I use the short handled axe as well for cutting timber. 20" handle 3.5 lbs axe head. Drive wedges nice and they are easy to carry on your person and still be able to move around and get work done. The biggest thing that I have found that messes up the plastic wedge ends is not hitting them square. Kind of like driving nails if you don't hit square you have a bent over nail. Also you can chop your saw out in you get it pinched.