Very professional and helpful! Product was shipped fast and they even upgraded my order for free. I will continue to purchase from these guys.
Sharp, sturdy; perfect for a pack on a weekend trip.
i have been wanting a strider for while now. i have no issue with price its just that they take some time to get. anyway i love protech and it hit me to just get one of these to test out. anyway i got it and have to say its been awesome. i have nothing negative to say about the quality of the product. fit and finish and action are superb. also its even relatively easy to close one handed too. ordering was easy and shipping was fine. great company. will deff purchase more soon. all i will say is i love the knife. i will get a framelock strider one day. but this will do nicely and in no way is it 2nd rate. so im sure plenty of guys are in my shoes. trust me grab one of these i got the 2403. you will love it
I have not used this saddle axe to cut any wood yet; however, just handling this axe with a two pound head leads me to think I would like it to have a 24” handle. I think it would be more efficient using two hands when chopping wood. This axe is very likely to receive a 24” handle when time permits me to complete the project. — Thanks, Hiker
1st and foremost John at NRO is a rockstar. Very helpful and cares about the customer. To me that goes as far as the products one sells.
So, the GB Outdoor Axe.
Let's deal with the elephant in the room. Yes, it is pricey.
...but this is a hand forged heirloom quality tool that will last many many years with proper maintenance. That means not leaving it out in the rain for a year or longer, and that means treating the handle with boiled linseed oil periodically(I also treat the handle with Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP as a finish coat on top of the periodic boiled linseed oil applications.)
I also carry a small tin of Obenaufs LP in the field when on extended trips to coat the axe head because it is carbon steel. If wet for prolonged periods just like any carbon steel tool such as a knife it can and will rust.
The mask is a quality leather, well made mask that I also treat with Obenauf's HD LP.
The axe is very light, I weighed it at 1.25lbs on my scale with the mask. The axe head has more of a wedge type angle as compared to say the GB hatchet so it splits well above its weight. I am quite impressed and to add to it's splitting capabilities it is also a phenonenal chopper. There are limitations obviously due to the size but for what it is if you are looking for a camp axe/hatchet that won't beat ya up on the packweight this is a phenomenal choice.
The attention to detail in regards to craftmanship is spot on. Then take into consideration the smith's initials are are pressed into the axe head. Reminds me of my Hilleberg tents where the maker puts their name on a tag in the tent.
This is a high level of maker accountability and a sign of quality as far as I am concerned.
...would you put your name on a sub par product?
The design of the axe and size also gives one a great deal of ability to use the axe for wood working as you can hold the axe similar to that of an ulu style knife. It will also work for game processing should that need arise.
The edge came shaving sharp so no need to do anything on my end as far as that goes. I am one who believes in stropping in the field to stay on top of my edged tools whether that be my 3v knife or my axes.
If ya do this the amount of sharpening one needs to do is minimal if any barring something unexpected happening.
Just get into a habit of when ya use a tool whether that be an axe or a knife, strop it at the end of the day before ya put it up. It only takes a few minutes and will keep ya from having to get on the stones as much.
There is a small steel collar under the head that affords a little protection in the area of overstrike should that occur.
I personally split wood in a manner in which I rest the axe head edge on the log and run the log parallel with the handle so the possibility of overstrike is minimized...
I'm not gonna get too far into this technique but it is easily researched on the web.
It also minimizes the potential for injury substantially.
In closing I am gonna simply say this is a great little axe and excels when used in a system with a folding saw and a knife.
I highly recommend it if you are willing to drop the coin.
Let's be honest, many of us have no problem paying a premium for a knife so...
If I had it to do over I would purchase it a 2nd time without hesitation and would make that purchase fron NRO.
It a worthy investment for me. I use and rely on my tools when in the wilderness for extended periods solo.
...and this is one tool I am proud to own.
Keep on keepin on folks, and most of all be well.
-Loco Raindrops.
I got a call before they shipped my order it came quickly and exactly what I wanted and the cheapest price I could find online. I would do buisness with them again.
Huge selection of a ton of different knives. I ordered my benchmade 698 Foray online and got to me within 4 business days. Great prices! Highly recommend!!
Love this ax. Exactly what I have been looking for. Perfect size to use blazing a trail into the bush. Nicely balanced and swings easily.
Great selection of GB axes. This double-bit was as advertised, and shipped immediately. Very satisfied with this purchase. Will shop here again.
Great size, durable, lightweight and great appearance! What's not to like? 😎👍
Great EDC knife. Smooth action. Great blade. Benchmade makes good solid knives right here in the USA.
This is an outstanding axe and a welcome addition to my collection! Beautiful craftsmanship and quality! North River was great, especially in light of the current events! Will definitely be back for more
Online purchase with local shop feeling.
Great people and a great product.
Thanks again for my new favorite edc blade.
Great stove! Great customer service with fast shipping.
My new favorite, comfortable, good looking, makes me more tacticool. What's not to like?
Love this knife. Will probably get the small Inkosi.
I love this hat. Logo is top notch. Whole thing is high quality.
Awesome customer service. They special ordered this knife for me they do. It carry this color on there website and had no problem getting it for me. The knife is a microtec sonbasically it’s amazing!! Just like all my others it’s perfect. Will be ordering from them soon !
This company is amazing! They were out if stock on a green Microtech LUDT, emailed me to let me know and went out of there way to order me a color they don’t have on the website. Amazing customer service. The knife came amazing.... it’s a microtec so of course it is lol.
This is my first Helle knife. My first impression’s are great, so great I’ve worn it almost everyday since I got it. I hope to put it to the test camping and fishing this summer.
love the handle, extra capacity, material, toughness, and warming of the hand when filled with coffee. highly recommend!
