This invention relates to apparatus for splitting materials. The splitting apparatus includes a body with cutting means arranged relative thereto. The cutting means includes at least one cutting surface oriented vertically. The splitting apparatus is characterised by the cutting means applying an upward pressure against the material which is split when a separate downward force is applied to the material. The body of the splitting apparatus also includes safety means to protect the user from the cutting means; and elongate supporting means to distance the safety means from either or both the cutting means and a surface on which the splitting apparatus is used.