I'm hand splitting pieces of fir that are about 20-24 inches across and 16 long. It's acting like some of the elm I had - instead of splitting clean through it shreds off and hangs together. It's taking numerous blows. It's been down a few months. I cut some last summer that was down longer and it was a delight to split. Is it because the wood is dry or would it help to put a new edge on the maul or???