My Husqvarana works just as well as my Gransfor Bruks.
You want an 8# maul for splitting hard wood or better yet a powered splitter.
Base camp gets a 4# pole axe, for me it's the one axe that can do all the camp chores. If a chain saw is in camp then my maul is thewre.
My single bit axe.
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=25211
