Nice axe - Gerber Gator Axe II Combo w/ Saw

I needed a lightweight axe for camping and emergency use. The Gerber Gator Combo Axe fulfills this purpose nicely. The axe case is heavy-duty with a reliable Velcro fastener. There is double stitching over frequent use areas but only single stitch on low-stress areas. (A rivet helps ease the stress considerably.)

The axe feels sturdy in my hand though the plastic casing around the head worries me a little. Another consideration is a cautionary sticker warning against using the back of the axe head as a hammer--something I was planning on doing. The would-be hammer head is not uniformly flat either so pounding a tent stake with this tool may be problematic, risk damaging the tool, and may result in injury. I guess I'll use my shovel instead.

The saw blade is real vicious with teeth alternating between sides and providing a lot more cutting surface than you might expect. The internal magnetic sheath feels strong and durable but I will be carrying the axe strapped to my pack head-down and blade-up just in case. Also, I suggest removing the saw before using the axe as the magnet might not be up to the jarring intensity of chopping wood.

All in all I consider this a very worthwhile purchase. I received the product quickly with no hassles.
Pros: Compact, Multi-use
Cons: Plastic Casing

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.