Best Game Processing Axes, Saws & Kits in 2022

Last update: December 10, 2022

Hooyman MegaBite Hunter’s Combo Bone Saw and Handsaw with Nylon Sheath for Cutting Trimming Hunting and Camping Review:


To complete the task, I utilised a variety of hunting saws, all of which eventually broke. But this one has so far lived true to its moniker. Both money and time are worthwhile. Do you really want a saw that starts daulling after a few cuts and breaks just when you need it the most?



Schrade SCAXE10 11.1in Full Tang Hatchet with 3.6in Stainless Steel Blade and TPR Handle for Outdoor Survival Camping and Everyday Tasks Review:


On Friday, I cut the package open with my Schrade SCAXE 10. Invested 15 minutes and made the adjustments I'd learned using the Kershaw Camp Axe, a camp tool I've used for years. The following weekend, I used the Schrade SCAXE 10. A brief historical context is followed by my ideas and impressions.After years of using and mistreating the Kershaw carbon steel Camp Axe in the local sage brush and woodlands of the deserts and mountains where I've lived and camped, I purchased the 2016 model SCAXE 10. When camping, I've discovered that I hardly ever require a knife unless I'm processing fur, fish, or game. It completes 90% of the work thanks to its well-honed hand axe, squared-off top for ferro rod and scraper use, and rasp-like slits cut into one back edge. I did, however, always acknowledge the limitations of the Gerber BG Survival Axe's 3CR13 stainless construction when playing on the shore, in marshes, or in rain forests. The Kershaw's carbon steel suffered damage from the wetter wetlands, forests, and woods. I discovered that the stainless steel served as a reasonable compromise to the little BG axe's drawbacks. I managed to get around those restrictions, but I was never fond of the compromise.I had to give the SCAXE 10 a try when I first came across it online and noticed how similar it was to the Kershaw.I am happy I did. The new Schrade SCAXE 10 is almost identical in appearance and operation to my tried-and-true Kershaw, but the SCAXE 10 offers 3CR13MoV's simple upkeep, which I found helpful in damp environments. Here are some comparisons:The SCAXE 10 is somewhat thicker and around 6 ounces heavier than the Kershaw in all working measurements. Overall size is (nearly) the same if you stuff them inside a backpack. I estimate that the durability under design loading and impact will be around the same, taking into account the varying stress/shock allowances for the drop-forged 1055 carbon steel in the Kershaw vs. the Schrade's 3CR13MoV stainless steel. That order of magnitude estimate is simply my assumption based on my experience with these materials in other tools I've used; I'll leave it to other engineer geeks to confirm or reject it.They practically feel the same when used, with the exception of carrying and swinging the weight.I worked both to "near mirror" crisp condition for the checkout. To enable a visual check for chipping, flaking, rolling, flattening, etc., I sharpened and polished both. I then used both to cut through identical 3" thick maple rounds (which were really on the same branch), broke each round into four slabs, notched one slab to the halfway point, and then used the top "point" of the axe blades to drill four holes through the 3/4" thick slabs.The lighter, narrower Kershaw blade appears to bite just as deeply when chopping as the heavier, thicker Schrade blade. Beyond weight, the feel and function are the same. Both were about as good as a "belt hatchet" can be. No, you wouldn't want to use either of them to construct a wood cabin. However, both would require the same amount of energy to complete and would work well to construct a debris hut for one or two nights.Only the expected scratches from the dust on the wood were visible on the stainless steel edge of the Schrade after use. No deformation, rolling, or chipping. After the workout, the blade continued to slice paper throughout its entire length much like the 1055 carbon steel version.Both the new Schrade and the Kershaw have nearly identical plastic cover designs, but the Schrade is clearly thicker. Even so, it has a thicker, stiffer feel. Does that increase its sturdiness? I'm not quite sure. However, I've been using the Kershaw version for years now without incident.However, I don't hang it from my belt using the plastic belt loop built into the plastic cover; instead, I use the "Nite Ize" flashlight holder or the "Rothco" canvas sheath. This belt-carrying stress could cause plastic to fail due to fatigue. One suggestion I'll test out soon is to remove the fold-over back end and join the two blade-covering parts with leather or nylon straps that go around the handle, much like Buck's axe cover does. Due to the extremely tiny size difference between the axes, I will most likely do that to the thicker Schrade cover first. Both the SCAXE 10 and the Kershaw can use the Schrade cover. The Kershaw's (slightly) smaller cover is ineffective for the Schrade.In the end, I'll create a cover or sheath made of leather, Kydex, or a mix of the two. In this way, my belt will weigh 6 ounces less when I travel to a dry area and 10 ounces less when I travel to a wet country. Never again will I have to sacrifice functionality.If you're a purist about carbon steel, I can respect your choice. For more than 50 years, I have used carbon steel axes and knives in the woods. All the wooden and leather handles that broke, burnt, decayed, or were gobbled up by errant porcupines (yeah, really!) were the only things I've ever had to fix with the proper care. As a backup, I'd advise having full-tang stainless tools. Why? Consider EOTWAWKI scenarios as long-term camping in the worst possible conditions. Maintaining your tools will be the last thing on your to-do list. And where can you find the resources that are the most diverse? in the coastal river deltas' border ecosystem. Carbon steel does not thrive in those conditions or under such difficulties.Schrade's new SCAXE 10 is a really wise decision to have in your hand if you're not a purist and can only have one.Conclusion: This new Schrade SCAXE 10 belt axe is a strong and reliable tool. Unlike the cheap 440 stainless crap counterparts that chip, crack, and flake with actual use, the Schrade 3CR13MoV steel takes a sharp, durable edge (yeah, I tried them too). Furthermore, the sturdy stainless steel structure won't let you down in the event that the handle breaks when you least expect it and there isn't enough time to fix or replace it. I suggest it to any outdoorsman or prepper for its wide range of uses as a portable and strong tool.



SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet and Tactical Tomahawk - Survival Hawk Camping Axe and Emergency Hatchet Tool with Fire Starter Survival Rod (SK1001-CP) Review:


To be clear, I bought this to use when I go on kayak camping vacations to cut down limbs and small trees. I do not intend to use it as a weapon for close quarters battle or self defense. For that, there are better items as well as, to be honest, better guns.The tomahawk is decently priced. During a deal and an instant rebate, I was able to get this one as well as the Fasthawk on Amazon for about $35. After testing them on a limb of an oak tree with a diameter of 3–4 inches, I am largely happy. When chopping small trees and bigger limbs, I unquestionably advise using the Tomahawk rather than the Fasthawk. It chops more effectively and has a larger blade and considerably superior weight. Although the Fasthawk is excellent, it is only practical for kindling and tiny limbs. The Fasthawk can undoubtedly chop very small trees, but it will require a lot more work. I advise using the Fasthawk rather than the Tomahawk if you backpack as they are both heavier. The Tomahawk is ideal for kayakers (I use a huge 13' kayak).The handle is the Tomahawk and Fasthawk's major flaw. It has a tiny diameter and is quite slippery. It is very difficult to grip them firmly. I first wrapped the handles in 550 paracord and then in camouflage form tape. The grip was then further enhanced by using short segments of cycling tire tube (similar to Ranger tape). I put tubes in 1-2 inch chunks, leaving 1 inch between each portion. It undoubtedly had a significant impact.This is a wonderful, portable answer to your camping demands. If you intend to frequently cut down larger trees, keep looking. What you need is not this. It will be perfect for my needs during my infrequent 3- to 5-day journey to a rustic camping area.



Outdoor Edge Hunting Flip N' Zip Compact Folding Pocket Saw for Bone, Meat, Wood, Trees and Pruning, 4.4" Blade, 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminium Non-Slip Blaze Orange Handle, Mossy Oak Sheath (Model FW-45) Review:


The ideal size. Although it has a little canvas belt sheath, which is how I plan to carry it, it is also small enough to go into your pocket if you choose. It is thinner than I anticipated, which might have an impact on how long it will last, but only time will tell. I have a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife that I've had for years, and it has a decent small saw, but this one is a little bit longer, and the hook on the end keeps you from slipping off the branch if you take too long a stroke. a fantastic tiny tool for trimming delicate branches.



Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet [31-002070] Review:


It's crucial to me to have equipment that will allow me to take care of my own survival and defense without being overly bulked down or having items placed inaccessibly because I go trekking frequently just by myself with my dog. Actually, the reason I had the idea for this hatchet was because I had seen Bear Grylls use his own merchandise on his show and that merchandise had received a lot of favorable online reviews. In order to get his opinion, I also asked him to check one out in the store. He gave it the thumbs up for usefulness, weight, and usability. For a large group adventure, I eventually made a purchase, and I was incredibly impressed. I'm not sure if I would wear it in my belt loop every time I went out, but it was a good fit and light enough that it didn't clang about everywhere. I had no trouble maintaining control even with my small hands thanks to the handle's excellent comfort and gripping surface. The hatchet is excellent for clearing brush and walkways, splitting firewood, etc. It comes with a nylon sheath, which I wouldn't carry without, but since it's a bit heavy, you probably won't be able to quickly pull it out if you need it in a defensive emergency. This really met my needs as a survival gear, and I'll keep carrying it about.



CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Sheath: Full Grained Leather, Multiple Snaps, Belt Loops for Secure Carry of T-Hawk, for Use with CRKT 2730 D2730 Review:


I paid little over $18 for it, which was the best deal I could find. I've had my Chogan T-hawk for a while, but I held off on getting the sheath because it was selling for around $28, and I felt like that was just too expensive. When Amazon lowered the price, however, I decided to get it. The leather is thin, yet the rivets and snaps are made of metal. The only truly solid component of the sheath is the leather covering the blade end, which is made of three pieces of thin leather that have been stitched together. Really thin leather makes up the remainder of the sheath. Given the thin leather, I feel that $18 is a bit excessive for this item; I believe it should be in the $10–$15 range. 4 stars despite skimping on the leather.



HX outdoors - Fixed Blade Tactical Knives with Sheath,Tanto Blade Outdoor Survival Knife,Special Forces Tactical Knife,Ergonomics G10 Anti-skidding Handle Review:


Recently, I purchased a few new knives, and while browsing Amazon, I came upon this tiny beauty. I put it to my cart along with a KA-BAR BK 10 and a Gerber LMF 2 because I judged that the pricing made the risk worthwhile. Although the Gerber and KA-BAR knives are both excellent and a great deal, I was surprised by this one. It is not just less expensive than either of the alternatives (priced under $45; perfect size). I am 6'5" and have big hands, therefore it's typically really difficult for me to locate a knife handle that suits my hand. With folders, the issue is worse. But I fell in love with this knife right away. It not only completely fits my hand, but the blade is also the right length. With regard to the size, they definitely struck gold. It is strong, has a beautiful finish, and a nice sheath. When it locks in, you are SURE that it won't come loose.The blade's reverse side has a saw section that is fully functioning. Although this knife isn't big enough to function as a full-fledged survival gear, having the choice available is helpful in case you need it. The knife's ergonomics are outstanding. You can truly get hold of the blade for activities that call for a little more precision and fine tuning thanks to the blade's finger grooves and swells. If you look at the "finger guard" on the bottom side, it gives you some leverage to really push the blade forward. I'm not a knife expert, so I don't know the scientific terminology for the features. The small "eyelet" hole where the blade contacts the handle at the top swells enough to give your thumb traction for increased leverage on the top side. Additionally, the surface is textured, providing even more grip for the thumb.One of those knives that you really need to hold in your hand to fully appreciate. I have many higher-end knives in my collection, including KA-Bar, Gerber, SCAR, Tops, and countless others, and I must admit that this knife, which costs less than $45, was a huge surprise, an exceptional value, and something any warrior on a tight budget should take into consideration if they're looking to add some high-quality equipment to their kit. The only real drawback, in my opinion, is that it didn't come at all sharp. In the end, though, that's not really a terrible thing because I already like honing my kitchen knives.An unexpected find in a market full of excellent choices. Folks, for less than $45, this is a superb knife. KA-BAR typically raises the bar for value, and this knife truly does it with a mind-boggling combination of ergonomics, construction quality, features, and price. In nearly anyone's rotation for hunting, self-defense, backpacking, or general fieldcraft, this knife would be at home. They have a winner on their hands, thus I'd LOVE to see them add more possibilities to their offering.



New! 17" Tactical Hunting Rambo Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife Machete Bowie w/Sheath Review:


Due to the pricing, I didn't have high expectations for this knife. It is a gift for a young kid and won't be used as a tactical or survival knife; rather, it will be more of a showpiece to impress his pals. The finger guard (between the grip and the blade) feels flimsy, and it's made of two different metals. I only know this because the knife I received is coming apart slightly (or was horribly welded), and the gap between the two pieces of metal is actually visible. Overall, I feel like I received what I paid for—a cheap knife that is solely ornamental and has no practical purpose. You will need to pay more for this knife if you're want to have a sturdy, high-quality Rambo that you can abuse.



Perfect Point Throwing Axe Overall Satin Stainless Steel Review:


They are really sharp. very. Just taking them out of the packaging caused me to cut myself. So, be cautious. They are really precise. The neighbor's dog, which has been urinating next to my shop from a distance of 30 yards, had its tail completely severed. I'm joking. The weather is finally getting pleasant enough to go outside, so I haven't thrown them away yet.