When I first saw the Off Grid Tools Survival Axe I thought, “Bring on the zombie apocalypse!” It looks like something you’d see on the episode of the Walking Dead. It’s a compact hatchet with a lot of functionality built in.
In fact, when I show it to others they always mutter, “Cool! I want one!” It’s an attractive tool that draws you in at first glance.
Survival Axe Features and Functions
The packaging claims “31 features”. Now, to be fair, they say features, not functions. Some of the features are true features like “fiber reinforced handle”. But other features are actually functions…can opener, hammer, etc.
But of course, the marketers want to pump up a product as much as possible. So while it is multi-functional, it’s not really 31 functions. That’s what marketers do on virtually all multi-tool-like products.
Here’s how I would break down the 31 “features”.
Useful Functions of the Survival Axe:
- saw
- hatchet/axe
- hammer
- nail puller/claw
- can opener
- bottle opener
- hex wrench (4 sizes)
- pry bar
- glass breaker
- strap cutter
These, in my opinion, are the straightforward functions of the tool. But, with a little creativity, born out of necessity, I am sure you could find other ways to use these functions besides that for which they are designed. As a wise man once said, “Any tool can be the right tool.”
Less useful functions:
- gas valve shutoff wrench
- demolition grip teeth
- spanner wrench
- box cutter
- wire twist
These are advertised functions that I find less useful, odd, or even unclear. I am sure that the axe can be used for these purposes, I just don’t see these as being as valuable.
Initial reaction to the Survival Axe
Is the axe head sharp? Out of the package, no. It’s not a knife edge. It would be a challenge to accidentally break the skin running your fingers down the blade. But it will split wood out of the package. Chopping wood is another story. I’ll be putting a fresh edge on mine and we’ll see if it stays sharp. Stay tuned….
I really wanted to try the glass breaker, but I couldn’t find an old car window to try it on…and none of my friends wanted to volunteer theirs. Bummer. The same is true for the strap cutter. I don’t have any old seat belts lying around, but with a replaceable blade, I can’t imagine it wouldn’t do the trick.
What I Like Most about the Survival Axe.
The size. It’s big enough to be useful, but not so big as to be cumbersome. Compared to a standard hatchet, the survival axe feels light…but still hefty enough to do some damage.
The saw. Being able to build a fire is key to both camping and to survival situations. Having a saw can make the work of preparing fuel for a fire much easier and quicker. In addition, the blade is replaceable with a standard “saws all” style reciprocating blade available at your neighborhood home improvement center. You have to remove a few screws, but the fact that you don’t have to order a special replacement part is a huge plus for the saw blade.
The hammer. I have to admit, I regularly use the backend of my hatchet as a hammer. This hammer is more balanced than using a hatchet backward. Not only that, the claw is also great for things like pulling up tent stakes.
Recommended uses for the Survival Axe.
Put it in your camping box. A multi-function axe like the Survival Axe is a great item to keep with your camping gear. I already carry a hatchet and often a folding saw. The Survival Axe allows you to have those two functions in one, as well as everything else it’s capable of. This is where mine will end up.
Keep it in your vehicle. The fact that the Survival Axe has both a glass breaker and a strap cutter makes it an ideal candidate to keep in your glove box for an emergency. Many people carry emergency knives (with glass breaker, strap cutter) in their vehicles in case they are in an accident and need to cut themselves free or break out a window. But they are also handy if you were to come across an accident. Truckers and others who spend a lot of time on the road would do well to keep one of these handy.
Backpacking. There is a never-ending battle when backpacking…bring what you need, only what you need, but make everything as light as possible. As an axe, the Survival Axe if relatively lightweight at 1.49 pounds, certainly lighter than carrying a traditional hatchet. When you consider it’s additional functionality, it is worth considering if it will allow you to consolidate other tools and save on overall weight.
Keep it in your bug-out bag. This would be a great item for your bug-out bag…a bag you keep packed with essential items you may need in an emergency situation when food and shelter may be in question.
Drawbacks of the Survival Axe:
I do not consider this a problem, but it is worth noting. Very few multi-function tools live up to the hype of the number of things they can do. Carefully evaluate the actual features that will be useful for you.
Another disadvantage of multi-function tools is that they often only do a few things well. As an axe, the Survival Axe will never live up to the usability of a standalone axe. However, a standard axe can’t do many of the things the Survival Axe can. So it comes down to a matter of choosing what you want to sacrifice in order to gain. For me, the addition of the saw blade makes up for the shortcomings of the axe. But if you only want an axe, buy an axe.
The grip isn’t the best, but comfortable enough and it is easy to wield. The strap cutter can press into your palm if you grip it low as I tend to when chopping. That might get irritating if you spend a lot of time chopping with it. Choke up a bit on the handle, though, and you’ll be fine.
Survival? People are more likely to find themselves stranded for several hours rather than days. Most survival situations happen when someone is hiking or backpacking and gets lost or stranded due to conditions outside their control. I can certainly imagine carrying this backpacking, but probably not hiking. Of course, I can’t imagine getting lost either, but it does happen to people. Would I want this tool in a survival situation? Yes. But unless I get in the habit of carrying it while hiking, backpacking, or at least in my vehicle, it likely won’t be available in a true, unplanned survival situation.
Summary
Overall, I give the Off Grid Tools Survival Axe a thumbs up! If its multiple functions suit your needs, it is an excellent choice. Throw one in your camping box or in your vehicle.
Overall rating: Thumbs up!
Quality: Medium-high
Cost: Medium (available here)
Size/weight: 1.49 pounds, 11.7” long, 4.9” wide
Use cases: EDC in a vehicle, camping, backpacking, bug out bag
*This is not a sponsored post. While Ordinary Outdoorsman did receive a free Survival Axe for review, we have no monetary connection with Off Grid Tools.
