option you feel fits you better, or read compare them both.
Truper 12-pound Splitting Maul
Quick Facts
- Length: 30 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Material: steel head & steel handle
The 12-pound splitting maul from Truper is one of the best product brands in the market if you are looking for a heavy-duty axe for wood splitting activities.
A quick once-over of this maul shows a serious 12-pound single bit head whose blade is constructed from quality forged carbon steel. The handle is also made of steel and measures approximately 27 inches in length. Luckily for your hands, the handle conveniently comes with a cushioned grip for enhanced comfort.
Looking a little more into the details of the fire-engine red maul head, you feel that it is heavy enough to deliver a strong force upon impact when splitting wood. But, it’s not going to wear you out as much when working with a 16-pounder.
The head being made from forged carbon steel ensures a steady and durable head that won’t wear down easy during heavy-duty splitting.
Moving on to the cushioned handle grip, you can feel that unlike other axes and wood splitting products in the market, this tool won’t leave your arms with blisters. The enhanced comfort can increase splitting performance, allowing you to complete the task faster and easier. It also lets you go longer if you have a lot of wood to split.
The cushioned grip is wrapped around the maul’s 27-inch handle that’s also constructed from steel that is drop forged and heat treated for durability and reliability. This makes it way more dependable than wooden handles which splinter much more easily.
Is it the right splitting maul for you?
Truper is one of the most renowned Mexican companies for quality products, and for sure the 12-pound splitting maul is no exception. Some of the major advantages of this product include:
- A durable solid construction
- Both head and handle don't break easily
- Comfortable handle grip
- Weather resistant constriction
- Weight makes it easy to split with
- Reliable for heavy-duty splitting
- Comes with limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Excellent value for money
There a a few things to keep in mind while comparing this to the 8-pound version below though, like:
- Though lighter than heavy for some users
- Handle is a couple inches shorter than most other variants
- Cutting surface may require some sharpening
Overall, this is a really solid splitting maul that is well worth the price.
Truper 8-pound Steel Large-Eye Maul
Quick Facts
- Length: 39 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Material: drop forged steel head & fiberglass handle
If you find the 12-pound Truper splitting maul a bit heavy for you, the 8-pound splitting maul might be a better option. This axe features an 8-pound head that is made from quality steel that is forged and heat-treated offering great reliability and extended durability. The Large-Eye maul also has a longer handle than its 12-pound cousin (36 inches in length).
The first thing you’ll notice about the Truper 8-pound splitting maul is its quality head and blade. The head weighs 8 pounds and is constructed from forged and heat treated steel. This provides immense dependability and impressive durability which you can feel upon steel hitting wood at the bottom of your swing. The axe head is also designed in such a way that its easily removed from logs that you didn’t split completely with a first strike.
Moving on from the head to the 36-inch fiberglass handle, you’ll notice it’s considerably lighter than the 12-pound version’s steel handle. Having a fill-sized 36-inch handle increases the force delivered in every strike as compared to axes with shorter handles. Additionally, the soft surface of fiberglass makes it comfortable to handle, such that it is hard to miss a strike with this tool.
The fiberglass handle is very comfortable, but there is also a black rubber polymer at the point where the head joins the fiberglass handle. This sleeve serves to protect the handle from the force of the strikes, thus making is much less likely to splinter or break. It also seems to absorb some of the shock of the impact which is nice on your hands if you a lot work ahead of you.
Here are some of the finer points to keep in mind when choosing between this or the larger 12-pound version.
Some of the major advantage are:
- It's a fairly light maul
- Good value for your money
- Solid head construction offers durability
- Long handle offers maximum leverage
- Suitable for taller people
- Comes with limited manufacturer’s warranty
Before you choose it, makes sure you understand:
- The handle lacks comfortable grip
- It's not as durable as other Truper splitting maul variants
- Fiberglass handles tend to be a bit fragile for heavy-duty splitting chores
In Summary
Whether you opt for the 12-pound version or the 8-pound version, you're going to get a very solid maul for a reasonable price. A Truper axe isn’t going to be as eye-catching as a hand-forged Granfors axe or a unique Leveraxe, but it’s going to do the job just fine. If you’re looking for something to be your workhorse for log splitting without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with either of the two choices.