SOG – Axeing

SOG F16N-CP BadAxe Base Camp Axe Review

chris — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 04:36:25 +0000

Now here’s an axe that really sticks out from the others. The SOG Base Camp Axe of the BadAxe Series is raw forged from 1055 carbon steel with a thermal molded rubber handle and a hardness rating of RC 50 – 55.

This straight blade axe is sharp, sturdy, and easy to handle so it’s perfect for outdoor activities like camping or as a secondary tool when hunting or fishing, and it’s also on our list of the best survival axes.

The steel itself has shock resistant capabilities and coupled with the rubber handle surely makes this axe a well-built tool. SOG includes its limited lifetime warranty with the purchase of this product, as well as a molded nylon sheath with a belt loop for carry.

Key Specifications

Brand: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
Model: BadAxe Base Camp Axe
Model Number: F16N-CP
Overall Length: 16”
Blade Length: 3.4”
Steel Material: 1055C, HRC 50 – 55
Handle Material: Thermal Molded Rubber
Overall Weight: 33 oz.
Sheath: Molded Nylon with Snap Closure

Features

I have to say, I’m oddly attracted to this axe. It boasts an ergonomic handle, a blunt end for hammering, and a flexible yet sharp edge while maintaining a reasonable size and weight for a carry-on axe. Not to mention the full-tang steel and the comfortable ribbed rubber handle, which gives you powerful strength and durability.

This axe is ideal for chopping smaller sized pieces of wood and hammering nails or tent poles, as well as other outdoor tasks or activities. I wouldn’t recommend it for splitting big logs or chopping large, thick pieces of wood as the head thins out and doesn’t give you the driving force you need to successfully split wood. It’s a great piece for short camping trips or as a secondary weapon to keep on your waist; my only complaint is the way the blade thins.

Aesthetically, it is an incredibly attractive piece; forged from one solid piece of 1055 HRC 50 – 55 carbon steel affixed with the SOG logo on both the steel and printed all over the rubber grip handle and accented with an orange trim. The nylon sheath that it comes with is very well made, and gives you a sleek and safe way to attach the axe to your belt and it offers a back latch for easy removal. In general, it is a hefty, effective axe and as long as you don’t put it through overly extensive tasks, it will not disappoint.

Wrap Up

If you are a camping enthusiast or just an overall outdoorsmen type, I would certainly recommend this axe. It is perfect to take on short excursions and will effectively chop down branches and foliage, hammer in nails, break down a glass or similar material, and protect you in an emergency. It’s not too heavy and has a flexible, full-tang head meant to absorb shock.

The curved shape and rubber tread on the handle gives you and smooth, sturdy grip that won’t slip in any weather condition. The nylon sheath included by SOG offers a belt loop for easy carry and is snug and secure so you can feel confident when traveling or storing the axe. It’s a nice looking piece of steel, forged from 1055C HRC 50 – 55 and molded to the SOG-imprinted thermal rubber handle.

The head is a little weaker than you would expect, given its full-tang design, but the pommel side makes up for that with its dulled, durable end. As a carry-on axe, it will surely find a place in your toolset as a camping tool. The SOG BadAxe F16N-CP Base Camp Axe definitely lives up to its title of “Bad Axe”. Plus, with its lifetime warranty, you can feel secure that in the unlikely event something occurs, you can contact SOG for a possible exchange or repair.

SOG F01TN-CP Tactical Tomahawk Review

chris — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:10:20 +0000

Today I am going to review another SOG product, the F01TN-CP Tactical Tomahawk. Now, similar to many other SOG products, the first thing you notice is the sleekness of this “tacti-cool” weapon.

This tomahawk is wickedly powerful while still managing to maintain a light, easy to handle form. It is forged from military grade 420 stainless steel with a hardness RC of 51 – 54 and coated with a black oxide coating to reduce reflectivity and provide protect against scratches. The ballistic polymer handle is attached with a steel ferrule and double bolts, giving you added security and comfortable handling.

This unique upgrade of the traditional Vietnam war-era tool is attractive and effective, and will be sure to destroy any obstacles in its way. A highly versatile tool, this tomahawk can be used for breaching operations, excavation and extraction techniques, obstacle removal, outdoor use, construction, and more! This is a great all-around tool that surely has a place in any tactical toolkit.

Key Specifications

Brand: SOG Knives & Tools
Model: Tactical Tomahawk in Black
Model Number: F01TN-CP
Overall Length: 15.75”
Blade Length: 2.75”
Steel Material: 420 Stainless Steel, HRC 51 – 54
Handle Material: Ballistic Polymer
Overall Weight: 24 oz.
Sheath: Nylon with snap closure

Features

Created by the well-known and well-respected SOG, this model of tactical tomahawk offer a razor sharp high-quality blade with steel spike affixed to a durable ergonomic ballistic polymer handle secured with a steel ferrule for added bulk. This tool is ideal for outdoor activities, tearing down debris or foliage, breaching doors or walls, excavation or extraction, emergency maneuvers, camping, and more!

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty from SOG, this brilliant take on the traditional Vietnam tomahawk is not only powerful but also handsome. The black oxide finish on the blade matches the black handle and provides you with a weapon and tool that is as lustrous as it is ferocious. A nylon sheath is included when you purchase the tool, and it appears a satisfactory protection and storage option.

The sheath has a belt loop built in and fastens with snaps, which offers you a quick release option when fixed to your waist. The SOG F01TN tactical tomahawk is just light enough to be handled comfortably but heavy enough to the damage you want it to. And with a finely honed 420 stainless steel edge possessing an HRC of 51 – 54, you can be sure it will cause some destruction.

The head also features a sharp spike end and a checkered hammering area for maximum versatility and abilities. The checkered hammering tool gives you intense smashing power with minimal damage to the blade, and the chiseled end gives you the ability to dig, pick, smash, and more!

Wrap Up

The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F01TN-CP Tactical Tomahawk is an excellent tool that is multi-functional and strong enough to tackle just about anything. Sporting a 2.75-inch axe edge blade with a 51 – 54 HRC level and scratch-resistant coating, this blade was designed to withstand damage, corrosion, and impact.

Engineered with SOG’s belief of merging the finest, most resourceful tools into one powerful multi-tool, this tomahawk allows you to flip the cutting edge over and use the blunt chiseled edge for breaching or removal while the checkering on the side offers precision hammering and placement.

The head of the axe is mounted to the polymer handle and secured with heavy-duty bolts and a steel ferrule. The handle also features an ergonomic shape and no-slip grip so you can have a secure and comfortable hold. The nylon sheath with snap closure and belt loop attachment is included to offer you both safety and portability.

Backed with a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects in manufacturing and materials, SOG products are known for producing tough, powerful tools that can perform immaculately in even the most adverse setting. This is a tomahawk that will get you through any tactical problem you can encounter. I definitely recommend this tool.

SOG F12-N Double Headed Tactical Tomahawk Review

chris — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:02:43 +0000

My review today is for the SOG Double Headed Tactical Tomahawk, product number F12-N. There is so much to say about this axe. Firstly, its medieval two-ended design is not only incredibly useful but also very cool in appearance. It is produced by SOG Specialty Knives, Inc., a knife and tool manufacturing company based in the US.

As with most SOG products, the F12-N comes with a lifetime warranty, which is great. This tool is versatile and durable, and not to mention strong. The 420 stainless steel head with lustrous black finish is fixed to the fiberglass-nylon composite handle with a steel ferrule, as well as two sturdy bolts.

The head is noticeably thick, which gives you a visible indicator of just how powerful it can be. A nylon carry sheath is included with the axe, which is useful in helping to protect the blade from damage, as well as the user from injury. Here is an overview of the key specs:

Key Specifications

Brand: SOG Specialty Knives, inc.
Model: F12-N Double Headed Tactical Tomahawk
Overall Length: 17.25”
Head Length: 6.5”
Head Material: 420 Stainless Steel
Cutting Ends: 3.25”
Handle Material: Fiberglass/Nylon
Overall Weight: 2 lb.
Sheath: Heavy-Duty Nylon

Features

As I mentioned above, this tool is very versatile and efficient. It can be used not only in traditional wood chopping, but also in excavation techniques, obstacle removal, hacking, breaching operations, and more! Another great plus is that this tactical tomahawk is lightweight enough that it can be wielded using one or two hands.

The head is comprised of 420 Stainless Steel with a hardness rating of 51 – 53 HRC and is bolted to a reinforced nylon-fiberglass handle, so you can be sure that this axe will really pack a punch! The head is coated in a scratch-resistant, hard-case black coating, which gives it a striking finish as well as reduces reflectivity.

The end of the handle is ribbed to give you a secure grip and offers a lanyard hole at the bottom if you wish to add something to tie around your wrist to further prevent slippage. SOG has beautifully embossed their logo on both the handle as well as the head, so you can be sure that you have a well-made product in your hands every time you look at it. A sheath is included to ensure that the wielder avoids injury while carrying and that the blade is protected from any corrosion.

It is made of very durable nylon and secures around the blade with strengthened rivets and snaps. Aesthetically, it offers the blade an attractive cover that matches the black handle and steel, and it offers a belt loop on the back as a convenient carrying option.

Wrap Up

Wow, what a great tool! It is a light enough to use with one hand, and robust enough to tackle almost anything you put in its way. With its medieval design, sleek black finish, and reinforced steel and handle, this tool is not only cool to look at, but also incredibly practical, powerful, and precise. With a precision balanced head and handle, you can count on increased accuracy when trying to hit your mark.

This double-headed tactical tomahawk is created and backed by a company that offers military-grade tools while maintaining uncompromising style and performance; SOG offers tactical weaponry that showcases innovation, reliability and a distinctive style.

While it can prove to be a little uncomfortable to carry on your waist due to its size, there is very little else I can complain about with the F12-N. I recommend this tool for everything from tactical to survival needs.