Hewing Sequence - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Once the wood is split down close to the desired depth, the final face is cut using the broad axe. Depending upon the broadaxe being used, it may be necessary to make intermediate shallow notches or to score the space in between the notches. At this point you want the wood scored or notched at a spacing that is less than the face of the broadaxe you are using. The broadaxe is used while standing alongside the log, swinging down, running the axe across the grain. For this it is vitally important that your axe be sharp, so that you can shave off the wood. The angled handle keeps your hands clear of the wood, and the flat face allows you to bring the axe down close to vertical, using the flat face of the axe as a guide to create a flat, vertical face on the log.