iunio Camping Axe, Hatchet with Sheath, Multi-Tool, Camp Ax, Survival Gear, Folding Portable Tools, for Hiking, Backpacking, Emergency, Hunting, Outdoor

Initially, I was looking for a traditional hatchet (wooden handle) for an upcoming backpacking trip I was planning. But, after watching some youtube videos on "best backpacking hatchet" which had nothing but positive reviews of this camping axe, I decided to purchase one for myself.First, I have only 3 complaints for the axe. 1) For any backpacker, weight is always at the forefront of any purchase. This axe is heavy. But, I made the decision to add it to my kit because I felt the positives of the axe outweighed the negatives. Plus, I purchased it knowing that it would weigh a lot. So, this is one complaint that I was already anticipating when I was making my purchase. 2) The handle of the axe is round. So, the user is not able to easily index it and know where the cutting edge of the axe blade is. This became an issue when chopping fire wood and the axe head would dislodge and loosen/ unscrew after every swing. At first, I thought it was a defective. But, after a few swings, I realized that it was user error. After making adjustments to my grip to properly index the axe, I had no issues with the axe head. 3) After, normal use, the compass at the bottom of the handle came off exposing a needle.The first 2 issues weren't really issues at at all. And. the 3rd issue was taken care by contacting IUNIO. I have to say that dealing with IUNIO has been nothing short of AMAZING. They are a company that makes a quality product and stands behind it. I was contacted by Candy, who made sure a new piece was sent out, made sure it was received, and followed up to make sure I was satisfied. I wish IUNIO made more products for backpacking because after using their axe and multi tools, and dealing with Candy, I trust them 100%. I know that I will get a quality product, backed by a quality company.The replacement compass hasn't broken off, even after many uses. I love having the option to either pack the axe up in the included pouch or, to put the axe together and carry it on my pack. Having that option, helps me to be versatile in the field. Also, you can adjust the length of the axe handle to suit your needs. This axe has become a permanent part of my backpacking kit-regardless of the weight. I recommend it 100%. You will not be disappointed. And, you can purchase with confidence, knowing that IUNIO will stand by their product and really have their customer's satisfaction in mind.

This is my third review of the axe, as at first I loved it, then it broke on first use and I hated it, now I love it again. ;-) Recognizing there was a defect in the original design, the manufacturer redesigned the axe head (where it connects with the handle), replacing a version which used bolts, to a new screw-in version. After asking for a refund/return, I was provided the upgraded version, and it is everything the original was, and more! Besides the improved head, it now also comes with its own carry-pouch (disassembled), and there is still an axe head sheath, with belt loop, if you want to carry assembled. A great product made way better. It's a great deal, too.[review after axe broke...] Out of the box, I thought this axe was the bomb (original 5-star review below), but on the first use, one of the two hex-head bolts holding the axe head to the handle broke... not loose, but flat out broke, leaving me in the woods, without an axe, and without any more firewood. Boo. What could have been a fantastic product is a total dud, for their lack of using grade 8 (or even grade 5) bolts. Boo.[original review...] There are many axes on Amazon, but nothing like this amazing multi-tool. I just wanted an axe with a beltloop sheath for the campsite, but it's that and way more. Perfect heft and balance as an axe, plus hammer, knife, saw, whistle, punch, compass. And, it comes with camo wrap tape to make a personalized grip. Add your own fishing line and hook, and it'd be a perfect survival tool. The precision quality is great... bargain price, too. I can't recommend this highly enough. It's definitely on the holiday shopping list for a few lucky buddies.

I would describe this more as a hatchet than an axe, as its maximum overall length is 16.1”, but that's more of a quibble than a defect. It's also described as foldable; while it doesn't fold, it does disassemble.Starting off, let's discuss the material, finish and workmanship. Both the axe head [steel] and the handle(s) [aluminum] are a uniform, gloss black. The axe blade is securely attached to the axe head through its tang by two heavy bolts, which keep the blade absolutely secure. The threads –both male and female-- are smooth and clean: no burrs, feathering or other defects. They smoothly assemble and disassemble . . . in the case of the uppermost threads –the ones securing the axe head/axe body to the larger extension rod-- they “smoothly assemble and disassemble” a bit too much, as a few have already noted. An easy fix is applying a bit of Permatex/Locktite threadlocker to the first extension handle before firmly screwing them together.* Each of the male threaded ends have a rubber O-ring included; a nice touch, as that assures waterproofing the interior of the handle. I would recommend lubricating the other threads, either with WD-40 or equivalent, or white lithium grease.The included accessories –fish scaling tool/knife and fire starter/emergency whistle-- screw inside their respective extension handles. Unlike the IUNIO Military Portable Folding Shovel and Pickax, which allows you to screw the fish scaling tool/knife and fire starter/emergency whistle accessories both ways (one to store and one to use), the Camping Axe Multi-tool Hatchet accessories can only be assembled in the “use” position.Also, while the shovel has a convenient storage pouch for carrying the disassembled sections, the Camping Axe Multi-tool Hatchet does not. Instead, the individual pieces are nested in foam cutouts inside a protective cardboard box. This leaves the user with one of two options: keep the axe completely disassembled and stored between uses, or keep it completely assembled all the time. If you have elected to threadlock the axe head and first extension handle (which is done to keep it from unscrewing and loosening when used), storing it disassembled in its box is no longer an option. This is not an insurmountable difficulty, as the axe head does have a protective sheathe, which can, in turn, be attached to a belt, backpack, etc.The handles are knurled, to facilitate grip, something they do almost too well; gloves are (almost) a necessity. Included is a small roll of grip tape; more specifically, a cohesive camo stretch bandage. This is not just for cosmetic/visual enhancement: properly applied to the knurled sections, the tape provides both grip and a gentle cushiony effect. (I highly recommend using it)The axe blade comes quite sharp: although I can't shave hair with it, I can shave a fingernail. The geometry of the blade seems correct as well, but I have to admit I'm not an axe expert.Fully assembled, the axe has a nice heft and balance, neither too heavy nor too light; partially assembled to the shorter length, it still has a comfortable feel.Overall I am very impressed with the Camping Axe Multi-tool Hatchet's design, functionality and workmanship, and am looking forward to giving it a real workout the next time I go camping.(I would have awarded it 5 stars except for the issue regarding storage of the individual parts)*In fact, as part of a "Thank you" email I received at the time of purchase was the following: "A Helpful Tip: In order to make our axe perform better and provide you with many years of useful service, we suggest that you apply some thread locking compound to the inside of the axe head screw prior to use. Although we have applied this thread locker in the production process when manufacturing this product, this step will ensure better use of our product in the long run. Of course, you can contact us to receive a $5 refund for you to buy a thread locker compound on Amazon so you are not out of pocket any extra money. " Needless to say, I was quite impressed with their Customer Service being so proactive!