Folding axe

jzmtl · **on:** January 16, 2009, 03:24:54 AM

http://www.uncrate.com/men/gear/outdoor/gerber-kick-axe/

Neat concept, too expensive thou at $90, I thin I'll stick with my $12 fiskars

Pacu · **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2009, 03:28:01 AM

As a backpacker , depending on weight, that is something i would carry. Chop wood, meth addict red necks, bears, and aliens.

tempmultitool · **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2009, 03:43:29 AM

Atax?
http://www.osograndeknives.com/TOPs/tops_-_atax-01_atax_knife.htm

hawkchucker · **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:13:15 AM

Well i came back to this one. i for one will be ordering it. I think it is something different, and really needs more looking into.

Poncho65 · **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:45:05 AM

Nice design and after it's folded up no danger in falling on any really sharp parts minus just the corners

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2009, 08:16:41 AM

Hmm, not sure I like that idea $:-\$

hawkchucker · **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:22:18 PM

Well I am all for a good Gerber bashing, but I am going to order one and give it a shot. If it works and they got the pysics worked out correctly it will be a great thing. However I want to see how it handles shock.

Gareth · **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:15:29 PM

My worry would be just how well it will stand up to months and years of use. It's not my thing but let us know how you get on with it HC.

hawkchucker · **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:17:27 PM

I will actually torture test the thing when it comes out. I will bring it to my campground and make everyone use it there. and reallybeat the snot out of it.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:09:07 AM

As luck would have it, Mikey and I didn't get to see it the other day as a test subject hadn't arrived in time for the show. Today however, it had finally gotten there and I got to have a look at it.

Not a bad little axe. I would hate to use to to chop lots of wood for the winter, but in a pinch it would probably work well enough. And, since it folds up pretty conveniently, it fits nicely in a glove compartment or trunk, backpack or boat.

Slide the lock mechanism up and it releases the head.

Fold in the head. Duh.

Pull open the handle, releasing the lock in the middle of the shaft.

Fold up the handle. Double duh.

Ready to go!

Def

J-sews · **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:17:56 AM

As a young whippersnapper we used to take offroad dirt bikes deep into the Manistee State forest and set up base camp. From there we could go trail riding for miles in any direction. We'd live out of our tents for four or five days, then head back home. Something like this Kick Axe would have been great to pack in with us on the bikes.

Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! · **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:28:15 AM

Does it have a corkscrew?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2009, 04:53:41 AM

Nope, no corkscrew. But, it does feel surprisingly sturdy. When locked open it has a decent heft to it, and no rattle or play at all. I have yet to get one and test it, but so far it actually seems impressive.

Def

J-sews · **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2009, 05:03:03 AM

No testing?! Why not? Seems like you and Mikey could have tried it out on the Taylor Cutlery booth in the next aisle over.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2009, 05:07:24 AM

Well, they didn't want me doing that.... but I plan to take one out on my kayak this summer and threaten a few trees!

Def

hawkchucker · **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:01:38 AM

Yup I still plan on getting one the only concern I have is did they strengthen the pivots enough.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2009, 02:32:47 PM

Yeah, that's what I was interested in finding out as well, but like I said, they wouldn't let me test it... and the Leatherman booth was all plywood too!

Def

jzmtl · **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2009, 05:59:42 PM

If they'd use decent parts, like grade 8 bolt for the pivot it won't be a problem. I think the weak part is the stamped handle and those two hooks on the folding mechanism.

hawkchucker · **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2009, 09:40:28 PM

Well gerber really hasnt been using decent parts now have they?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2009, 03:25:10 PM

The great thing about folding axes and shovels is that if there are any weak spots, they'll show up almost immediately! Repeated, heavy impacts have a way of bringing imperfections out, so if you buy iy locally and take it out on the weekend, you can return it right away if it fails.

Impact force is an interesting aspect of physics. The same way electricity always finds the shortest route to the ground, impact force always find the weakest point to congregate in. This is the big reason I don't like expandable batons or folding shovels!

Def

hawkchucker · **Reply #20 on:** January 21, 2009, 12:58:23 AM

Well the thing that really jumps out at me is the thinness of the blade. That thing does look like it will hang up a bunch. Plus I would certainly work on the cutting edge. Flat means 0 penetration, and the grind looks too obtuse.

Styerman · **Reply #21 on:** April 05, 2009, 05:11:47 AM

If that Pic. does it justice , the grind is in need of work . My gut instinct is that it will get pretty floppy , pretty quick .

Chris

jzmtl · **Reply #22 on:** February 27, 2010, 09:53:43 AM

Quote from: hawkchucker on January 16, 2009, 04:17:27 PM

I will actually torture test the thing when it comes out. I will bring it to my campground and make everyone use it there. and reallybeat the snot out of it.

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on January 19, 2009, 05:07:24 AM

Well, they didn't want me doing that.... but I plan to take one out on my kayak this summer and threaten a few trees!

Def

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #23 on:** February 27, 2010, 07:10:01 PM

Tragically, because of the moving issues last summer, I never got my kayak out all. I hope to make up for lost time this year....

I suppose I should look into picking up one of these axes too huh?

Def

jzmtl · **Reply #24 on:** February 27, 2010, 07:18:24 PM

Let us know how long till it flies apart.

I just don't trust that many parts in heavy impact tools.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #25 on:** February 27, 2010, 08:30:53 PM

I doubt I'll make it through a full grown Sequoia, but I'm thinking it should be ok for kindling and other light duty chores.

Def

Santos · **Reply #26 on:** March 29, 2010, 12:25:07 PM

did it ever make it into production with gerber?
i know some other company actually made one and i think they own the patent... çept i can't remember their name

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #27 on:** April 06, 2010, 01:40:21 PM

I don't know if it went into production or not- I have yet to find any for sale, so I'm guessing not.

Def

Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! · **Reply #28 on:** April 07, 2010, 12:53:03 AM

Quote from: Santos on March 29, 2010, 12:25:07 PM

i know some other company actually made one and i think they own the patent... çept i can't remember their name

It was called the Pac-Ax - LINK

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #29 on:** April 07, 2010, 07:37:07 AM

Quote from: Spork, Lord of Lime Jello! on April 07, 2010, 12:53:03 AM

Quote from: Santos on March 29, 2010, 12:25:07 PM
i know some other company actually made one and i think they own the patent... çept i can't remember their name

It was called the Pac-Ax - LINK

That just made me shiver

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