yeah , it does have a lot of resin. not an issue if your flue is very easy to clean. i know a guy only burns spruce and fir, but his flue goes directly up through the roof above the stove and you can see down it. no danger if you keep an eye on it.     i think he means that yeah. a proper splitting axe is like a big hammer with one side cast into a thick axe like edge. the weight means it splits well.  just dont get one where the shaft is kind of fitted to the end and sealed. not stronk.
Canada