Abstract: An improved holder for a wooden workpiece is provided which comprises a first spike for impalement of a wooden workpiece, such as a log to be split, a second spike for insertion into a massive wooden member such a stump, and an anvil for driving the second spike into the stump. In a preferred embodiment, both first and second spikes and the anvil are formed as a unit by casting from metal. The spike for insertion into the stump may be provided with barbs or other apparatus for affixing the workpiece holder firmly to the stump.

Abstract: An improved wedge of the multi-blade type, particularly adapted for hand-held use. Four tapered blades extend substantially 90.degree. apart, and a short driving head arises from their midst. A separable point extends from the root of the four blades. The leading edges of the blades are raked at an angle which provides optimum penetration and splitting characteristics, and allows the wedge to be easily manipulated for use as a hand-held tool. The flanks of the blades are generally concave so that the transverse thickness of the blades increases slightly over the lower half of the blade length, but very substantially over the upper half.