Thanks Jonathan, yeah I have more free stuff than I know what to do with. You the viewers are way more important, and giving you guys get information so you can make wise choices is what the channels all about. Appreciate you so much.
@@gideonstactical Yeah the value of having the stones to point out faults in products can't be overstated, and credit also to companies that accept that. There's a line where passion for gear and companies can turn into salesmanship if inconvenient information is intentionally left out. I used to follow a billion different channels but over time it's reduced down to ones like yours that are both high quality and make confident that if there's something about a product you think I should know, you'll tell me.
Bushcrafters: we like light axes that are narrow and easy to maneuver for carving tasks. Gerber: you're in luck! We've got a fat, dull, heavy axe that you can't re-handle. We also cut chunks out of the cheeks so they're nearly impossible to reprofile. Can I put you down for 2?
I loooove my Gerber "Prodigy" and my "Gator" was one of the best pocket knives I ever had growing up. But man does Gerber fluctuate in quality. As soon as I started to see their products in Walmart there quality went down. They have manufacturing here in the US that is actually pretty good that's actually where they make the prodigy. I have yet to find a use for my Gerber mini "pack axe" the thing is useless but I had to have it for some reason.
I believe the cutouts on the axe face are called Phantom Bevels they reduce the likelihood of the ax head sticking into the wood and make it easier to pull out if it does Council Tool uses similar cutouts on some of their axes
Thanks for the info. First tool I have ever seen with them before. I’m sure they help in someway but I just didn’t see that much of a difference with my usage.
@@gideonstactical Look up Council Tool wood craft pack axe has Phantom Bevels for that purpose and a Scandi grind which is phenomenal I own there Woodcraft Camp Carver with the same Scandinavian / flat grind
@@desertchild. Yeah but phantom bevels are usually designed with there being basically a hump in the middle of the head with the cutouts at the side reducing the friction but maximising chip popping. These seem like the opposite.
I just bought a council tools Hudson axe,2lbs head,5260 spring steel,an its made to use the back of the axe head for hitting tent pegs an harder things an I have a lifetime warranty on it,I'm gonna stain m handle an get something like a leather wrap off easy for the neck to help with over strikes.
Great video! A few things. They ship the edges dull for legal reasons. They do the same thing with their downrange tomahawk. Also, I think they work well depending on your philosophy of use in the wild. I personally like axes compared to saws, given most saws have a size limit for what they can cut. Also, if country of origin is an issue for people, fiskars stopped making their X series in Finland so they are made in the same place somewhere in Asia.
Great unbiased review as usual. While that edge geometry is pretty horrendous i quite like the 'survival kit' idea, though it seems it could be improved in execution... which seems to be a theme in Gerber products.
Because the blade look is like plastic or something, I had a doubt on split capability but it looks good. Furthermore, its cutting edge is covered with black coat then I thought the edge doesn't cut well. As I thought, it would have difficulties on slicing but it cut as a bottom line so I was glad to see that. I will find and get this products in Japan.
I'll stick with my USA made Council Tool axes and hatchets. Head shape and that handle just doesn't do anything for me but to each their own. Great review as always brother!
Just got these from Gerber's end of summer sale! $45 for the Axe, $35 for the hatchet! $23 for the Tri-Tip! as always, you did an awesome job showcasing these! I actually did not have a 6 axe and wanted a good splitter. I wish these had the old saw in the handle that the Gerber "gator" hatchet had instead. That thing actually WORKED! Paracord and a lighter is pretty MEH...
@@adamjames1375 Nah, he means a felling wedge. And he would probably be hitting it with a limb. A lot of people who don't want to carry an axe will carry a wedge and use a makeshift hammer.
I got the Gerber Bushcraft axe, I like it, it's not super great or anything, but it chops and it beats a knife, lol. I use mine mostly to chop fallen trees on the trail or split fire wood. Using the work sharp, putting on a new edge was easy and it gets plenty sharp to bite nice and deep!
I don't use my Gerber axe much, anymore. It doesn't excel at anything. I replaced mine with an Estwing 26" axe and a Norlund Voyager hatchet. Good combo for where I live (south Texas ).
Great tool options. Have you ever considered using a baton on the back of the hatchet when splitting. All the other you tubers do the samething they will reset and try to swing again. Just seems like waste of energy. If I am splitting small pieces I have found batoning to be more effective. Thanks for the review.
Great review. I have been looking at these for a while and will probably now try one out. That said, don't know about 4.5lbs being 'heavy'. Aged 13 in the Scouts, a 6lbs felling axe was the heaviest available in the troop and that was the preferred implement. 😂
I actually love the hatchet and the axe. Like you said as soon as I got them put a nice 25° convex Edge on them. I got both shaving sharp and they perform phenomenally. And I actually do like the way that they can just laser through wood easily. On another note, Blade HQ has the large axe for only $36.99 on sale right now which at that price I think is a steel and a no-brainer!
Harbor freight has a small axe for 9$ right now it's the one that Wrangler star reviewed I bought one reprofiled the edge and made my own edge guard. Michaels has scrap leather for 10 bucks and I made a project out of it. Now I have a hickory handle small axe for around 20bucks real leather sheath and it's special to me because I made it my own . Highly suggest you try one out . Well worth the time.
I heat my home with wood and hand split all our wood and those would not hold up to my 6'3" 325lbs butt abusing them... I'll stick with my fiskers and old school fireman's axe and a hand made double bit thanks for your time and saving me and cash much appreciated
Shame, cool idea using the handle for the kit. I have an X7 and live in Australia so that open handle is just a potential hidden slider dungeon to me. I am just waiting for the day that the vibration causes a giant huntsmen to come running out and up my arm and scare a years worth of crap out of me. The survival kit just blocking that hole would make me feel better.
Yeah this is $20 more than the X7 here in the states but you are gonna get a little more reach and a little more weight so as long as you’re not packing it around it’s not a bad option.
I dunno where everyone got the idea that axes and hatchets need to be razor sharp. They never used to need to be. Just enough to bite into wood. If you sharpen them they way they are supposed to be sharpened, they will work a lot longer. as soon as you put a thin edge on it, the edge tends to flatten or fold over as the steel used for axe heads is a lot softer than most knives. Also, they are made to chop wood not slice wood. It's the power behind the swing that does the work with an axe, not the edge.
This is the first time that I hear of a axe head being softer then knife steel. They need to be rock hard because they strike wood every time it's being used and therefor it needs strength. The sharpened end is also being heat treated differently because it has to be stronger as far as I know.
That is 100% false! For generations, you could buy axes that were extremely sharp. The only difference between them the junk you can buy now is that they come with a handle now, and they're as dull as a butter knife. Because manufacturers are cheap and lazy.
I’ve been looking at getting my first axe for a little while now. Haven’t pulled the trigger on choosing one yet. Those Gerbers seem worth considering. I’ve purchased other products based, in part, on your reviews. Thanks for another honest unbiased review, Aaron. 👍❤ Update: I just got my Gerber Bushcraft Axe from BladeHQ on sale for $37 + tax, S&H. Haven't used it yet. Blade will chop, but it doesn't come with a sharpened edge. Should be fairly easy to sharpen. The sheath is adequate, but this axe is worth investing in an aftermarket sheath, I think. I may order the hatchet too. Update to my update: The protective coating on the Bushcraft Axe blade covers the cutting edge, which does impede it's sharpness, but comes off easily. Just five minutes with a medium grit stone and a Work Sharp Field sharpener was all it took for me to get a boo-boo on my thumb. 😆👍
Yeah, it’ll just depend on your price point and what exactly you’re gonna do with it. Are you looking for a larger two handed splitting ax, or something smaller?
The hatchet is great for camp work. Mine came super sharp out the gate. My axe was also sharp and does great work splitting wood. Super happy with the review and these products. I heard that the blades do come duller due to the coating on there. Supposed to help hold an edge longer?
Great review! Thanks for your time in making this review very informative and to some great points for the work those tools will do! Keep up the great videos! Thanks again!
The original Gerbers were some of the best blades and tools available. I still have several multi tools and pocket knives I bought nearly 30 years ago. Todays stuff feels like cheap steel and Chinese knockoffs. Quality has definitely decreased and I’m pretty sure they used to be made in the USA. Quality went to crap when manufacturing was moved to “south east Asia” aka China
Yeah the USA made stuff for the most part is still good quality. I’m thinking of the Gerber strong arm, a few of their multi tools, and a few of the pocket knives. The overseas stuff is very hit miss on QC, but I do feel like I’m seeing a difference and they are working hard on some of their designs. These hatchets definitely have a place just depends on if it’s what people need.
In my opinion, which I realize is really only important to me, the old blades seemed good because we did not have the superior materials or the technologies we have today. We didn’t have good blades to compare them to. If you think back, Case knives were the ones to beat back in the 70’s and 80’s. Now, nobody even bats an eye at their “Surgical Steel”. It’s just 420HC, which most of us avoid. I don’t think Gerber ever really have pride in their work. They just want to make money. They have never been a leader in the knife industry. In fact, they did not even try to keep up with the times until they finally realized they were in a sinking ship. Only then is when we saw them start to come out with some of the older super steels like S30V and S35VN. They have no heart, just an empty wallet.
@@jonathancupp3686 you have no idea what you are talking about. In the 80s Gerber was the brand to beat. Because of Gerber, most of the knife companies in the Portland area exist (kerhsaw, crkt, leatherman). Gerber invented the first fully synthetic handled knife which changed the whole industry (Case was one of many brands who copied gerbers LST design because it sold so well). Gerber was the first company to collaborate with a custom knife designer (Al Mar). When they were purchased by fiskars, profit was the play, and they did fall away from what made them great for a time. Most knife companies get their profit from 25$ big box store pieces. Kershaw has said they could shut ZT down tomorrow and it wouldn’t hurt them, because ZT doesn’t really make them the profit they are looking for (because the knife community at best makes up 20% of sales if that). Gerber was doing great even until they started to change. In fact, financially, they were doing better the way they were with the bear grylls knives. What changed was the management, when Andrew Gritzbaugh (a US army vet) took the reigns somewhere around 2014-2015, which is why we saw a big push of American made products with the strongarm and centerdrive multitool. Gerber then moved their US factory to a 3 shift 24 hour manufacture schedule, of which they scaled back on because they were becoming to efficient. They have been using s30v and 154cm back in 2006, and ats34 before that (which was the steel of the day). I know a few people who work for Gerber, and they really do care about making the brand better, and it hasn’t been easy. It’s uniformed people like you that spread misinformation by speculating on things you don’t understand. I make this comment because they as a company have tired harder than most in recent years to push forward. No malice, just educating. Cheers 🍻
@@hunterglaspell I will never give them a second chance. I had several of their pieces in the 90’s. They were most definitely not a quality product, but unfortunately it was what I could afford. To me, Gerber is on par with many of the junk makers like SOG and Mtech. Since then however, I have moved on to pieces with far better quality, like Benchmade and Spyderco for my users. I know their are much higher end pieces on the market, but I’m only talking about user knives. I guess Gerber can make a somewhat acceptable stepping stone for young rookies that cannot afford better, but once you have your feet on the ground, why would anyone buy from a company with a sketchy past? There are many knife companies with excellent track records. I even made sure all my boys started out with better knives, just so they would know what a decent knife felt like in their hands. Now, if they pick up a Gerber (or any sub par knife), they will know just by feel that it’s not worth buying.
I have a Gerber Gator premium fixed blade that's USA made with and S30V blade and it's pretty decent but Gerbers not the company it was years and years ago. I don't like knocking companies but I don't think I would trust my life to their products. Another alternative and there's several models that come in at that 75 dollar price point and cheaper would be Cold Steel Tomahawks. I would trust my customized Riflemans hawk over those tbh which I do rotate and use along with my main axe, the Hults Bruk Aneby
Now before seeing any of this review and just having seen what the axe looks like I can say I want one. I will update after the review. After: I don't use my axe for fine work, most of the time I try to have an axe and a knife on me. Gerber has good style but they always fall a little short on function. The survival kit is pretty much a gimmick and that rattle would drive me nuts Conclusion: I will get the larger axe in grey for my truck, cause it matches my interior lol
Please do,I just bought a council tools 2lbs axe short handle,sharp af,works great, I like that it looks like the Gerber axe does pretty good splitting
Yeah near 2 1/2lb hatchet is quite heavy especially seeing as its a hollow handle could be nice with the beard for carving if one could reprofile it. It's a concept certainly.
In your comparisons you discuss the Fiskars X7, however your video pictures the X11. Which of the Fiskars models did you compare this Gerber hatchet to? If you compared to the X11, how did they compare for wood splitting? I believe Gerber & X11 are similar weight & price. I agree that this product appears to be more of an all around large camp/yard/farm tool than a precision bushcraft tool. Gerber's naming seems a bit off. I am looking for a tool to have on board my Gators around the farm & also to take in RV for general camp use. On farm greater use is chopping & delimbing, camping will be splitting. Maybe store an extra Gator spark plug in handle?? Thank you for your many fine product reviews throughout the years!
I have the swing that I got at a flea market for $5 it is a full size ax use it on many camps cut down everything I needed to split everything I needed to Best Buy bucks I've ever spent
Great vid! Its hard for me to imagine replacing my X7, especially knowing id be packing an extra pound. it tears up anything i put under it and i have a lot of confidence with it.
I'm tired of all the comments saying "I could get such and such cheaper". "At the blank store I could get a hatchet cheaper". OKAY. Then go to the store and get one cheaper and stop watching the video. This video is a review, so if you don't intend to buy it then just don't watch. Jeez
I can get a better-quality axe, one I can replace the handles on if needed, for the same price or less. I am not sure why every company feels the need to reinvent the wheel. I mean Gerber needs to concentrate on the quality of their knives. If they want to add other stuff why not add better or more sheath options or at least as add ons. If you have had the QC issues they have had maybe concentrate there instead. That said you did a good job in the review and my issue is not with that or you but rather with Gerber. Sorry if it came across that way.
No worries at all, I don’t disagree with anything that you said my friend. Really appreciate the comment and your viewership and being part of the GT family. Hope you have a great week, come back on Saturday I plan on doing the Sog recondo FX in 440C 😮
I bought what I assume was one of Ferber so first generation hatchets.. 2000’s sometime.. before they hid the head wrapping behind a wedge of steel. I immediately regretted my initial enthusiasm as I got splinters of wood jammed up in the b.. I’m sure they’ve figured it out since then but because of that initial introduction, I won’t buy a fiskars or Ferber or any damn thing that the handle wraps the head instead of being a regular damn axe handle up inside the damn head.
Council Tool, Müller axes or at least Hultafors HY series. That's my only suggestions. A Fiskars X7 isn't bad, but that's the only I would suggest from Fiskars, because their large splitting axees might work, but also break sooner or later... X7 not only will last forever, but also it's the most versatile hatchet on the market from any kind of view. That's for both it's performance where it can chop and split, equaly well and any wood (great for hard woods too!) but also it's versatile because of the fact, that it makes a great hatchet for both advanced users especially amatures! Council Tool Boys axe (versatile do it all perfect size axe), Müller Biber Canada (Best Forest axe on the market today),Hultafors HY 1.2 or 1.5 (the 1.5 makes a perfect combo with the Müller Biber Canada) the 1.2 is closer to a Boys axe design. Those are some of the best axes out there, if not THE best.
I have a love hate relationship with your channel bud, here’s why. I love your channel because I know no matter what I’m going to get an honest to God review, good or bad, but on the other hand I hate your channel because between my addiction to knives, axes, edc gear or what have you you always cause damage to my bank account (saved me lots of wasted money as well) because of those honest reviews. I know I will always get the right answer to my questions when it comes to you. They may not be the answers I was hoping for, but I truly believe they’re honest. Keep doing what you do and never change because some manufacturer(s) got their feelings hurt and want you to give them a good review for something that doesn’t measure up!!!!
I believe the handles are structurally sound. And if you put more weight in the handle it would just make the whole tool even heavier and throw off the balance. If anything ditch the survival kit all together and drop the price by $10 bucks.
Gerber could sell it with a removable handle plug. If you want a “survival kit” you can make your own and stuff it in a way that doesn’t rattle. It will help seal out dirt/dust/critters, which would address the concern the commenter from Australia (where it seems like EVERYTHING is venomous) @Skartimus Prime brought up. You could also change the weight/ balance of the axe if that is something you feel the need to do.
Looks like pretty dry wood, can probably split it with a big knife 😂seriously the ax looks pretty effective. What steel is it made from? How is it for chopping down a tree?
I use my Gerber hatchet more than any other simply because I don’t care about it. No qualms about chopping roots or wood that might have nails in it. Take out larger nicks with a file, sharpen with my belt sander. Smaller nicks will sharpen out eventually. For bushcraft though, Hults Bruk or Council tool. Plastic in camp just doesn’t seem right.
The "survival kit" being just 5ft of paracord and a mini lighter is kinda pointless. You can fit way more than that taped into the handle of a fiskars. Its not like you are gonna be dropped out of an airplane with nothing but this axe and a loincloth, so that the kit *has* to be secured into the handle of the axe. Other than than seems like a decent axe
![KSI - Dirty [Official Visualiser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VoDh1h1dPUE/mqdefault.jpg)
I love your honesty. It’s evident that you don’t just try to please the manufacturers in order to get more free stuff. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Jonathan, yeah I have more free stuff than I know what to do with. You the viewers are way more important, and giving you guys get information so you can make wise choices is what the channels all about. Appreciate you so much.
@@gideonstactical Yeah the value of having the stones to point out faults in products can't be overstated, and credit also to companies that accept that. There's a line where passion for gear and companies can turn into salesmanship if inconvenient information is intentionally left out. I used to follow a billion different channels but over time it's reduced down to ones like yours that are both high quality and make confident that if there's something about a product you think I should know, you'll tell me.
*make me confident
Bushcrafters: we like light axes that are narrow and easy to maneuver for carving tasks.
Gerber: you're in luck! We've got a fat, dull, heavy axe that you can't re-handle. We also cut chunks out of the cheeks so they're nearly impossible to reprofile. Can I put you down for 2?
Hilarious Austin, you have me rolling great hot take.
Bahahaha! !!!
@LockdownSpin q
For real!
I just bought 2 of these on Blade HQ for $35 each. One for my truck and the other just to mess around with. Thanks for always keeping it real.
Gerber is like that one friend everybody had. He had all the chances but failed always. Now he won´t get any chance soon.
I loooove my Gerber "Prodigy" and my "Gator" was one of the best pocket knives I ever had growing up. But man does Gerber fluctuate in quality. As soon as I started to see their products in Walmart there quality went down. They have manufacturing here in the US that is actually pretty good that's actually where they make the prodigy. I have yet to find a use for my Gerber mini "pack axe" the thing is useless but I had to have it for some reason.
Awe dude, why you gotta talk about me like that. I can’t help being a bit slow.😢
😂🤣😅
Best comment so far for the video
I do love my Lmf2 though
Nailed it! such an appropriate description.
I believe the cutouts on the axe face are called Phantom Bevels they reduce the likelihood of the ax head sticking into the wood and make it easier to pull out if it does Council Tool uses similar cutouts on some of their axes
Thanks for the info. First tool I have ever seen with them before. I’m sure they help in someway but I just didn’t see that much of a difference with my usage.
@@gideonstactical Look up Council Tool wood craft pack axe has Phantom Bevels for that purpose and a Scandi grind which is phenomenal I own there Woodcraft Camp Carver with the same Scandinavian / flat grind
@@desertchild. Yeah but phantom bevels are usually designed with there being basically a hump in the middle of the head with the cutouts at the side reducing the friction but maximising chip popping. These seem like the opposite.
I just bought a council tools Hudson axe,2lbs head,5260 spring steel,an its made to use the back of the axe head for hitting tent pegs an harder things an I have a lifetime warranty on it,I'm gonna stain m handle an get something like a leather wrap off easy for the neck to help with over strikes.
Great video! A few things. They ship the edges dull for legal reasons. They do the same thing with their downrange tomahawk. Also, I think they work well depending on your philosophy of use in the wild. I personally like axes compared to saws, given most saws have a size limit for what they can cut. Also, if country of origin is an issue for people, fiskars stopped making their X series in Finland so they are made in the same place somewhere in Asia.
Yeah I heard they stopped making the X series in Finland which was really sad.
Oregon has nothing to do with them not putting an edge on their axes. pretty common for an axe hatchet machete to not have a sharpened edge
Good ole harbor freight 2-1/2 # hatchet , wood handle , sharpens to a razor , drill hole and clip handle , 12$ boom !!
B c special
I'm sure they make an axe too
Great unbiased review as usual.
While that edge geometry is pretty horrendous i quite like the 'survival kit' idea, though it seems it could be improved in execution... which seems to be a theme in Gerber products.
Because the blade look is like plastic or something, I had a doubt on split capability but it looks good. Furthermore, its cutting edge is covered with black coat then I thought the edge doesn't cut well. As I thought, it would have difficulties on slicing but it cut as a bottom line so I was glad to see that. I will find and get this products in Japan.
I am soooo glad you did this review!!! I have been waiting for someone to do this. And I am glad you are doing it
for bushcraft, i just want a solid steel hatchet head, that's a need. i can make new handles out of maple, oak, hickory, ash, and more.
Thank you for good information. I like to keep my gear light as possible.
I'll stick with my USA made Council Tool axes and hatchets. Head shape and that handle just doesn't do anything for me but to each their own. Great review as always brother!
Thanks Ben, appreciate the comment and your part of the GT family.
Just got these from Gerber's end of summer sale! $45 for the Axe, $35 for the hatchet! $23 for the Tri-Tip! as always, you did an awesome job showcasing these! I actually did not have a 6 axe and wanted a good splitter. I wish these had the old saw in the handle that the Gerber "gator" hatchet had instead. That thing actually WORKED! Paracord and a lighter is pretty MEH...
I’ve never bought a top end axe or hatchet like gransfors but everyone I’ve got had to sharpen it
For the weight of that hatchet I can carry my silky saw , belt knife and a splitting wedge
...you mean a felling wedge?
And whatcha gone smack it with?
@@adamjames1375 Nah, he means a felling wedge. And he would probably be hitting it with a limb. A lot of people who don't want to carry an axe will carry a wedge and use a makeshift hammer.
A splitting wedge is useless without a hammer or axe to drive it
I got the Gerber Bushcraft axe, I like it, it's not super great or anything, but it chops and it beats a knife, lol. I use mine mostly to chop fallen trees on the trail or split fire wood. Using the work sharp, putting on a new edge was easy and it gets plenty sharp to bite nice and deep!
I much prefer the browning outdoorsman axe. It's a perfect size and will do anything you need it to. Much sharper out of the box too.
After touching edge of axe, I sharpened it to have better smooth edge for chopping wood more efficiently.
I don't use my Gerber axe much, anymore. It doesn't excel at anything. I replaced mine with an Estwing 26" axe and a Norlund Voyager hatchet. Good combo for where I live (south Texas ).
Great tool options. Have you ever considered using a baton on the back of the hatchet when splitting. All the other you tubers do the samething they will reset and try to swing again. Just seems like waste of energy. If I am splitting small pieces I have found batoning to be more effective. Thanks for the review.
Yes I have done that from time to time.👍
I'm wondering about Gerber hatchet vs Mora hatchet.
It comes unground for a reason, but i cant remember the reason. Once u sharpen it yourself its pretty nice
This the best review I’ve ever seen. Great job.
Thanks so much my friend!
Great review. I have been looking at these for a while and will probably now try one out.
That said, don't know about 4.5lbs being 'heavy'. Aged 13 in the Scouts, a 6lbs felling axe was the heaviest available in the troop and that was the preferred implement. 😂
The weights , is that the head or over tool weight
Overall
I actually love the hatchet and the axe. Like you said as soon as I got them put a nice 25° convex Edge on them. I got both shaving sharp and they perform phenomenally. And I actually do like the way that they can just laser through wood easily.
On another note, Blade HQ has the large axe for only $36.99 on sale right now which at that price I think is a steel and a no-brainer!
Harbor freight has a small axe for 9$ right now it's the one that Wrangler star reviewed I bought one reprofiled the edge and made my own edge guard. Michaels has scrap leather for 10 bucks and I made a project out of it. Now I have a hickory handle small axe for around 20bucks real leather sheath and it's special to me because I made it my own . Highly suggest you try one out . Well worth the time.
I heat my home with wood and hand split all our wood and those would not hold up to my 6'3" 325lbs butt abusing them... I'll stick with my fiskers and old school fireman's axe and a hand made double bit thanks for your time and saving me and cash much appreciated
I like the small one, but... X7 is kind a legend 😅🙋♂️
The Bushcraft ax is right now on sale at Blade HQ for $35
I saw that!
Yep, just got one. It's mah furst ax. 🥰
Can they hold an edge? I chop a lot of stuff....I am concerned with edge retention..
If you convex the edge it should do ok, but a good Swedish or council tool will be better!
Great video..good info, thank u so much..
Shame, cool idea using the handle for the kit. I have an X7 and live in Australia so that open handle is just a potential hidden slider dungeon to me. I am just waiting for the day that the vibration causes a giant huntsmen to come running out and up my arm and scare a years worth of crap out of me. The survival kit just blocking that hole would make me feel better.
Could probably fill her up with low expanding spray foam, light, cheap, & easy.
Yeah this is $20 more than the X7 here in the states but you are gonna get a little more reach and a little more weight so as long as you’re not packing it around it’s not a bad option.
I bought the hatchet cause I like hatchets, but in terms of actual usefulness, I just can't see many situations where I'd choose this over the X7
I carry the X7 as my day hike axe. It can be a little light when splitting wood. That extra pound could make a positive difference.
I dunno where everyone got the idea that axes and hatchets need to be razor sharp. They never used to need to be. Just enough to bite into wood. If you sharpen them they way they are supposed to be sharpened, they will work a lot longer. as soon as you put a thin edge on it, the edge tends to flatten or fold over as the steel used for axe heads is a lot softer than most knives. Also, they are made to chop wood not slice wood. It's the power behind the swing that does the work with an axe, not the edge.
Well as you can see in the footage the hatchet wouldn’t even bite into wood
This is the first time that I hear of a axe head being softer then knife steel. They need to be rock hard because they strike wood every time it's being used and therefor it needs strength. The sharpened end is also being heat treated differently because it has to be stronger as far as I know.
That is 100% false! For generations, you could buy axes that were extremely sharp. The only difference between them the junk you can buy now is that they come with a handle now, and they're as dull as a butter knife. Because manufacturers are cheap and lazy.
The “tactical lever action rifle” of the axe world 😆😆😆
I’ve been looking at getting my first axe for a little while now. Haven’t pulled the trigger on choosing one yet. Those Gerbers seem worth considering. I’ve purchased other products based, in part, on your reviews. Thanks for another honest unbiased review, Aaron. 👍❤
Update: I just got my Gerber Bushcraft Axe from BladeHQ on sale for $37 + tax, S&H. Haven't used it yet. Blade will chop, but it doesn't come with a sharpened edge. Should be fairly easy to sharpen. The sheath is adequate, but this axe is worth investing in an aftermarket sheath, I think. I may order the hatchet too.
Update to my update: The protective coating on the Bushcraft Axe blade covers the cutting edge, which does impede it's sharpness, but comes off easily. Just five minutes with a medium grit stone and a Work Sharp Field sharpener was all it took for me to get a boo-boo on my thumb. 😆👍
Get a Grenfors Bruk axe or a couple and be done with it already..
Yeah, it’ll just depend on your price point and what exactly you’re gonna do with it. Are you looking for a larger two handed splitting ax, or something smaller?
@@gideonstactical I want a moderately priced pack axe to keep in my Jeep, or strap to a pack for emergencies and for camping.
Look into the browning outdoorsman axe
@@jonathancamp5149 Will do. Thanks for the suggestion.
vaughan makes a hatchet similar to the estwing. i use one for chores around the house. the steel may be a bit softer then estwings.
The handle has really nice side profile. Looks like it sits like older Finnish axes.
Excellent, now while walking around town I have an excuse for carrying an axe. Yep, it's my lighter holder.
Haha you know it!!
Congratulations my friend!! Very good video!!
I wonder how it compares to the Husqvarna A 2.400g.
The hatchet is great for camp work. Mine came super sharp out the gate. My axe was also sharp and does great work splitting wood. Super happy with the review and these products.
I heard that the blades do come duller due to the coating on there. Supposed to help hold an edge longer?
The fiskars x15 is an amazing camp axe for $40 bucks. Just doesn’t look as fancy.
Real random question, what's the brand on the sharpening stone?
I will have to chekc
Weight is good for energy =power
The new intros are great. Great video as always!
I’m glad you enjoy them. Got some new ideas coming down the line for content.
Now that I think about it may you please make a video about ultralight axes and hatchets?
Great review! Thanks for your time in making this review very informative and to some great points for the work those tools will do! Keep up the great videos! Thanks again!
I feel like the holes in the handle would be a huge problem for someone prone to overstrikes, better wrap that handle.
The original Gerbers were some of the best blades and tools available. I still have several multi tools and pocket knives I bought nearly 30 years ago. Todays stuff feels like cheap steel and Chinese knockoffs. Quality has definitely decreased and I’m pretty sure they used to be made in the USA. Quality went to crap when manufacturing was moved to “south east Asia” aka China
Yeah the USA made stuff for the most part is still good quality. I’m thinking of the Gerber strong arm, a few of their multi tools, and a few of the pocket knives. The overseas stuff is very hit miss on QC, but I do feel like I’m seeing a difference and they are working hard on some of their designs. These hatchets definitely have a place just depends on if it’s what people need.
@@gideonstactical I’m excited to see if you will get your hands on the new SAVVY knife they recently released.
In my opinion, which I realize is really only important to me, the old blades seemed good because we did not have the superior materials or the technologies we have today. We didn’t have good blades to compare them to. If you think back, Case knives were the ones to beat back in the 70’s and 80’s. Now, nobody even bats an eye at their “Surgical Steel”. It’s just 420HC, which most of us avoid. I don’t think Gerber ever really have pride in their work. They just want to make money. They have never been a leader in the knife industry. In fact, they did not even try to keep up with the times until they finally realized they were in a sinking ship. Only then is when we saw them start to come out with some of the older super steels like S30V and S35VN. They have no heart, just an empty wallet.
@@jonathancupp3686 you have no idea what you are talking about. In the 80s Gerber was the brand to beat. Because of Gerber, most of the knife companies in the Portland area exist (kerhsaw, crkt, leatherman). Gerber invented the first fully synthetic handled knife which changed the whole industry (Case was one of many brands who copied gerbers LST design because it sold so well). Gerber was the first company to collaborate with a custom knife designer (Al Mar). When they were purchased by fiskars, profit was the play, and they did fall away from what made them great for a time. Most knife companies get their profit from 25$ big box store pieces. Kershaw has said they could shut ZT down tomorrow and it wouldn’t hurt them, because ZT doesn’t really make them the profit they are looking for (because the knife community at best makes up 20% of sales if that). Gerber was doing great even until they started to change. In fact, financially, they were doing better the way they were with the bear grylls knives. What changed was the management, when Andrew Gritzbaugh (a US army vet) took the reigns somewhere around 2014-2015, which is why we saw a big push of American made products with the strongarm and centerdrive multitool. Gerber then moved their US factory to a 3 shift 24 hour manufacture schedule, of which they scaled back on because they were becoming to efficient. They have been using s30v and 154cm back in 2006, and ats34 before that (which was the steel of the day). I know a few people who work for Gerber, and they really do care about making the brand better, and it hasn’t been easy. It’s uniformed people like you that spread misinformation by speculating on things you don’t understand. I make this comment because they as a company have tired harder than most in recent years to push forward. No malice, just educating. Cheers 🍻
@@hunterglaspell I will never give them a second chance. I had several of their pieces in the 90’s. They were most definitely not a quality product, but unfortunately it was what I could afford. To me, Gerber is on par with many of the junk makers like SOG and Mtech. Since then however, I have moved on to pieces with far better quality, like Benchmade and Spyderco for my users. I know their are much higher end pieces on the market, but I’m only talking about user knives. I guess Gerber can make a somewhat acceptable stepping stone for young rookies that cannot afford better, but once you have your feet on the ground, why would anyone buy from a company with a sketchy past? There are many knife companies with excellent track records. I even made sure all my boys started out with better knives, just so they would know what a decent knife felt like in their hands. Now, if they pick up a Gerber (or any sub par knife), they will know just by feel that it’s not worth buying.
If anyone is looking to buy one of these, Blade HQ has the 26” Axe on sale for $36.99 right now. Just saying ;)
I'd give 20 Bucks for the set.
How long will it take to reshapen the axe head down to nothing?
Years of use possibly a life time
I actually just picked up this hatchet due to this video. I feel it'll suit my needs just fine while I wait on my Hoffman preorder.
What steel is it ?
I have a Gerber Gator premium fixed blade that's USA made with and S30V blade and it's pretty decent but Gerbers not the company it was years and years ago. I don't like knocking companies but I don't think I would trust my life to their products. Another alternative and there's several models that come in at that 75 dollar price point and cheaper would be Cold Steel Tomahawks. I would trust my customized Riflemans hawk over those tbh which I do rotate and use along with my main axe, the Hults Bruk Aneby
I carry that Estwing , outstanding AF it is.
Excellent video quality. I like them but probably wouldn't replace my Fiskars Hatchet or axe with them
What sharpener is that hockey puck one?
Now before seeing any of this review and just having seen what the axe looks like I can say I want one. I will update after the review.
After: I don't use my axe for fine work, most of the time I try to have an axe and a knife on me. Gerber has good style but they always fall a little short on function. The survival kit is pretty much a gimmick and that rattle would drive me nuts
Conclusion: I will get the larger axe in grey for my truck, cause it matches my interior lol
Please do,I just bought a council tools 2lbs axe short handle,sharp af,works great, I like that it looks like the Gerber axe does pretty good splitting
Loved the look.
Yeah near 2 1/2lb hatchet is quite heavy especially seeing as its a hollow handle could be nice with the beard for carving if one could reprofile it. It's a concept certainly.
What is the convex axe edge you talked about? And how do you do it?
Would people recommend this or the x11? I would be car camping and using to make kindling at home. Not really planning to back pack
Is the handle replaceable? Otherwise it's not really a survival tool.
No it’s not replaceable.
I see all these gerber hate comments. I love gerber… I’d like to know some cons of the brand in general and other brands that are good/better.
In your comparisons you discuss the Fiskars X7, however your video pictures the X11. Which of the Fiskars models did you compare this Gerber hatchet to?
If you compared to the X11, how did they compare for wood splitting? I believe Gerber & X11 are similar weight & price.
I agree that this product appears to be more of an all around large camp/yard/farm tool than a precision bushcraft tool. Gerber's naming seems a bit off.
I am looking for a tool to have on board my Gators around the farm & also to take in RV for general camp use. On farm greater use is chopping & delimbing, camping will be splitting.
Maybe store an extra Gator spark plug in handle??
Thank you for your many fine product reviews throughout the years!
I have the swing that I got at a flea market for $5 it is a full size ax use it on many camps cut down everything I needed to split everything I needed to Best Buy bucks I've ever spent
Great vid! Its hard for me to imagine replacing my X7, especially knowing id be packing an extra pound. it tears up anything i put under it and i have a lot of confidence with it.
Nice intro 😁
Hi , it is very easy to resharpen ? I want a axe very easy to resharpen and this model is interesting . Thank you .
Did they give you hot spots????
How do you put a new handle on it when it brakes in the cold lol
I'm tired of all the comments saying "I could get such and such cheaper". "At the blank store I could get a hatchet cheaper". OKAY. Then go to the store and get one cheaper and stop watching the video. This video is a review, so if you don't intend to buy it then just don't watch. Jeez
I can get a better-quality axe, one I can replace the handles on if needed, for the same price or less. I am not sure why every company feels the need to reinvent the wheel. I mean Gerber needs to concentrate on the quality of their knives. If they want to add other stuff why not add better or more sheath options or at least as add ons. If you have had the QC issues they have had maybe concentrate there instead. That said you did a good job in the review and my issue is not with that or you but rather with Gerber. Sorry if it came across that way.
No worries at all, I don’t disagree with anything that you said my friend. Really appreciate the comment and your viewership and being part of the GT family. Hope you have a great week, come back on Saturday I plan on doing the Sog recondo FX in 440C 😮
Wow I love random holes in stress areas on tools
Great honest review! Thank you 🙏🏼😎
They leave them dull because everyone has their preferred edge
I bought what I assume was one of Ferber so first generation hatchets.. 2000’s sometime.. before they hid the head wrapping behind a wedge of steel. I immediately regretted my initial enthusiasm as I got splinters of wood jammed up in the b.. I’m sure they’ve figured it out since then but because of that initial introduction, I won’t buy a fiskars or Ferber or any damn thing that the handle wraps the head instead of being a regular damn axe handle up inside the damn head.
A nutnfancy review would be a year in waiting. Thanks for the quick review!
Thanks my friend, trying to get good solid testing in but also quick turnaround speeds for the content.
Great video; keep them coming
Thoughts on Hardcore Hatchets? I have one but it's too pretty to use haha
Excellent choices see some of my videos on them.
Love the video. Just purchased the hatchet.
Hope you enjoy it!
Council Tool, Müller axes or at least Hultafors HY series. That's my only suggestions. A Fiskars X7 isn't bad, but that's the only I would suggest from Fiskars, because their large splitting axees might work, but also break sooner or later... X7 not only will last forever, but also it's the most versatile hatchet on the market from any kind of view. That's for both it's performance where it can chop and split, equaly well and any wood (great for hard woods too!) but also it's versatile because of the fact, that it makes a great hatchet for both advanced users especially amatures! Council Tool Boys axe (versatile do it all perfect size axe), Müller Biber Canada (Best Forest axe on the market today),Hultafors HY 1.2 or 1.5 (the 1.5 makes a perfect combo with the Müller Biber Canada) the 1.2 is closer to a Boys axe design. Those are some of the best axes out there, if not THE best.
Aaron, do those kits fit in Fiskars axes?
These look pretty dope and good price, I think I’m gonna be happier with my gransfors bruk small forest axe 😏
Hey bud! Awesome videos btw! I was wondering if you have reviewed the 5-in-1 Bushcrafter Hatchet by Ready Hour
Thanks for watching. I will look into that design.
@@gideonstactical it’s not made in USA but it looks promising with a full tang?
I have a love hate relationship with your channel bud, here’s why. I love your channel because I know no matter what I’m going to get an honest to God review, good or bad, but on the other hand I hate your channel because between my addiction to knives, axes, edc gear or what have you you always cause damage to my bank account (saved me lots of wasted money as well) because of those honest reviews. I know I will always get the right answer to my questions when it comes to you. They may not be the answers I was hoping for, but I truly believe they’re honest. Keep doing what you do and never change because some manufacturer(s) got their feelings hurt and want you to give them a good review for something that doesn’t measure up!!!!
I think if I put that edge on my belt grinder and reprofiked the whole thing it would work well
How about loosing the "survival kit" and making the handle even more robust?
I believe the handles are structurally sound. And if you put more weight in the handle it would just make the whole tool even heavier and throw off the balance. If anything ditch the survival kit all together and drop the price by $10 bucks.
Gerber could sell it with a removable handle plug. If you want a “survival kit” you can make your own and stuff it in a way that doesn’t rattle. It will help seal out dirt/dust/critters, which would address the concern the commenter from Australia (where it seems like EVERYTHING is venomous) @Skartimus Prime brought up. You could also change the weight/ balance of the axe if that is something you feel the need to do.
What about rust?
Just picked up the axe for $36. Not bad
Yes for that price!!
Looks like pretty dry wood, can probably split it with a big knife 😂seriously the ax looks pretty effective. What steel is it made from? How is it for chopping down a tree?
I use my Gerber hatchet more than any other simply because I don’t care about it. No qualms about chopping roots or wood that might have nails in it. Take out larger nicks with a file, sharpen with my belt sander. Smaller nicks will sharpen out eventually. For bushcraft though, Hults Bruk or Council tool. Plastic in camp just doesn’t seem right.
What would you rate it out of 10?
5/10
It’s intriguing for a truck axe, but I’d still rather have an Estwing for its durability.
Excellent video Sir
The "survival kit" being just 5ft of paracord and a mini lighter is kinda pointless. You can fit way more than that taped into the handle of a fiskars. Its not like you are gonna be dropped out of an airplane with nothing but this axe and a loincloth, so that the kit *has* to be secured into the handle of the axe. Other than than seems like a decent axe