Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black Review

First Impressions of Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black isn’t your grandfather’s hatchet; it’s a modern, tactical tool that blends the functionality of a small axe with the portability of a large knife. Manufactured by Fobos Knives, this tomahawk-style axe features a stonewashed A2 tool steel head, a black canvas Micarta handle, and a menacing sharpened end. It immediately caught my eye as a potential upgrade from my current camp axe, promising a lighter weight and more versatile design for backcountry adventures.

I was searching for a tool that could handle basic wood processing for fire starting, light chopping tasks, and even some emergency self-defense applications if necessary. My old hatchet was heavy and unwieldy, making it a burden on longer treks. The Tombat Airkool seemed to offer a solution: a more compact, multi-purpose tool without sacrificing durability.

Upon unboxing, the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black felt solid and well-balanced in my hand. The stonewash finish on the A2 steel gave it a rugged, ready-for-anything look, while the Micarta handle provided a secure and comfortable grip. The overall design exuded quality and a sense of purpose; it felt like a serious tool, not a cheap imitation.

Compared to the Estwing Sportsman’s Axe, which is a classic, reliable splitting axe, the Tombat Airkool is lighter and more versatile, prioritizing portability over raw chopping power. Against a Gerber Downrange Tomahawk, the Tombat’s more traditional axe head shape and A2 steel offer what appears to be a better balance of chopping and general-purpose utility compared to the Gerber’s breaching-focused design and 420HC steel. My prior need for a compact tool that can chop and baton wood effectively led me to choose this over other axes and tomahawks with more specific applications.

My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of curiosity. The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black certainly looked the part of a capable survival tool, but I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black was on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was typical for the area: damp, with occasional light rain, and cooler temperatures at night. I primarily used it for processing firewood for a small campfire and for some light trail maintenance.

The axe performed surprisingly well in the damp conditions. The stonewashed finish on the A2 steel provided good corrosion resistance, and the Micarta handle maintained a solid grip even when wet. Batoning smaller logs was relatively easy, and the sharpened end came in handy for splitting kindling. It took me a little time to adjust to the balance of the axe, as it’s different from a traditional hatchet, but after a few hours, it felt natural in my hand.

The only issue I encountered was some slight rolling of the edge after repeated impacts on harder, knotty wood. This was easily remedied with a field sharpener, but it indicated that the edge might require more frequent maintenance with extended use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use on various camping trips and backyard tasks, the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. There are some minor cosmetic scratches on the stonewashed finish, but the A2 steel has held up well against rust and corrosion. The Micarta handle shows no signs of wear or cracking.

Maintaining the axe is relatively simple. After each use, I clean the blade with a damp cloth and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust. The edge requires occasional sharpening, but the A2 steel responds well to sharpening stones and strops. Compared to my previous experience with cheaper axes that required frequent re-profiling, the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black has been remarkably low-maintenance.

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black outperforms my previous camp axe in almost every way. It’s lighter, more versatile, and holds an edge longer. It has become an indispensable part of my outdoor gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black

Specifications

• The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black has an overall length of 10.75 inches. This compact size makes it easily packable for backpacking or camping.
• The axe head is crafted from 6.75 inches of stonewashed A2 tool steel, known for its excellent hardness and edge retention. This material choice suggests it will be able to withstand heavy use.
• The cutting edge measures 1.63 inches, offering a decent balance between chopping ability and control for finer tasks. It’s sized well for tasks requiring precision.
• The handle is made from black canvas Micarta that offers a superior grip in wet or dry conditions. This grip ensures user safety.
• It features a lanyard hole for secure carry or tethering. The added lanyard provides options for different carrying styles.
• The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black also has red liners which add a touch of visual flair.
• The sharpened end provides an additional striking or breaking tool. This can come in handy for prying or breaking tasks.
• The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black weighs 2.56 lbs.

These specifications are significant because they determine the axe’s overall performance and suitability for various tasks. The A2 steel ensures a durable and long-lasting cutting edge, while the Micarta handle provides a secure and comfortable grip. The sharpened end expands the axe’s functionality beyond chopping, making it a versatile tool for survival and outdoor activities.

Performance & Functionality

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black excels at processing small firewood, clearing brush, and performing light chopping tasks. Its compact size and sharp edge make it surprisingly efficient for its size. The sharpened end provides added leverage for splitting wood or breaking through tougher materials.

One of its strengths is its balance and ergonomics. The Micarta handle is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods, and the axe feels well-balanced in the hand, reducing fatigue. A slight weakness is that the relatively short cutting edge limits its effectiveness for larger diameter logs, requiring more effort and time to process wood.

Overall, the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black meets and exceeds my expectations. It’s a capable and versatile tool that performs well in a variety of outdoor situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black features a robust construction, with high-quality materials that inspire confidence. Its weight provides enough heft for chopping while remaining manageable for extended carry. The black canvas Micarta handle is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the axe’s unique design and balance, but the intuitive design makes it easy to pick up with a little practice. The handle design promotes a comfortable and secure grip.

Durability & Maintenance

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black is built to last, thanks to its durable A2 tool steel blade and tough Micarta handle. With proper care and maintenance, this axe should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward: clean the blade after each use, apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust, and sharpen the edge as needed. The materials used in its construction are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear, so any maintenance is minimal.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black comes with a brown leather belt sheath for safe carry and storage. This sheath keeps the sharpened blade covered for safety.

There aren’t many direct customization options available for the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black, but the lanyard hole allows for the addition of a custom lanyard or wrist strap. The durable construction also makes it compatible with aftermarket sharpening systems and maintenance tools.

Pros and Cons of Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black

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Who Should Buy Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black?

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black is perfect for: hunters, survivalists, campers, and anyone who needs a durable and versatile axe for outdoor tasks. It’s a great choice for those who value portability and multi-functionality in their tools.

This product isn’t ideal for someone who needs a dedicated splitting axe for processing large quantities of firewood. Those requiring a heavier, dedicated splitting tool should explore different options.

A must-have accessory is a quality field sharpener to maintain the edge of the A2 steel blade. A small oil bottle and cleaning cloth are also helpful for keeping the axe in top condition.

Conclusion on Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black

The Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black is a well-designed and expertly crafted axe that delivers exceptional performance and versatility in a compact package. Its durable A2 steel blade, comfortable Micarta handle, and sharpened end make it a valuable tool for a wide range of outdoor activities.

At $289.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the axe’s overall performance. This is a tool that is designed to last.

I would highly recommend the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile axe for camping, survival, or general outdoor use. If you need a compact, multi-purpose tool that can handle tough tasks, this is an excellent choice. Invest in the Fobos Knives Tombat Airkool A2 Black, and experience the difference a quality tool can make.