Underhand Chop
Overview
The underhand chop is a commonly seen chopping event at almost every lumberjack competition. In the underhand, a competitor stands on top of a horizontally supported log. The axeman chops halfway through the front side and turns to the back to fully severe the log. On round logs, the axeman is allowed to cut flat footholds to stand on.
General Rules
Contestants are not allowed to cut into their footholds. This is usually an event that is based purely on speed - the fastest time wins. However, hard hitting contests also exist, where the fewest hits wins and time is only used as a tie-breaker.
Common Wood Sizes
For round logs, usually logs between 10"-16" in diameter. For square wood events, usually 8x8's or 10x10's.
History of the Event
Underhand chopping simulates chopping a tree into logs with an axe. Long before the use of the chainsaw, and even the crosscut saw, axes were used to cut logs to size once they were on the ground.