Gerber Gator Combo Axe II

An axe is a very handy item to have available when you’re in the wilds (or in the garden for that matter!) so the Gerber Gator Combo Axe II is perfect for all sorts of general chopping tasks. The forged stainless steel axe head is 4¾-inches front to back with a cutting edge of 2¾-inches; the rear of the head is flat and ideal for use as a makeshift hammer if necessary. The head is moulded within the end of the glass filled nylon handle and there’s a non-slip, textured ‘Gator Grip’ insert to provide a safe grip in all conditions. Overall length is 15½-inches and the weight is 1lb 8oz combined.

I say combined, as this axe has a hidden extra up its sleeve! Pull away the rubber ‘cup’ on the bottom of the handle and you’ll see that there are a couple of grooves visible. Pull on these and out pops a useful little wood saw! The blade features the type of teeth employed on pruning saws and even though the cutting edge is only six-inches, it’s still man enough to cut through quite thick branches. Okay, you’re not going to be felling any trees with it but for general shelter building tasks etc., it’s perfect and always to hand. The saw handle also has Gerber’s customary grip inserts. The saw is actually retained within the handle by a couple of strong magnets, so the rubber strap is just a ‘belt and braces’ measure. A ballistic nylon sheath allows the axe to be worn on the belt and the axe is held secure by a hook and loop fastened flap.

The Gerber Gator Combo Axe II performed well and was very handy whilst cutting back an overgrown cherry tree in the garden. At around £50 it is also good value for money, especially as it combines two tools in one.