Tomahawks, hatches and handaxes are often a point of contention among the tactically-minded. Some dismiss them as a useless affectation. Others view them as a practical, even pragmatic piece of kit. The truth probably falls somewhere in between, and is largely dependent upon job and need. While we've seen them used for breaching, for rescue work in exigent situations, for camping and survival work and many other tasks, such tools are often relegated to a standby position in someone's loadout.
That said, who doesn't want to ruck up and go hew the head off some enemy of freedom in a mud hut somewhere...at least once.
No one, that's who.
To that end, and to be fair to a number of more mundane and realistic ends, Tops Knives has released the VI Ax. Short for Viking Axe (it doesn't stand for six), it was designed by Leo Espinoza and is manufactured from "one solid slab" of 5/16 in. 1075 steel in stead of the more common 1095. According to Tops, this was to provide, "....better impact resistance with only slightly less edge retention."
The tool can be customized with a polished blade or black handle O-Rings and ships with a dual-snapped black leather blade-cover sheath. This is not a blade sheath, though there are 2 small loops on the back that can be used to secure it to a pack or other MOLLE gear. The VI Ax is the largest tool of its kind TOPS has ever made. As they describe it,
"Its large blade will chop through just about anything you put in front of it. The spike on the back is double-edged to provide maximum damage, and the grippy Black Linen Micarta [sic] handles will help provide a secure grip when swinging an axe that a Viking would be proud to wield."
We're not sure who writes their copy, or if a Viking would actually be proud to wield this thing, but we cannot deny we'd like to deal out a few hacks with it. The MSRP of this thing is $330.00, though it is currently available for $264.00. This will lead to the inevitable complaints about price, which in turn will lead to our inevitable response -- if you don't need it, or think it's too expensive, don't buy it. Why? Because, capitalism. If you do have a legitimate use for it, just want one because you think it's cool or are a try-hard attempting to impress Ingeborg the Hotty down at the fjord --more power to you.
To learn more about this and other TOPS implements, follow them on Instagram (@topsknives) or find them on Facebook, /TOPSknivesofficial/.
Knife Type Axe
Overall Length 15.25"
Blade Length 5.25"
Cutting Edge 2.13"
Secondary Edge 1.88"
Blade Thickness 0.310"
Blade Finish Black Traction Coating
Handle Material Black Linen Micarta
Knife Weight 39oz
Weight w/ Sheath 44.6oz
Sheath Included Yes
Sheath Material Black Leather
Designer Leo Espinoza
There is no word regarding how the use of this ax will affect your dancing ability.
