I use to see some of the injuries posted here and wonder how one could be so careless. Now I am looking in the mirror. Today I tried to remove my right thumb with a hatchet. Did a pretty good job of it if I might say. Was splitting some kindling and went to set the hatchet in the end of the stick. No I didn't use a baton, that would have been the smart thing to do. I held the stick 8" below the blade (stoopid!!), set the hatchet on the end and dropped the whole mess about an inch. The beard went in 3" and hit a knot. The stick split to the knot and then chipped out freeing the blade. I now have a nice 2 1/2 gash across the top of my thumb just below the hand / thumb joint. No apparent nerve damage but I might have nicked a tendon. I have to see a hand surgeon tomorrow. This wasn't a case of a dull tool. The edge is shaving sharp. Part of the issue is the stick was probably to small in diameter (1 1/4") to be split in this fashion. What really makes me angry is I Know Better! Don't be one of those guys that say It will never happen to me. It Can. Be Careful!!
That's why I use the Mors method, hold both and lay the hatchet on top of the stick, stick on top of a log or table, and split it.
I'm a batoning heathen for this reason. I struggle splitting with a hatchet. A big knife is safer for me.
Last winter I almost messed up with a hatchet making kindling. I cut myself deep but didn't mess up bone. Batoning for me. Much safer.
Been there done that. Same deal making kindling, with a brand new wetterlings Hudson Bay axe. Sunk it into my index finger. Had to pack my mule back up and ride about 7 hours back to town to get stitched up. 7 stitches.
We are a loony lot, with scars and stories to match. Removed 3/4's of my "FU" fingernail and a slice of meat underneath last year with that excactly same maneuver. . Luckily there was quick clot sitting not 6 ft away.