Gerber pack axes?

Matt Shade

Matt Shade

Joined
Nov 24, 1999
Messages
4,981
Are the Gerber belt axes/hatchets or whatever you want to call them any good? Thinking about putting one in my truck as a just in case.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
I have a couple. They seem to work pretty well for light stuff i.e. small branches down on 4WD roads etc. I haven't tried to chop anything substantial with one though a friend of mine dressed his Elk this year with one.

I'd like to try one of those Ulu based units as an alternative if I can find one. They seem like a pretty good way to stuff maximum utility in a small package.

When we head out to the boonies in the 4X4 Van I usually toss in a full size axe.

Ron

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Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
WOW!! It always makes my day (Ok it really makes my life) when one of the LEGENDS either owns or inquires about one of tools in my small arsenal. (i.e. JEFF RANDALL and my $5 Wal-Mart stone.) I was heading out on a day trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area and had stopped into one of the outfitter's gear stores. I saw the Ulu based Normark Hunters Skinning Axe. It rated high on the "looks cool gotta have it" scale, so I bought it. ($39.99) It was very sharp out of the box. (Whatever that's worth) I found the sheath to be very thin and somewhat cheap. I didn't expect a lot for the price and I carry it in my pack anyway. The blade geometry is definately designed for delicate work. As the title says, it is a skinning axe. Although, in a pinch you could certainly chop with it. The cutting edge is ground to an angle of 20 degrees. It is made of Swedish surgical stainless steel. (Whatever that is. Where is Joe Talmadge when you need him.) The blade is tempered to 56 Rockwell. The back side of the axe is not flared in any way and couldn't really be used for pounding. I can vouch that it is IMHO an excellent skinning tool. It must be a relatively new addition to the line because I haven't seen it in too many places. I think Cabela's has it now. I haven't had to sharpen it yet, so I have nothing to say in that department. The only concerns I have is the handle. It is made from a "high impact co-polymer material" and I have no idea how rugged it is. It is also a two piece unit(As are all of the Gerbers) and I don't know how tough they would be under actual survival conditions. The only other complaint is a minor one. The handle does get in the way a bit during use. It isn't as quick as the actual Ulu. Even though you didn't ask for a review, I hope you found this useful Ron. Matt, I did read a small review on one of the Gerber axes in The Boundary Waters Journal. Since this is a specialized "rag" and I doubt anyone else reads it, I will see if I can dig it up for you.
smile.gif

Take care, (And a big knife)
Jim
P.S. Ron, you guys really are doing a tremendous service here.(As are Mike and Spark) God only knows how many lives you guys will save with your unparalleled knowledge. Will we also be benefiting from Karen's knowledge here as well? Now, if they could just speed up that cloning technology. Just kidding Deanne, you know I love you!
 
Doc Ron:
The Uluchet is an Ulu based tool that opens into a light hatchet, might just fit your needs. Here's a link

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P.J.
P.J. Turner Knife Mfg, Inc.
Uluchet, What's an Uluchet? Find out at...
www.silverstar.com/turnermfg


 
P.J.

That looks like a winner. Great idea. Sunzai gita chance I'll grab one of those things. I'm always looking for cool stuff to show folks. Thanks for the heads up!

Ron

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Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
HUNTER3897,

I guess deals are meant to happen on the way to the BWCA--i scored a trusty, rusty and very faithful duluth pack for a song about a dozen years ago. still humpin' **** with that one!

the mid sized gerber is great for most moderate tasks--while still light enough to want to pack-in.

MCK

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The only difference between bravery and stupidity is timing
 
The Gerber pack axe works fine for opening coconuts in Hawaii. Coconuts have a thick fibrous layer covering the hard nut and the Gerber gets it off nicely. My wife thinks it's great.
 
I have played with the Geber Axes and I do not care for the synthetic handle.

Though, I am waiting to hear how Jeff Randall's fared in it's long range testing.

I really like my Cold Steel Rifleman's Hawk, I can replace the handle.

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Marion David Poff aka Eye mdpoff@hotmail.com
Coeur D'Alene, ID
http://www.geocities.com/mdpoff

An interesting business oppurtunity... http://www.geocities.com/selouss

"We will either find a way, or make one." Hannibal, 210 B.C.
 
MCK,
I too own a trusty DULUTH PACK. Talk about tough! I work in Duluth and stop in their place all the time. What were you doing in this neck of the woods? Was it only for the BWCA or something else?
Jim
 
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