Klecker’s Klax axe heads are multi-functional tools that can be attached to standard axe handles OR clamped to branches in the field.
The interesting take on axe heads were successfully funded as part of a Kickstarter campaign, and are now available for preorder.
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The appealing part of the Klax is that it takes up little space but can be built into a functional axe when needed. It’s mainly designed for hikers, campers, survivalists, and other types of outdoors enthusiasts.
There are four models:
- 10-in-1 Lumberjack Axe
- 10-in-1 Ti-Klax Titanium Lumberjack Axe
- 5-in-1 Woodsman Axe
- 5-in-1 Feller Axe
The Lumberjack, Woodsman, and Feller Klax axe heads are all made from heat-treated 5/16″ SUS420J2 stainless steel, an alloy which Klecker chose for its balance between edge retention and strength. The titanium version is made from Ti-4452813 with anodized blue highlights.
Common Features
- Axe blade
- Thumb jimping
- Scraper
- Lanyard Hole (this seems to have been removed from Woodsman and Feller models)
- Handle clamp (except Feller)
- Carabiner
- Hammer edge
Instead of a handle clamp, the Feller has an abutment screw for lashing the axe head to a handle using paracord.
In order for a branch or handle to be fitted to the Klax axe heads with built-in clamps, there must be a slot at one end of a handle shaft, and two notches on the outside.
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The lumberjack models also feature 5 wrench sizes, a ruler, a 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit socket hole, and a bottle opener.
MSRP prices: $115 for the Feller, $135 for the Woodsman, $160 for the Lumberjack, and $550 for the Ti Lumberjack. Optional 15″ hardwood handles are available for $20 each.
COO: Tentatively China
Buy Now(via BladeHQ)
More Info(via Klecker)
First Thoughts
The Klax axe heads look very cool, and also very practical, but they are also quite pricey. They are ideal for outdoors types who think they might need an axe or hatchet but don’t want to carry one just in case.
Here’s a video demo by an early reviewer that shows that the Klax can handle a decent amount of use and abuse:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwNbRh1CfrU
I can’t really see fault with any of the Klecker Klax axe heads. They look to do exactly what they were built for. They’re very pricey, even the two less featured models, which means they will probably appeal more to seasoned outdoors types that have run out of standard necessities to buy.
To be fair, this is something I might be seriously interested in if I was more into camping or hiking into remote areas. When hiking or camping, everything you carry needs to be justified, and every ounce counts.
The Klax seems to be to axes and hatchets as Leatherman multi-tools are to pliers and screwdrivers. They’re not meant to provide optimal functionality or performance, but can get the job done.
I cannot help but think that this would be a great tool to be shown on the Walking Dead, or in another zombie apocalypse TV show or movie. That’s not to say it’s gimmicky, but the Klax has that kind of there if and when you need it utility scent about it.
skfarmer
oh my……………….please put up more videos of pretty girls chopping down trees while on their hands and knees in the woods wearing short shorts and out of breath. 😉
Steve Cox
+1
Stan
Yet, the comments are disabled in that video. Gee I wonder why though haha.
This seems to be a neat idea in theory, but I honestly can’t see this being used for serious work though.
Clayton M
I like the Woodsman model, and after reading more about it the clamping system looks like it could work well. The split and notch system could probably be easily made in the field with the blade without too much effort or risk. It seems like Glenn Klecker has designed some Leatherman tools (per the video), so I am sure the engineering behind it is solid.
The obvious knee jerk reaction is that it’s very expensive, especially considering that they’re in Gransfors Bruks price territory, but it is certainly a more limited run product and extremely compact/lightweight. I would have liked to see them at least include a handle at those price points.
As a theory, the titanium model could be nice for weight but may perform worse than the steel as a chopper due to it’s lightness.
Andrey G
In the video, the girl clearly shows that as hatchet this thing to use is very problematic.
Clayton M
Well, she wasn’t chopping from both angles to remove material, so it could have been a technique issue also.
Dan
I would say its only going to really useful in a survival role and then only when carried weight is critical. If your camping a proper axe paired with a leatherman will be much better.
Mike47
If you buy one, does it mean you’ve joined the Klecker Klax Klan?
joe
Honestly, I would not buy it since a leatherman and a regular small ax can do the same and probably more efficiently.
For cutting small trees like she did in the video, a machete would cut it with two swift swings (probably one freshly sharpen). How do I know? I had to trim a few trees in a property when I ran out of gas and opt to borrow a landscapers’ machete that looked similar like this one…
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/CN2094S/condor-tool-knife-ctk2094s-bolo-machete-satin-stainless-steel-blade-polypropylene-handles-leather-sheath
….I was amazed how easy cutting thick tree limbs was. With a small sharpening filer or a home made small book of sand paper and the machete, you can cut with ease.
Good eye candy though lol…
jesse
You could buy some real hatchets for the price of one of these gadgets.
Toolfreak
Seems like the version of the 99 cent “credit card multi-tool” for people with way too much money.
Serious campers/hikers/survivalists use a SAW to cut wood. You can buy a more than decent folding saw for $20-30, that weighs just a few ounces and can cut branches and even smaller trees in short order.
For those who must have an axe, there are ultra-light stainless or even T-6 hardened aluminum versions, or mini versions with fiberglass handles.