Knives and Tools

Recent Knife/Tool Reviews

Fiskars Chopping Axe

The FISKARS Chopping Axe (WALMART $34.47) is basically just a longer handled version of the FISKARS X15 axe (Amazon $33.98) with a new paint job. Here is a side by side comparison of the two axes. (New black longer FISKARS Chopping Axe on the left, the FISKARS X15 on the right) If you like winter camping using either a hot tent with a wood stove or bush craft with tarps and a long fire, you shall process a lot of wood. In the winter, you need to find standing dead trees because the downed or leaning… Full review

Estwing Leather Sportsman's Axe

I used to only take a saw along on my outdoor adventures, but recently I've added a small hatchet to my backcountry tool kit. I was gifted with the Estwing Sportsman's Axe, a medium-sized hatchet constructed from a single piece of forged steel. This axe has a nice balance and weight to it, although it would be easier to trek around if it weighed a few ounces less, but it seems to get the job done. I've put together a short video review of this handy little axe. Please check it out. Here is my video… Full review

Estwing Camper's Axe

Not a backpacking item, but it is a great Camper's Axe and for around the house for the firepit. It's a great item when camping and holds its edge well. I picked it up at the local big box hardware store for under $50 plus tax.  Full review

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

Looks great, and the folding mechanism is clever, but it's too small, and I was disappointed in the quality... Ease of Use (4/10): I'll talk about the folding mechanism later, the actual use of this saw is fundamentally the saw as any other bow saw. You'd think there isn't anything that Gerber could screw up, but there are a few impediments inherent in this particular design which make it difficult to use. The blade length is very short, which means the logs you can cut cannot be more than about… Full review

TheTentLab Deuce of Spades

The #1 item for when I need to go #2. The Deuce of Spades is a great little trowel that works like a charm. I wrap a bandana around the handle to make it a little easier to use. I received this as a prize from Trailspace for being a Reviewer of the Month. A quick note: I was initially hesitant to write this review, since this product is already well covered here on Trailspace (at the time of writing, there are six reviews, all 5-stars), but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that… Full review

Cold Steel Master Hunter in San Mai

This trail companion is a keeper for life. Full review

Morakniv Companion

This lightweight knife will be the only one needed. Having a extensive collection of knives and katanas I've come to find that high carbon steel knives are my favorite. When compared to stainless steels, carbon is softer, but tougher. That means that it's easier to sharpen and less likely to chip, as it's not as brittle. It will rust if left wet, but that's not necessarily bad, as long as it's not kept wet to the point it eats away steel. The Companion comes very sharp and highly polished and all… Full review

Leatherman Super Tool 300

Does just about anything that needs doing on trail, except cook dinner and tuck you in bed. So useful that I have three; one for each bag I own. Only a lack of insight could bring me to pay twice as much for a half-pint sized multi-tool with one quarter of the utility the Leatherman 300 has. Just remember to get more than one, because as the saying goes, "Two is one as one is none"; meaning small stuff will be the first things lost and if you've only got one, when it's lost or dropped to the bottom… Full review

Leatherman Super Tool 300

This is my EDC tool. I take this with me everywhere. It is very handy and not heavy at all, in fact, this is the best Leatherman you could possibly own. The package says 19 tools, but I found 21 uses for this handy tool and recently I had 'No Fear' engraved on it. That's how much I love this tool. It's my favorite Leatherman and I own a few. You can't go wrong with this one. This is a tough tool indeed. This is not a medium-duty tool like the Wave, Rebar, or Charge. It is not a budget tool like… Full review