Axe

Get yourself a good solid axe to split the logs up into kindling so that you can start the fire more easily. Use it to split large logs into smaller sections so that they burn quicker and produce lots of heat. Split logs along the grain, not across it.

Use a large wooden block (in fact, a large section of a tree trunk) to split the logs on. Store the axe by sticking it into the block when not in use, so you know where it is, and the blade isn’t exposed. If you store the wood and the chopping block right by your oven, you won’t have to carry heavy loads of wood back and forth when you’re getting ready to build the fire and use the oven.