Scandanavian Military Crash Axe?

[kenb86]

Hello,
I've noticed a couple odd items in the Sportsman's Guide catalog. From my experience with that company I know you must independently verify what they're actually selling. I was hoping that someone here might know exactly what these items are.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/used-norwegian-military-firemans-axe.aspx?a=1101061
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/used-danish-military-hand-axe.aspx?a=1033206

They're some sort of Danish and Norwegian hand axes. Both are what people in my field (aviation) would call a "crash axe", a blade on one end and a pick on the other. Does anyone know what these were used for? They're small, 15", so they're not a "fireman's axe". The photo and picture of the Norwegian model make it look shined, almost like a ceremonial axe, especially since the description implies that it isn't even sharp. I wonder if someone can make out the proof marks in the photos and make a guess at age. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Thomas Linton]

For me, at least, your links lead to Sportsman's Guide's home page.

 

[Square_peg]

Dead links for me.

 

[kenb86]

Oops... great way to start on a forum! I fixed the links. Thanks.

 

[Thomas Linton]

Those have appeared from time to time for decades, and all those I have seen have been called "fireman's" or "firemen's" axes or hatchets. Never saw a military link before. The design is inappropriate for cutting into a metal aircraft fuselage. They would stick. See: http://www.lifesupportintl.com/products/Axe_Aircraft_Crash-946-621.html Or http://www.candfsupply.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=202

Your reference to the integrity of Sportsman's Guide is fully appropriate.

 

[Steve Tall]

This type of hatchet is sold elsewhere as part of a Danish Civil Defense tool set:

My guess is that these date back to the 50s/60s Cold War era.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Ooh--I like that shovel/pick mattock head!

 

[nozyk]

What exactly does"independently verify" what they are actually selling?

I have bought quite a few items from them over the years(nothing like these hatchets) but have never had a problem,everything was as described;at times

better than anticipated. For the $ these look like decent tools one would not be afraid to put to hard use.

 

[Thomas Linton]

What exactly does"independently verify" what they are actually selling?

I have bought quite a few items from them over the years(nothing like these hatchets) but have never had a problem,everything was as described;at times

better than anticipated. For the $ these look like decent tools one would not be afraid to put to hard use.

From the creative people at Sportsman's Guide:

3 U.S. Military - style Military Surplus "Jeep" Watch Caps

Military "style" or actual military surplus? 100% acrylic crap from China.

Authentic new Russian [black] Ushanka Military Surplus with Badge

Marked inside "Winter Mutz" Pretty cosmopolitan of the Russians to label their gear in German.

New Russian Military Surplus Ushanka with Badge. . . . This authentic cold-weather Army Surplus Hat is just like those seen on the lids of Russian leaders such as Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Chernenko, Gorbachev and the like.

Sure, the Soviet leadership always wore what the enlisted military wore.

Knox Armory® N3B Military Surplus Parka

"Knox Armory" is a brand of military "style" garments. These are not "Military Surplus." They do not meet military specs and are made in China.

Need more? I'd be happy to oblige. They go way over the integrity line.

 

[kenb86]

From the creative people at Sportsman's Guide:

Military "style" or actual military surplus? 100% acrylic crap from China.

Marked inside "Winter Mutz" Pretty cosmopolitan of the Russians to label their gear in German.

Sure, the Soviet leadership always wore what the enlisted military wore.

"Knox Armory" is a brand of military "style" garments. These are not "Military Surplus." They do not meet military specs and are made in China.

Need more? I'd be happy to oblige. They go way over the integrity line.

Not to mention anything remotely resembling something used in WWII is advertised as WWII, even if it was made in the 70s.

Thanks for the lead on the civil defense kit. That helped me dig up a bit more on it. Also thanks for the links on the crash axe. I never noticed the blade design difference there.