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Outdoors

KLAX multi-tool axe head detaches for easy transport

By Nick Lavars
June 02, 2014
KLAX multi-tool axe head detaches for easy transport
The KLAX titanium multi-tool axe head uses a custom made clamping system for easy dismantling
The KLAX titanium multi-tool axe head uses a custom made clamping system for easy dismantling
View 9 Images
Each tool comes with a snap-on protective cover and a round wooden handle
1/9
Each tool comes with a snap-on protective cover and a round wooden handle
The lightweight and versatile titanium Ti-KLAX is set to occupy the flagship multi-till axe-head spot of Klecker Knives, an Oregon-based knife and tool manufacturer
2/9
The lightweight and versatile titanium Ti-KLAX is set to occupy the flagship multi-till axe-head spot of Klecker Knives, an Oregon-based knife and tool manufacturer
The KLAX axe head weighs just 7.4 oz (210 g) and, like a beefed-up Swiss Army knife, features a bevy of built-in tools
3/9
The KLAX axe head weighs just 7.4 oz (210 g) and, like a beefed-up Swiss Army knife, features a bevy of built-in tools
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
4/9
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
Measuring 6.25 x 3.75 0.3 in (15.8 x 9.5 x 0.76 cm), the KLAX is fixed to the handle via a custom-made clamping mechanism and can be quickly detached for easier transport
5/9
Measuring 6.25 x 3.75 0.3 in (15.8 x 9.5 x 0.76 cm), the KLAX is fixed to the handle via a custom-made clamping mechanism and can be quickly detached for easier transport
The KLAX titanium multi-tool axe head uses a custom made clamping system for easy dismantling
6/9
The KLAX titanium multi-tool axe head uses a custom made clamping system for easy dismantling
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
7/9
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
Measuring 6.25 x 3.75 0.3 in (15.8 x 9.5 x 0.76 cm) KLAX is fixed to the handle via a custom-made clamping mechanism and can be quickly detached for easier transport
8/9
Measuring 6.25 x 3.75 0.3 in (15.8 x 9.5 x 0.76 cm) KLAX is fixed to the handle via a custom-made clamping mechanism and can be quickly detached for easier transport
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
9/9
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
View gallery - 9 images

Ever been walking through the woods and had that impulse to chop up a fallen log, measure each piece, scrape off the untidy bits, fix them together with nails, nuts and bolts and then crack open a fresh beer? Okay, such an urge might be beyond even the most inspired of outdoor enthusiasts, but if you're carrying a KLAX multi-tool titanium axe head, it's hard to imagine a scenario for which you'd be unprepared.

The KLAX axe head weighs just 7.4 oz (210 g) and, like a beefed-up Swiss Army knife, features a bevy of built-in tools. Measuring 6.25 x 3.75 0.3 in (15.8 x 9.5 x 0.76 cm), the KLAX is fixed to the handle via a custom-made clamping mechanism and can be quickly detached for easier transport.

In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head are a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner. The end opposite to the blade is designed to be used as a hammer and also features grooves marking an Imperial ruler along its edge.

In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner
In addition to the axe blade, cut into the surface of the head is a bottle opener, scraper, five wrench sizes, a hex bit driver, a lanyard hole and a carabiner

The lightweight and versatile titanium Ti-KLAX is set to occupy the flagship multi-till axe-head spot of Klecker Knives, an Oregon-based knife and tool manufacturer. It won't come cheap, with an expected retail price of US$550, but the company does have less expensive models.

The KLAX Lumberjack uses an identical design but is made from stainless steel. If you can overlook the additional weight at 12 oz (340 g), then this $160 version could be a more cost effective way to ready yourself for the wilderness.

Slightly cheaper options include the KLAX Woodsman, which does away with the wrenches and hex key, and the KLAX Feller, which sports an axe blade, scraper and hammer only.

Other multi-tool axes around that price include the $80 4-in-1 Woodsman and the $110 Crovel. At a glance, it does appear that the KLAX offers more versatility than its competitors, but hey, it's not like we have an axe to grind.

The company is currently raising funds for its multi-tool axe heads on Kickstarter. Early pledges for Ti-KLAX are set at $495, while $75 will put you in line for the simpler KLAX Feller. Each tool comes with a snap-on protective cover and a round wooden handle. Pending campaign success, shipping is estimated for October 2014.

You can see the pitch video below.

Sources: Klecker Knives, Kickstarter

View gallery - 9 images

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OutdoorsCampingOutdoors and CampingSurvivalKickstarterMultitoolsAxes
6 comments
Nick Lavars
Nick Lavars
Nick has been writing and editing at New Atlas for over six years, where he has covered everything from distant space probes to self-driving cars to oddball animal science. He previously spent time at The Conversation, Mashable and The Santiago Times, earning a Masters degree in communications from Melbourne’s RMIT University along the way.

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6 comments
BigGoofyGuy
While I think that is really cool, the price seems a bit on the high side. Perhaps it would be cheaper to buy separate devices? If one has the money but the space for the separate pieces, it seems like a good deal for hikers and campers.
Slowburn
That is going to tear the hell out of the wood handle.
Jon A.
You really, really want an axe head to be permanently attached. Otherwise what you're going to get is a hurtling chunk of sharpened titanium. That could make you very unpopular with your camping buddies.
Also, a decent amount of weight is a good thing in an axe.
This is an all-around terrible idea.
Rt1583
Got to agree with Jon A.. Axes are not multi-tools. A big part of the design of an axe is its weight, making the axe head lighter only makes for more work for the person using it.
Then of course the issue of the head possibly flying off anywhere along it arc of travel.
Sometimes, multi-tasking is not such a positive thing.
Bruce H. Anderson
I agree, flying axe-heads are a concern. It is light, so maybe for cutting kindling or clearing some saplings it makes sense, but felling a tree will be its undoing.
Michael Logue
As a purely survival tool to have in your go-bag, it's not too bad. Certainly not a permanent replacement for a real axe.
I would suggest a saw tooth cut along the top side - allows one to make the slot when you need to make the handle. You'd just carry the head and make the handle as needed.