- Joined
- Aug 15, 2007
- Messages
- 546
Last few days I have been tourmented with a choice of the winkler axe. I have researched most of scarce information on the internet and made some unconfirmed conclusions.
First, I was drawn to a full size Sayoc. But then realizing that the intent of use would not be a sole self defense but also some possible emergency breaching and camp duties, I leaned toward a Wild Bill or Combat axe (not a hammer version). Both of them appear to have a longer spike than Sayoc and more suited for breaching. $200+ less in price is also beneficial.
I realize they are almost identical in size, but of the two I think that Combat Axe has a small advantage by having a glass breaker on handle's end, 2 1/2" cutting edge versus 2 1/4 on a Wild Bill, and a cool looking offset on top of the head.
Wild Bill, on the other hand, has a lead with more ergonomic / cool looking handle, it appears to me it's spike is also slightly longer, but it's hard to judge from photos.
When it comes to handle configurations, I prefer the looks of wood but I like the durability of Micarta. Correct me if I am wrong, maple used Winkler is not stabilized. I wish there was a g10 option availible. My prime concern about wood is not just damage while use, but also separation, cracking and shrinking when exposed to a variety of environments.
Then there is a choice of having a half scale with a cord wrap, that in theory helps with chopping and eliminates a chance of damaging top portion of the scales. I still prefer visual aesthetics of full scales. Did anyone have durability problems with full Micarta scales on these?
I would appreciate if anybody could provide some thoughts and may be share some experience or comparasion photos that can help me decide on what to get.
First, I was drawn to a full size Sayoc. But then realizing that the intent of use would not be a sole self defense but also some possible emergency breaching and camp duties, I leaned toward a Wild Bill or Combat axe (not a hammer version). Both of them appear to have a longer spike than Sayoc and more suited for breaching. $200+ less in price is also beneficial.
I realize they are almost identical in size, but of the two I think that Combat Axe has a small advantage by having a glass breaker on handle's end, 2 1/2" cutting edge versus 2 1/4 on a Wild Bill, and a cool looking offset on top of the head.
Wild Bill, on the other hand, has a lead with more ergonomic / cool looking handle, it appears to me it's spike is also slightly longer, but it's hard to judge from photos.
When it comes to handle configurations, I prefer the looks of wood but I like the durability of Micarta. Correct me if I am wrong, maple used Winkler is not stabilized. I wish there was a g10 option availible. My prime concern about wood is not just damage while use, but also separation, cracking and shrinking when exposed to a variety of environments.
Then there is a choice of having a half scale with a cord wrap, that in theory helps with chopping and eliminates a chance of damaging top portion of the scales. I still prefer visual aesthetics of full scales. Did anyone have durability problems with full Micarta scales on these?
I would appreciate if anybody could provide some thoughts and may be share some experience or comparasion photos that can help me decide on what to get.