WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) Stainless: Safe Splitting Basics

By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to split kindling safely with the WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) Stainless, from choosing straight-grained wood to a controlled baton strike and proper care.

Quick answer

Split kindling safely by placing straight-grained wood on a solid surface, seating the blade with a light tap, then driving it through with a wooden baton while keeping your free hand clear. The WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) Stainless gives you a dedicated blade for this job, but control and setup matter more than force.

Why a dedicated splitting knife beats a general camp knife

A splitting knife is built to wedge into wood and drive it apart, not to carve or slice. The WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) Stainless is part of Morakniv's Classic line, developed by Morakniv of Sweden for over a century and used by generations of carpenters and wood carvers. That heritage shows in a blade that is pleasant to work with and has just the right feel, which matters when you are making repeated strikes.

Using a thin carving knife or a folding knife for splitting puts unnecessary stress on the blade and lock. A fixed-blade splitting knife keeps the edge aligned with the force, and the stainless steel resists rust from damp wood and camp conditions. The trade-off is that stainless can be harder to sharpen than carbon steel, so plan to touch up the edge rather than let it dull completely.

Set up so the knife does the work, not your wrist

Most splitting injuries come from unstable wood or an awkward swing, not from a dull blade. Work on a firm, level surface such as a chopping block or a flat log. Keep the wood low enough that you can strike downward comfortably, and clear away chips and bark so the piece sits flat.

If the wood is short or rounded, hold it with a gloved hand only until the blade is seated, then move that hand away before you strike. Never strike toward your body or toward a hand that is steadying the wood. A baton—a sturdy piece of wood used to hit the spine—gives you more control than swinging the knife itself.

Step-by-step: safe kindling splitting

Choose straight-grained, knot-free wood: Select dry pieces without large knots or forks. Set the piece on a solid, level surface so it cannot rock or roll. If the wood wobbles, stop and reset it before touching the knife.
Seat the blade with a light tap: Place the edge across the end grain and tap the spine gently with your baton until the blade bites. Keep your free hand behind the blade, never in front of it. A blade that will not bite after two taps means the wood or angle is wrong—reposition rather than hit harder.
Drive through with controlled baton strikes: Strike the spine near the tip with firm, downward blows, moving the baton along the spine as the blade sinks. Keep your eyes on the blade and your free hand away. If the knife stops halfway, do not pry sideways; lift, reseat, and strike again.
Separate the split pieces by hand: Once the blade is through, set the knife down and pull the halves apart. Do not twist the blade while it is buried in wood. Twisting is the most common way to chip an edge—always withdraw straight.
Clean and dry the blade before sheathing: Wipe off sap and damp wood residue, dry the stainless blade, and store it in its sheath. A quick dry now prevents rust spots later. Damp sheaths trap moisture; let the sheath air out if the knife went in wet.

Product facts

WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) - STAINLESS: Large chunks of wood are difficult to set alight; cutting smaller pieces of kindling with a kindling knife helps you enjoy a crackling campfire. This knife is designed for making the small, dry pieces that catch quickly, so you spend less time coaxing a fire.
WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) - STAINLESS
WOOD SPLITTING KNIFE 220 (S) - STAINLESS: Morakniv Classic has been developed by Morakniv of Sweden for over a century and used by generations of carpenters and wood carvers. The long-standing design is proven for controlled woodwork, which supports safe, repeatable splitting strokes.