Gerber – Axeing

Gerber 17.5-Inch Freescape Hatchet Review

chris — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 11:55:06 +0000

Take a look at the Gerber Freescape Hatchet. Created by the American-based company Gerber, this rugged tool is versatile and durable. Its forged steel head has a friction-resistant coating to offer smooth chopping power. The axe head is over-molded into the handle to reduce the possibility of splitting or breaking.

A textured grip on the handle keeps the axe from slipping when in use and the reinforced glass-filled handle offers comfort and reliability. The sheath is one of Gerber’s unique designs: a slipcover that wraps around the back of the hatchet and can be stored directly into the handle when not in use. It comes in fluorescent green to match the accenting on the handle.

The striking contrast of black against green offers users maximum visibility plus the added bonus of a sleek, tactical appearance. This excellent hatchet delivers a simplistic yet durable design, making it an ideal choice for camping or backpacking trips.

Key Specification

Brand: Gerber
Model: Freescape Hatchet
Overall Length: 17.5”
Blade Length: 3.1”
Head Material: Drop Forged Steel
Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
Overall Weight: 32.6 oz.
Sheath: Plastic Slipcover or Kydex Sheath

Features

The first thing you notice about this hatchet is the color. It is a shocking bright green, which makes it easy to spot and offers a colorful, modern twist to the traditional hatchet. The axe head is made from forged steel rated at HRC 55. It is coated in a low-friction black coating, which gives it a lustrous finish as well as a functional advantage. The black glass filled handle is finished with a textured green grip that offers a lanyard hole at the end.

The Gerber logo can be found elegantly embossed on the side of the handle. Another great feature is the blunt back end, which is effective in hammering stakes or nails. Despite being an American company, this particular hatchet is made in Finland. The Gerber website boasts the introduction of the innovative quick-remove matching green sheath that offers a firm plastic slip-on cover with a durable elastic strap that secure around the back of the axe head. I have to say, I am not a fan of this sheath. While it does offer a convenient quick release option, it also seems like it could come loose if it snags on something.

There is also limited carry options with this cover. Gerber used to offer another more functional Kydex sheath as well though it is not clear if it is still included with your purchase. However, at a little over two pounds, it can be conveniently situated in a backpack. This is a great camping hatchet for the simplistic outdoorsman. It won’t do much in the way of heavy-duty tasks, but it will certainly tackle your basic campsite duties with ease. Kindling, chopping branches, building shelter, and chopping up firework can be both fun and simple with the Gerber Freescape Hatchet.

Wrap-Up

Are you looking for a simple tool that will help you conquer all your camping needs effortlessly? Then the Gerber Freescape Hatchet is just what you need. It has everything you need for your basic camping trip: a sharp, resilient axe head, a sturdy, comfortable handle, and a blunt end for breaking down branches or hammering in tent stakes. Plus, it offers you all this in a stylish package.

As I mentioned above, I am not a big fan of the sheath, as I think it offers very minimum blade protection and absolutely nothing in the way of carrying options. The Kydex sheath may be useful for attaching to a pack, or hanging on a wall, but it may be too clunky to attach to a belt. At a little over two pounds this axe is not particularly heavy, and thus, can easily be carried in a bag when trekking around the woods.

The steel itself is a bit soft but still it’s of decent quality, weighing in at 55HRC and boasting a friction-resistant coating. This makes for solid, sturdy chops and cuts. I recommend the Gerber 17.5-inch hatchet to the novice outdoorsman, or to those who like to keep their pack light and simple.

Gerber Downrange Tomahawk Review

chris — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 03:35:14 +0000

At first glance, you can tell immediately that the Geber Downrange Tomahawk is versatile and useful. It boasts a triple purpose axe head, with a beveled rounded edge, a blunt hammerhead on the back of the head, and a crowbar at the bottom of the handle.

This full tang, triple-threat of a tactical tomahawk is intended for breaching, extractions, demolishing, and prying. While it is not the best tool for cutting or slashing due to the dulled edge, it is still an exceptionally powerful tool that will effortlessly destroy anything in its path. It features a protective adaptable sheath made from nylon and Kydex that includes a MOLLE brand compatible holster system.

The Downrange tomahawk is a bit larger than traditional tactical hawks, but the weight is evenly balanced to ensure maximum precision control. A 420 HC steel with black Cerakote finish gives the blade added durability and a lustrous appearance.

Key Specifications

Brand: Gerber
Model: Downrange Tomahawk
Overall Length: 19.27”
Blade Edge: 3.5”
Steel Material: 420HC Stainless Steel with black Cerakote finish
Handle Material: G-10
Overall Weight: 1.9 lbs (2.5 lbs with sheath)
Sheath: Nylon and Kydex, MOLLE-compatible

Features

This “indestructible instrument of destruction” is really very efficient and really packs a punch. The full tang design is made of 420HC stainless steel and coated with a black Cerakote finish. Now, 420HC is not considered the best quality when it comes to steel, but this well-made product proves its worth against some of the toughest materials.

The MOLLE-compatible sheath design is a little flimsy, and doesn’t offer a very sturdy grip around the head, but overall is functional and useful for carrying purposes. You can also feel secure in your purchase with Gerber’s lifetime warranty, so should anything go wrong you can contact them to discuss replacement options.

Keep in mind; the edge of this tomahawk is intentionally duller than most hawks in order to protect the blade when it is cutting through harsh materials. For professionals such as first responders or military personnel, this tool can be an incredibly valuable addition to their toolset. The triple-purpose axe head gives you a wide range of tactical abilities. A cutaway handle complete with finger grooves in the head enhances the uniquely designed pry bar end to offer maximum support.

Coupled with the hammer end strong enough to smash through doorknobs, locks, hinges, concrete, and more, and you have the ultimate breaching tool. As far as comfortable handling and grip, the G-10 handle is a desert tan color with integrated scales that will keep your hands firmly on the tool. American-made by a trusted brand that has been around since the 1930s, you can rest assured that you are purchasing a sturdy, high-quality tool.

Wrap Up

Unquestionably, I think this is a tactical tomahawk worth owning. It is on the pricier side compared to some equally powerful tomahawks, but it offers you a range of tools that could definitely save your life in an emergency situation! The corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish gives the 420 HC steel a sleek look and enhanced durability that helps maintain the life of your blade.

This robust tool can break through cement, cinder blocks, doors knobs, locks, and more. It can be used to breach doorways and walls and features the unique Geber pry bar end, which makes it truly a force to be reckoned with. This tactical tomahawk can do just about anything though admittedly, it is not the best tool to chop wood with.

If you wish for a sharper, more finely honed edge, you would have to sharpen it yourself, as the blade normally comes dulled. In my opinion, this axe can be considered top quality because of its versatility. Whatever minimal flaws it has, it makes up for in practicality and effectiveness. I highly recommend purchasing this for your tool set.