Abstract: A wood splitting axe head for mounting on an axe handle in which the weight is distributed such that the plane through the center of gravity of the axe head (gravity plane) is offset with respect to the longitudinal plane through which the axe is swung and which passes through the center of the axe handle (swing plane). Further, the splitting edge of the blade is separated from the gravity plane in the direction of the swing plane and has one face parallel to the swing plane which is provided with a step to limit axe penetration into the wood and to initiate a turning motion of the axe head after impact.