"Multi-Tool" Axes

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armedninja

Joined
Dec 7, 2012
Messages
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Apologies in advance if this has been covered before, but I'm wondering if those multi-function axes are really worth the price. Some run for about $100 and come with a saw, hammer, and other do-dads. I was hoping to hear from some who have more experience than me with these type of "multi-tool axes," and if there were any recommendations. I would if these axes turn out to be a "jack of all trades, master of none" scenario, or if they are legit axes. Thanks in advance.
 
If your speaking of some of the tools similar to the FUBAR, then yes they have their place. Generally in construction and fire rescue and breaching. For the most part they are all heavy being intended to be carried in vehicle mounted kits. So yes the quality ones meant as professional tools are worthwhile in certain applications.

Most of the lightweight versions of such tools are worthless junk meant to bait sockets due to cool value.
 
If you're talking about tools similar to the Gerber gator, I'd stay away. My friend had one and from handling it, I quickly concluded the thing was pretty rubbish. I already don't like that design of axe and it's just compounded by adding a poor quality saw or knife into the hollow handle. Does the concept remind anyone else of the cheap "survival" knives from the 80s with hollow handles and a compass in the buttcap? Worse yet, they use magnets as the securing system, so the knife/saw will pop out at the slightest provocation..

I'm of the opinion that if you're going to carry a knife (be it an EDC folder or a fixed blade while camping/hiking), it should always be on you for ease of access and so you don't lose it. Why you'd want to stick it in the handle of your axe is beyond me.

As for the saw, its pretty rubbish too and isn't good for cutting anything past maybe a couple inches in diameter. And slowly at that. If you're wanting a light weight yet functional saw solution, go with a silky or Laplander. If you're wanting something on the cheap that's still portable yet can cut large diameter logs quickly and are willing to put forth a bit of effort, get a 24" bahco replacement saw blade and make yourself a collapsable buck saw.

Really though a decent quality 14-19" hatchet, selfmade bucksaw and say a cheap mora knife can be had for probably $50 and isn't particularly that heavy a loadout. If that's somehow too much weight (like for ultra light backpacking), you should probably be asking if you're even going to be needing or making use of that many tools to begin with...
 
killa_concept said:
Does the concept remind anyone else of the cheap "survival" knives from the 80s with hollow handles and a compass in the buttcap?
Click to expand...

Exactly. In fact your whole post is pretty much spot on. But I'd stick to the folding saw - no frame in the way.
 
True - I really don't bring it along unless I plan on felling and sectioning 8+" trees. In which case I'll usually pair it with a 24-28" axe. Its surprisingly compact though. I love my laplander and GB SFA combo, but I mostly suggested the bucksaw because a quality folding saw will set you back $35-50. A quality backsaw on the other hand, comes down to how much effort you want to invest - a bahco blade is cheap.
 
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armedninja said:
Apologies in advance if this has been covered before, but I'm wondering if those multi-function axes are really worth the price. Some run for about $100 and come with a saw, hammer, and other do-dads. I was hoping to hear from some who have more experience than me with these type of "multi-tool axes," and if there were any recommendations. I would if these axes turn out to be a "jack of all trades, master of none" scenario, or if they are legit axes. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

You probably didn't have this in mind, but it is a multi tool axe:
http://www.jimbodetools.com/PLANE-AXE-4-Way-Utility-Tool-Near-Mint-in-Original-Box-p29491.html

Just thought it was interesting -others may too
 
I was looking for a sort of bug-out tool that would cover my all my bases if I had to grab just one or two bags in a Zombie Apocalypse or Doomsday event. But sounds like most of these "jack of all trades" axes aren't worth the money. Thanks for the input.
 
For a cheap, quality, lightweight saw I purchased a replacement blade for a Japanese pull-cut saw and made a quick handle out of some musclewood I'd had lying around a while. Doesn't weigh much and cuts through a 2x4 in one or two seconds.
 
One to two seconds?!?

images
 
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