I don't disagree -- esp. with decent logs, the strength you need for a maul is more about safety when things go wrong than about swinging it; i.e., strength gra

I don't disagree -- esp. with decent logs, the strength you need for a maul is more about safety when things go wrong than about swinging it; i.e., strength grants control rather than brute force. The head is heavy and out on a long handle specifically so you can apply a lot of force just starting up high and letting it drop to the wood, but that works against you if you miss your target and it goes flying off to the side. And of course, if you've been at it for a while and are tiring, or you're less strong to begin with, aim suffers. > ...the maul would just bounce of that log I remember a few like that! I'll bet it was also pretty green and/or water logged... that would have that effect.