New Cold Steel Product: Poll Axe

[Piraticalbob]

One of the new products that Cold Steel is releasing for 2013 is the Poll Axe:



This has a 72" (six feet) ash handle, but with a little bit of measuring and a saw, can be cut down to the length of a fokos, and thus used for backpacking.

It appears to be made in the same fashion as the Special Forces Shovel or the tomahawks, of 1055 steel. It has "reinforcing langets" that probably serve to attach it to the handle, and also deter knocks and dents to the area near the head. The head has both an axe blade and a hammer poll, so it would serve well as a utility camp tool: chopping saplings, NOT trees; hammering tent stakes, NOT nails; and some light self-defense in an emergency (much as the fokos was used in eastern Europe).

Looks like they're going to sell it at a $149 price point, which means a bit cheaper at other vendors. If you've tried to find other tools of this type, you'll know that there's not a lot to choose from; you either have to go custom and pay a premium, make your own (axeheads available on eBay), or opt for a product of United Cutlery.

They don't appear to be currently available (yet), as it is a brand-new product and probably in the manufacturing/shipping stage. But for hikers and backpackers that want a useful, multi-purpose tool to use in the backcountry, it's a welcome addition.

 

[Bikewer]

I watched one of those History channel segments on historical warriors that was devoted to the Viking combat techniques.
They made great use of axes like this, and the re-enactors showed some of the techniques they have resurrected from old sources... Like hooking the opponent's heel with the axe head to throw him and then continuing the motion to deliver a deadly stroke...
Still, most folks today likely won't find much reason to carry a 6-foot axe around.

 

[jdh]

It may be a reissue for 2013. My 1999, preparing for Y2K, version:

The push broom for size reference.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

...(axeheads available on eBay), ...

That vendor has some neat stuff.

I've seen Cold Steel Trail Hawks rehafted as a modern equivalent to a fokos.

 

[bowman1962]

Might come in handy for the Python hunts in the Everglades! Just saying......

 

[hso]

so it would serve well as a utility camp tool

The war hammer head won't serve in a utility role. It isn't flat or smooth.

I agree that it would be money better spent on rehafting a 'hawk for what you're thinking about.

Oh, and jdh is on target. That isn't a new "new" item.

 

[amd6547]

Been backpacking for decades..I would never carry that.

 

[Chevelle SS]

Why do we need this?

 

[Owen]

To fight Viking Raiders!

 

[JimStC]

I have a custom fokos on order. Whenever I am in the woods, particularly in winter I have a walking stick similar to a ski pole. I thought the fokos will be a good tool to replace my current pole. The head will have a cutting edge and a hammer poll. The head will have a full leather sheath/cover. The bottom of the fokos will have a spike for traction like my curret pole. Length is 36". It will be used to cut back thorny or other light impediments. With the fokos I won't need to carry a machete and my walking stick.
At least that is my rationale.....

Jim

 

[lobo9er]

I can't think of a practical purpose for that. And 100 and some dollars is high if your going to just cut it down anyways to the size of the cold steel trail hawk that sells for 25-30 dollars. If you need to reach for some small limbs this might work better.

 

[Fiv3r]

It almost pains me to tell you that I bought one from Cold Steel on clearance for $35 about 6 years ago when thwy stopped carrying them.

It's an unwieldy beast and most certainly a cool toy (fully functional but not practical). Heavy too. I cut my 6' haft down to just under 3' to make it more compact. Cool axe, but I haven't found a use for it yet. Might turn it into a truck-axe for giggles.

 

[Fryerpower]

Poll or pole?
I was expecting something you use to chop up all of the silly anti gun polls.

Jim

 

[Slamfire]

I regret not getting the Cold Steel Halbeard when they were available, but I did get a pole axe.

I had no idea of what a fearsome weapon a pole axe could be till I got mine in the back yard. The leverage you get with that length is eye opening.

I have no doubt it could cut a person in half or crush a helmeted head.

 

[Cosmoline]

That poll axe looks more like a prod for sheep. Some eastern euro shepherds use them.

As a weapon I'd rather go with the ditch or "sling" blade:

http://www.engineersupply.com/surveyors-brush-axe-ditch-bank-blade-813008.aspx

 

[JimStC]

For anyone who does not get the utility of a variant of the Cold Steel Ax go here: http://walkbyfaith777.com/walking_sticks .
The owners of this shop are awesome when it comes to education and service.
I ordered a fokos from them. They will not accept a deposit or payment until I have reviewed pictures of the finished product. After I have received the fokos I then have 14 days to return it for a full refund. Reminds me of how people did business when I was a lot younger.....
Jim

 

[Gordon]

On lobo9er's post above of the limb saw notice the two tiny bottom blade attachments ! My pet peeve with limbsaws FWIW, you are allways futzing with that chinzy system just when you start getting a good cut. Does anybody know of a (much) better way to hold the replaceable blade? My Stihl limbsaw is as good as that system gets, but still comes loose a lot!

 

[RTR_RTR]

As a used-to-be land surveyor,



there isn't a lot you can't do with a bank blade

 

[Cosmoline]

JimStC, those look gorgeous, but I'd be a bit worried about slipping with one and impaling myself with that spike!

 

[JimStC]

Cos,
My current walking stick also has a spike but I definitely get your point as the fokos spike is much more formidable. Haven't fallen in years and have been on icy/snow covered and rough ground. Still, your comment is well taken.
When I receive the fokos I will do a review after several outings. Ought to have it within a month.

Jim

 

[DNS]

I can't see where I'd need one but its interesting to see someone making them. If Walmart starts to to sell 'em and I might have to re-evaluate my castle defenses though.

 

[Cosmoline]

Thanks! I'm also interested in the balance on it as a walking stick. It looks like they do semi-custom stuff so I might be interested in getting one with a curved spike that's good for getting purchase in a fall but won't end up stuck in my chest. Knowing me, if it's possible to do something like that I'd be the one to do it.