SOG Badaxe Backcountry

Anyone who has to carry out any form of small scale forestry, tree or fence maintenance or any other jobs around a shoot or plantation will know the worth and value of a small quality axe Not the usual implement associated with SOG that takes its name from the Studies & Observation Group, an American Special Forces organisation, whilst the Badaxe Backcountry has little if any relationship to the company’s military origins the practicality of this axe speaks for itself.

Weighing in at 29 ounces with an overall length of 15½” a black reinforced nylon shaft complete with a solid fiberglass core and stylized raised SOG wording that forms the allweather grip is solidly attached to a raw forged RC 50-55 steel axe head with a protective silvered finish. The blade is 3” in length and will need sharpening before use, the reason being various users prefer their axes to be sharpened to different levels of sharpness and at varying angles. However, once an edge has been achieved the keenness will remain even after chopping relatively hard woods. At the opposite side of the axe head a 1½”x¾” section provides an effective and well weighted hammer, the blade and hammer alone making the Badaxe an effective tool. Well weighted with a forward bias, the axe is easily wielded, control of the swing and delicacy of impact determined by where along the shaft you actually hold it.

An Axe Based Multi-Tool?

Where the Badax allows for an additional function is concealed within the handle. By squeezing together the two small lugs that protrude from the bottom of the shaft, a 7½” rip saw can be withdrawn. Featuring a serrated grip, as the saw is withdrawn the finger guard automatically folds down. Whilst there are of course limits as to just how large a tree or piece of timber this saw will take on, its efficiency, just like the axe itself, far outweighs its size. Supplied complete with a hinged, nylon moulded belt holster, sprung belt clip and a lifetime guarantee, SOG’s Badaxe Backcountry retails for £72.81p. A more than useful tool for anyone who carries out any form of rural maintenance or a useful tool to be carried in the toolbox of a 4x4 or quad, the Badaxe Backcountry personifies SOG’s no nonsense approach to practical equipment.

For more details on the Badaxe Backcountry and all SOG’s products contact UK importers Highland Outdoors on 0845 0990252 or visit www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk