GERBERGear Gator Combo Axe [31-001054]

I did a lot of research before buying this. I looked at SOG and lots of other companies, and what you get it is ABSOLUTELY professional grade and durability. I bought this for my B.O.B. but now own two.Axe:I have to split this into 3 sections because its needs this kind of review. I watched a lot of Youtube videos, whom get paid to review it and like it. But, real world is the only review it needs. THERE IS NOTHING COMPARABLE.The Axe Blade:This will cut your finger off like a knife. I cut my self not even 3 minutes out of the packaging. I just wanted to check the edge and was surprised (obviously). It has a good wide head without it being too big. I have a full size gerber axe and some 40 year old thing too. I wanted something lightweight that still does the job. The SOG verision is a little longer but is super thin compared to this. I have used it to split an entire cord of wood and the blade is still sharp. The blade is heat treated. I can still throw it if I wanted too.The Axe Head Back.This is what majorly separated itself from anything else. This is a full size hammer head that takes some disrespecting abuse. I was hammering nail points to try and F*&@ it up. For a basic preppers carrying too many tools is stupid and ignorant.The Axe handle.I tried to break it. I failed. After bending it, Throwing huge rocks at it, and then taking my 04 Suburban and driving over it, I couldn't break it. It is polymer (plastic) but that's what makes it resilient. I know I could cut it off with the little saw that comes with it, but no axe will handle that, and why in the world would you do that anyway.It comes with a head cover! I keep it in this now so I don't hurt myself again. Its very durable and has some hanging options on it. I wish it had Molle compatible webbing but made it work without it on the side of my back.The Saw:Its a typical little saw, its full tang and runs up into the handle which is good, didn't use it much but it is the reason I bought this set. Try to cut down on weight in my pack and increase its usage this is perfect, Its nice and sharp as well and best yet, its in the axe handle. Its held in place by a rubber strap, and will be handy if I ever need it.Hands down best tool for camping, Hiking Ive ever owned. I own Gerber hand tools and many guns and knifes. In a real life world tool, this is necessary and sharp.

The Gerber 22-41420 Gator Combo Axe II is overqualified for its job. My regular hand axe weighs just under 2 pounds; at just over 1 pound the Gerber performed just as well and was easier to control. Out of the box it was almost sharp enough to shave hair off the arm, and after 30 minutes of use it cleaned up in under two minutes with a paper towel, nylon brush (for the saw teeth), and a few sprays of Rem Oil.I try to test survival-type equipment at about 40% of regular "power" to simulate fatigue/injury/exposure. Test cuts conducted on 6, 8, and 10 inch diameter rounds of seasoned Alder (cut to a 14" length) resulted in four rounds quickly reduced to kindling. Six and eight inch rounds were split completely through with one strike while the 10 inch round took 3 strikes to split completely (it also had a 1 1/2" knot dead center). Cross-grain cuts were almost as easy as cuts made with-the-grain. Knots in the wood had to be worked around instead of powered through but I feel the added finesse of the Gerber more than makes up for the extra few seconds this takes. I was easily able to use the axe to make fine shavings for tinder as well.The both the axe and the hideaway saw were tested on unseasoned Douglas Fir. With the same 40% effort the saw went through a 2" branch in 8 seconds; at about 75% effort it made the same cut in 5 seconds. The axe powered through everything thrown at it in just a few easy whacks. The reverse of the axe head was used to drive several nails of various length and diameter into a 2x4, and while it took longer and required more effort than a standard hammer it was easier than using my other hand axe. The Gerber should handle tent stakes like a pro.As noted in other reviews the saw is held in the handle via magnets and friction, so as a precaution against wear on the friction surfaces I removed it and set it aside whenever I was using the axe. I don't know if this was needed as the saw seems to be comfortably snug when stowed. The axe has to be removed from the sheath in order to be used as a hammer so it requires additional caution. The sheath seems like it would be easy enough to modify for any DIY types if that's a big concern.Overall, this is an extremely well designed and crafted product. I'd give it six stars if I could. I cannot recommend it enough!

I love this axe!The previous axe I owned was also a Gerber. Almost the exact same design, length, and weight, but without the saw... That was several years ago...Gerber has impressed me again with there good quality equipment.The axe is a wonderful piece of equipment. Some might think the plastic makes the axe weaker. I've thoroughly tested that theory out. That claim has never been true for me. The back of the head makes a perfect hammer (just be careful of the blade when using it like that!). To me the axe feels well balanced. There is extra grip added to the axe handle, which is nice.The saw is really, really good! I tested it out right away by taking a piece of hardwood (about 3 inches thick) and cutting right through it. The axe had no problems cutting it and there was no damage to any part of the saw. No looseness, dents, or anything like that.I love how you can use the axe while the saw is inside it. Some people seem to think you can't... Maybe if you swing hard enough you can't? No, I don't think so... The saw is in so securely, that no matter how hard you swing, the saws just not coming out! I don't think so...Anyway, I recommend you try it out and see! It's an amazing tool...Lightweight, reasonably priced, solid tool, should last for decades, etc...