A block splitting tool having a splitting blade that is formed by edges of
a plurality of smaller splitter segments. The splitter segments are
arranged in a side-by-side relation such that the edges form a
substantially continuous blade that is generally corrugated or jagged. The
splitter segments may be operatively connected to a suitable support that,
in turn, is attached to a block splitting machine. When the splitting
blade of the tool engages and splits a block, the edges of the splitter
segments form a plurality of fracture zones that are angled with respect
to each other, which results in roughened facings on the newly cleaved
smaller blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the splitter segments are
removably attached to a support plate, so that they may be repositioned,
replaced, and/or repaired.