Overview
The concept behind our newest collaboration with Winkler Knives began a couple years ago in the backcountry. Our resident hard goods expert, Jason, was testing the limits of a high end custom hawk (specifically designed as a weapon) in alternative ways to determine the scope of its versatility and its shortcomings as a tool. From wood processing to driving tent stakes to food preparation, he was impressed with its initial usefulness and saw the opportunity to modify a weapon originally intended for the Special Operations Community into a utility tool for lightweight backpacking. Combining the attributes of multiple tools and compressing it into a compact package, we worked closely with Daniel Winkler to introduce the Winkler Combat Axe LT TAD Edition.
Features:
- The shape of the handle is designed to provide comfort while minimizing weight and maximizing power. Its fully tapered skeletonized tang increases carry-ability (a plus for those concerned with a low load out factor) and provides a more neutral weight to increase striking power without sacrificing recovery time. We chose to integrate Winkler’s signature palm swell because it allows the user to choke up on the handle for better manipulation of the blade. Lastly, a further emphasized swell of the butt provides security against losing your grip during a heavy swing.
- A sharpened inside edge makes it difficult to choke up close to the head of the axe, so for this iteration, we removed the edge to make a safer platform when using the palm swell. This alteration also allows you to hang the axe for easy storage.
- We designed the blade to sweep more than a traditional hawk so that the user can fluidly maneuver the tool with increased control, safety and leverage for close-up work.
- The open front, felt-lined Kydex scabbard is incredibly fast and quiet. This carry position allows you to draw forward, towards the front of the sheath and away from your body. The sheath also comes with nylon belt hangers and three strategically placed hollow pins for modular carry options.