Abstract: A wood-splitting impact tool with an enhanced wood-splitting function by virtue of its improved penetration and its reduced recoil. Improving the penetration of the wedge is achieved by fabricating the wedge of aluminum, titanium, graphite composite or alloys thereof, or any lightweight material that has rare energy transfer capability. Penetration into wood is further enhanced by using a frictionless or smooth surface coating on the penetrating surfaces of the wedge, such coating being PTFE, Teflon®, or anodized aluminum. The wedge and its cutting edge surfaces can be anodized to toughen as well as smooth all surfaces subject to deformation. The surface of the wedge is structurally decreased in recoil by interrupting the metal surface with small, periodic, directional or stepped abutments.