I have exactly the same problem with leather gloves from local stores not holding up to wood splitting chores. In the western states the stores carry real leather gloves for men who do real work. These are what I now use and they hold up for me spectacularly: Golden Stag Iron Fencer (style 207). When I need a new pair I buy them on line. The entire palm and index finger area has a 2nd layer of leather. They do run small. I'm not a big guy and XLs fit me perfectly. Like any leather glove you want to last, get them wet, let them dry and treat with Sno-Seal before use.