I don't know if the axe he's using is all that special, but he sure makes efficient (German) use of it. On balance it's probably the elastic band that is key here. Source: German Lumberjack , Liveleak. ***I DON'T OWN THIS FOOTAGE*** Disclaimer: "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."