Gerber AXE - The Firearms Forum

johnlives4christ · 10-18-2010, 05:43 PM

been doing a little research on gerbers line of axes. i have found out that the back pack model with a knife built into the handle is made in taiwan. the model with the saw in the handle is made in china.

i want one of the ones with the knife, but dont know as i like the idea of taiwan made items. china is out of the question

however the axes without accessories built in are made in finland... the land of trees and cheese. thinking about getting one of these.

any yall out there have thoughts or experience

Alpo · 10-18-2010, 07:43 PM

Interesting. I just checked at the Wholesale Hunter website, which is where I got mine at. The one I have - the "sport axe", with a 14" handle -says it has a "Swedish forged steel head". It's made by Fiskar.
http://www.wholesalehunter.com/produ...roductid=18172

But then I looked at the Gator Combo, which has a knife stuck up in the handle. http://www.wholesalehunter.com/produ...roductid=36882
It says it has a "forged steel head", but "Swedish" is not mentioned.

Looks like the same axe, though, except for length. Wow.

But anyway, I've been quite happy, and very impressed, with mine.

jestor · 10-18-2010, 07:54 PM

You might want to look here if your looking for a higher end ax
http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com...partments/527/

jack404 · 10-18-2010, 08:17 PM

I'm a big axe fan

i have a few but like this one best

jestor · 10-18-2010, 08:48 PM

We were logging a trac of timber a couple of years ago and were finding a lot of arroeheads ,spear points, and drills and such , chipswere just everwhere. One day we bogged the crew truck down going into the woods and while we were hooking a chain to the dozier my dad kicked over what looked like just a small chip that turned out to be a tomahawk head in perfect condition. He handed it over to me to look at and man that was the most wicked looking rock I have ever held.

jack404 · 10-18-2010, 09:03 PM

i have and use a aboriginal stone axe here , while not anywhere near as sharp as others its fully functional and would cleave your arm off with ease and takes down brush real well

just its so bloody heavy!!! dont knock the native stuff , they made great stuff with what they had

johnlives4christ · 10-19-2010, 10:26 AM

alpo, i know the origins of the axes because, at my request, gerber sent me a detailed list of the items they make and where their made at.

Boris · 10-19-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

been doing a little research on gerbers line of axes. i have found out that the back pack model with a knife built into the handle is made in taiwan. the model with the saw in the handle is made in china.

i want one of the ones with the knife, but dont know as i like the idea of taiwan made items. china is out of the question

however the axes without accessories built in are made in finland... the land of trees and cheese. thinking about getting one of these.

any yall out there have thoughts or experience

I have an actual Fiskars axe and it is by far the best axe I have ever had. It keeps an edge better than any I have ever seen. The handle is too strong. Even if you tried to destroy the handle, you would not be able to.

johnlives4christ · 10-20-2010, 07:05 AM

i've seen the fiskars axes, but they dont make a hatchet do they ? im thinking mostly about a hatchet

Alpo · 10-20-2010, 07:37 AM

This what you lookin' for, John?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E?...FYKQTSY11JDP7W

You could go this way, but I think 8" is too short a handle, although it would probably fit in a pack real good.
http://www.landscapersstore.com/fisk...chet-8-in.html

johnlives4christ · 10-20-2010, 11:37 AM

honestly alpo im thinking i want one of each. im thinking i could keep the little one in the car.

old semperfi · 10-20-2010, 10:59 PM

i have two gerber hatchets,one with a long handle and the other a pac ax with a short handle.they are razor sharp from the factory and keep an edge very well.the ax i keep in my truck is from fiskars,it is the same company as gerber.it also has a razor edge and is easily sharpened if and when it gets dull.all the tools i have described have composit handles and are almost industructable.................old semperfi

Boris · 10-22-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

honestly alpo im thinking i want one of each. im thinking i could keep the little one in the car.

Thats funny. I keep the full size Fiskars in the trunk of my car.

johnlives4christ · 10-22-2010, 09:35 PM

i remember hearing on one of the forums (probably this one) that the daughter of one of the members carried a hatchet in the car for self defense. i bet the wife could wield that little axe pretty good. right now she keeps a 12" machete by the bed

Alpo · 10-23-2010, 08:27 AM

I was in Sports Authority, yesterday, and they had a Gerber display. I picked up that little axe. When I held it, the head was sitting on top of my fist, and the toe of the haft was at the bottom of my fist. My hand completely enclosed the haft. Seems like a giant step backward. The first hand-axes were just sharp rocks held in the hand. The only strength you could put into a blow was the strength of your arm. Then some unsung genius invented the haft, and now you could put the mechanical advantage of leverage into your swing. With a haft so small that you are basically just holding the axe head is a bad plan.

The absolutely only reason I can see for the existence of that thing is for ultralight backpackers, and they'd be better served with a folding saw.

johnlives4christ · 10-23-2010, 11:56 AM

i haven't held one yet alpo. dont know where i could get ahold of one in town to try. perhaps i'll go with the hatchet version first and after i am sure i want the little one, then perhaps i'll get it later.

thanks for the headsup

CampingJosh · 10-30-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

The absolutely only reason I can see for the existence of that thing is for ultralight backpackers, and they'd be better served with a folding saw.

As a backpacker, I take neither a saw nor an ax. I'm not even a particularly light packer (I was at 36 lbs. at the start of my recent week-long trip). If I can't break it by hand, it doesn't go in my fire. I take a small Gerber multi plier, but that's the only blade.

johnlives4christ · 10-30-2010, 01:03 PM

josh, if it were me, i would at least take a hunting size knife. if you got stranded out there you sure would be thankful for a good knife

bravo619 · 11-02-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestor

We were logging a trac of timber a couple of years ago and were finding a lot of arroeheads ,spear points, and drills and such , chipswere just everwhere. One day we bogged the crew truck down going into the woods and while we were hooking a chain to the dozier my dad kicked over what looked like just a small chip that turned out to be a tomahawk head in perfect condition. He handed it over to me to look at and man that was the most wicked looking rock I have ever held.

CampingJosh · 11-02-2010, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

josh, if it were me, i would at least take a hunting size knife. if you got stranded out there you sure would be thankful for a good knife

The knife in the Gerber multi plier is pretty good. It's a 3" partially serrated blade. It's definitely plenty of knife for building emergency shelter if my tent were to be destroyed beyond repair.

Of course, I only pack a tent when the wife and dog are also hiking. When I camp alone, my shelter is a 6'x8' tarp. Bad weather? Fold it over on top of me, too.

johnlives4christ · 11-02-2010, 08:52 PM

i dont like the gerber multi pliers, i had one for a while, and it wouldnt cut chain link or barb wire without damaging the cutters. they cutters, after just one cut got a burr on them and then you couldnt open the pliers with only one hand. but my leatherman tool will handle it.

i loved the pliers other then that though, i also tried fish hooks and got the same results.

CampingJosh · 11-02-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

i dont like the gerber multi pliers, i had one for a while, and it wouldnt cut chain link or barb wire without damaging the cutters. they cutters, after just one cut got a burr on them and then you couldnt open the pliers with only one hand. but my leatherman tool will handle it.

i loved the pliers other then that though, i also tried fish hooks and got the same results.

I've cut fish hooks numerous times with no adverse effect on the tool. I've never tried fencing, but I don't ever work with fencing. The cutters being only a few millimeters wide, I'd say you were asking too much of the tool, but I definitely understand wanting it to work for your situation.

For me, one handed opening is far more important than cutting hardened wire.

johnlives4christ · 11-02-2010, 09:44 PM

i dont work with fencing or anything like that, but my thinking is, that if i ever needed to cut something liket hat, i would want to be able to handle it. so i tested my tools when i got them. the leatherman will cut both barb wife and chain link.

i also can open it with on hand if i need to although it's cumbersome. but i dont carry a tool with me most of the time unless i am going camping or something

CampingJosh · 11-02-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlives4christ

i also can open it with on hand if i need to although it's cumbersome. but i dont carry a tool with me most of the time unless i am going camping or something

Yeah, I can eventually open a Leatherman one handed, but it's takes some time. My Gerber rides on my hip everywhere I go, and it comes into service several times daily.

johnlives4christ · 11-02-2010, 09:55 PM

i can open my wave pretty quick, it just aint as quick or as pretty as the gerber. but i use the knife on a tool more then the pliers is why i prefer the wave

i carried it every day for a couple years, and it saved my butt a few times, but normally i have tools with me wherever im at so it's not worth weighing me down now, especially since i pack a gun now and didnt then

10-18-2010, 05:43 PM	#1
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Gerber AXE been doing a little research on gerbers line of axes. i have found out that the back pack model with a knife built into the handle is made in taiwan. the model with the saw in the handle is made in china. i want one of the ones with the knife, but dont know as i like the idea of taiwan made items. china is out of the question however the axes without accessories built in are made in finland... the land of trees and cheese. thinking about getting one of these. any yall out there have thoughts or experience -->

10-18-2010, 07:43 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: Gerber AXE Interesting. I just checked at the Wholesale Hunter website, which is where I got mine at. The one I have - the "sport axe", with a 14" handle -says it has a "Swedish forged steel head". It's made by Fiskar. http://www.wholesalehunter.com/produ...roductid=18172 But then I looked at the Gator Combo, which has a knife stuck up in the handle. http://www.wholesalehunter.com/produ...roductid=36882 It says it has a "forged steel head", but "Swedish" is not mentioned. Looks like the same axe, though, except for length. Wow. But anyway, I've been quite happy, and very impressed, with mine. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-18-2010, 07:54 PM	#3
jestor V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 129	Re: Gerber AXE You might want to look here if your looking for a higher end ax http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com...partments/527/

10-18-2010, 08:17 PM	#4
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Gerber AXE I'm a big axe fan i have a few but like this one best Attached Images

10-18-2010, 08:48 PM	#5
jestor V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 129	Re: Gerber AXE We were logging a trac of timber a couple of years ago and were finding a lot of arroeheads ,spear points, and drills and such , chipswere just everwhere. One day we bogged the crew truck down going into the woods and while we were hooking a chain to the dozier my dad kicked over what looked like just a small chip that turned out to be a tomahawk head in perfect condition. He handed it over to me to look at and man that was the most wicked looking rock I have ever held.

10-18-2010, 09:03 PM	#6
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Gerber AXE i have and use a aboriginal stone axe here , while not anywhere near as sharp as others its fully functional and would cleave your arm off with ease and takes down brush real well just its so bloody heavy!!! dont knock the native stuff , they made great stuff with what they had

10-19-2010, 10:26 AM	#7
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE alpo, i know the origins of the axes because, at my request, gerber sent me a detailed list of the items they make and where their made at.

10-20-2010, 07:05 AM	#9
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE i've seen the fiskars axes, but they dont make a hatchet do they ? im thinking mostly about a hatchet

10-20-2010, 07:37 AM	#10
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: Gerber AXE This what you lookin' for, John? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E?...FYKQTSY11JDP7W You could go this way, but I think 8" is too short a handle, although it would probably fit in a pack real good. http://www.landscapersstore.com/fisk...chet-8-in.html __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies. Last edited by Alpo; 10-20-2010 at 07:39 AM..

10-20-2010, 11:37 AM	#11
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE honestly alpo im thinking i want one of each. im thinking i could keep the little one in the car.

10-20-2010, 10:59 PM	#12
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Gerber AXE i have two gerber hatchets,one with a long handle and the other a pac ax with a short handle.they are razor sharp from the factory and keep an edge very well.the ax i keep in my truck is from fiskars,it is the same company as gerber.it also has a razor edge and is easily sharpened if and when it gets dull.all the tools i have described have composit handles and are almost industructable.................old semperfi

10-22-2010, 09:35 PM	#14
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE i remember hearing on one of the forums (probably this one) that the daughter of one of the members carried a hatchet in the car for self defense. i bet the wife could wield that little axe pretty good. right now she keeps a 12" machete by the bed

10-23-2010, 08:27 AM	#15
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: Gerber AXE I was in Sports Authority, yesterday, and they had a Gerber display. I picked up that little axe. When I held it, the head was sitting on top of my fist, and the toe of the haft was at the bottom of my fist. My hand completely enclosed the haft. Seems like a giant step backward. The first hand-axes were just sharp rocks held in the hand. The only strength you could put into a blow was the strength of your arm. Then some unsung genius invented the haft, and now you could put the mechanical advantage of leverage into your swing. With a haft so small that you are basically just holding the axe head is a bad plan. The absolutely only reason I can see for the existence of that thing is for ultralight backpackers, and they'd be better served with a folding saw. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

10-23-2010, 11:56 AM	#16
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE i haven't held one yet alpo. dont know where i could get ahold of one in town to try. perhaps i'll go with the hatchet version first and after i am sure i want the little one, then perhaps i'll get it later. thanks for the headsup

10-30-2010, 01:03 PM	#18
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE josh, if it were me, i would at least take a hunting size knife. if you got stranded out there you sure would be thankful for a good knife

11-02-2010, 08:52 PM	#21
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE i dont like the gerber multi pliers, i had one for a while, and it wouldnt cut chain link or barb wire without damaging the cutters. they cutters, after just one cut got a burr on them and then you couldnt open the pliers with only one hand. but my leatherman tool will handle it. i loved the pliers other then that though, i also tried fish hooks and got the same results.

11-02-2010, 09:44 PM	#23
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE i dont work with fencing or anything like that, but my thinking is, that if i ever needed to cut something liket hat, i would want to be able to handle it. so i tested my tools when i got them. the leatherman will cut both barb wife and chain link. i also can open it with on hand if i need to although it's cumbersome. but i dont carry a tool with me most of the time unless i am going camping or something

11-02-2010, 09:55 PM	#25
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Gerber AXE i can open my wave pretty quick, it just aint as quick or as pretty as the gerber. but i use the knife on a tool more then the pliers is why i prefer the wave i carried it every day for a couple years, and it saved my butt a few times, but normally i have tools with me wherever im at so it's not worth weighing me down now, especially since i pack a gun now and didnt then