Angelo B 700g German Style Axe Review

First Impressions of Angelo B 700g German Style Axe

The Angelo B 700g German Style Axe arrives, promising a blend of traditional design and practical functionality. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of axes, from splitting mauls capable of tackling the thickest logs to hatchets designed for precision carving. This axe, with its German style head and compact size, aims to be a versatile tool for a range of tasks, bridging the gap between a dedicated felling axe and a smaller camp axe.

My journey to finding this axe stemmed from a desire for a lightweight, packable tool suitable for both backpacking and general campsite duties. I needed something that could handle limbing, light splitting, and basic shelter building without adding excessive weight to my pack. I’d been struggling with a heavier, full-sized axe on longer trips, and a smaller hatchet wasn’t providing enough power for certain tasks.

Unboxing the Angelo B 700g German Style Axe, my initial impression was one of solid, if somewhat basic, construction. The C45 steel head appeared well-shaped, and the overall weight felt balanced in hand. The lack of a sheath was a slight disappointment, as it necessitates finding or fabricating a protective cover for safe transport.

Compared to a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe (much higher price point) or a Fiskars X7 Hatchet (lighter, more modern design), the Angelo B offered a middle ground in terms of size and weight. I chose it primarily for its traditional German style head, which I’ve found to be effective for a variety of wood processing tasks, and the appealing price point. The lower price allowed me to test a German-style axe without a huge investment.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The axe looked the part, but I was eager to see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Angelo B 700g German Style Axe to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Angelo B 700g German Style Axe to work during a weekend camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The weather was typical for early spring: damp, with occasional light rain. This provided a good test of the axe’s grip and performance in less-than-ideal conditions.

The axe performed admirably for limbing smaller trees and splitting kindling. The 3-inch cutting edge proved sharp enough to bite into the wood effectively, and the 700-gram head provided sufficient force for splitting smaller logs. I didn’t need a lot of time to get used to the balance of the axe, it felt natural in my hand.

The only real issue I encountered was the lack of a sheath. Carrying the axe safely required extra care.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple camping trips and some backyard wood processing, the Angelo B 700g German Style Axe has held up reasonably well. The C45 steel has retained its edge with only occasional sharpening. There are some minor cosmetic scratches on the head and handle, but nothing that compromises its structural integrity.

Maintaining the axe has been straightforward. A simple cleaning with a wire brush after each use, followed by a light coating of oil, has kept rust at bay. The handle has remained tight and secure, showing no signs of loosening. Compared to a previous cheaper axe I used with a fiberglass handle, the Angelo B feels more robust and reliable, even though the handle is wood and the head isn’t particularly high-end steel.

Breaking Down the Features of Angelo B 700g German Style Axe

Specifications

• The Angelo B 700g German Style Axe features a 5.5-inch C45 steel axe head, offering a good balance between cutting power and maneuverability. C45 steel is a medium carbon steel known for its decent hardness and toughness, making it suitable for general axe applications.
• The 3-inch cutting edge is sufficient for a variety of tasks, from limbing branches to splitting small logs. The cutting edge is wide enough to be useful, but short enough for detail work.
• The axe head weight is 700 grams (approximately 1.54 pounds), contributing to the axe’s overall portability. The head weight is substantial enough to provide chopping power but not too heavy as to be cumbersome.
• The overall length is 15 inches, making it compact enough to carry in a backpack or attach to a belt. Its short length makes it an excellent choice for easy carry during camping.
• The total weight is 1.96 pounds, encompassing the head and handle. This low weight is suitable for long excursions.
• The axe includes a lanyard hole, allowing for secure attachment to a pack or belt. A lanyard can add safety when using the axe, preventing accidental dropping.
• Important Note: The axe does not include a sheath, requiring users to purchase one separately or create their own. Without a sheath, the axe is dangerous to transport.

Performance & Functionality

The Angelo B 700g German Style Axe performs its intended job adequately. It’s not a heavy-duty splitting maul, nor is it a delicate carving tool. It fills the niche of a versatile camp axe capable of handling a range of tasks with reasonable efficiency.

Its strengths lie in its portability and ease of use for smaller tasks. Its weaknesses are exposed when attempting to fell larger trees or split particularly tough logs. The axe does meet expectations for a budget-friendly, general-purpose axe.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price point. The materials are not top-of-the-line, but they are sturdy enough for the intended use. The axe’s weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to chopping with a shorter axe if you are used to a full-sized axe.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Angelo B 700g German Style Axe should last for several years of moderate use. Regular cleaning, sharpening, and oiling are essential to prevent rust and maintain the handle’s integrity. Simple maintenance ensures a longer product life.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Angelo B 700g German Style Axe comes with no accessories beyond the axe itself. Customization options are limited, primarily focusing on aftermarket sheaths and handle wraps for improved grip. You can customize by adding paint to the handle or etching designs in the axe head. The head shape is fairly standard, so finding a suitable sheath from another brand is likely possible.

Pros and Cons of Angelo B 700g German Style Axe

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Who Should Buy Angelo B 700g German Style Axe?

The Angelo B 700g German Style Axe is perfect for:

• Casual campers and hikers seeking a lightweight and versatile tool for basic campsite tasks.
• Backpackers who need an axe for shelter building, fire preparation, and trail maintenance but want to minimize weight.
• Individuals on a tight budget who need a functional axe without a large financial investment.

Who should skip this product?

• Professional lumberjacks or anyone needing a heavy-duty axe for felling large trees.
• Those unwilling to purchase a separate sheath.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A sturdy sheath for safe transport.
• A sharpening stone or file for maintaining the cutting edge.

Conclusion on Angelo B 700g German Style Axe

The Angelo B 700g German Style Axe offers a solid value proposition for those seeking a budget-friendly, versatile camp axe. While it lacks some of the premium features and materials of higher-end axes, it performs its intended job adequately. The price is definitely justified.

I would personally recommend it to casual campers, hikers, and backpackers who prioritize portability and affordability. It’s a reliable tool for basic tasks, and with proper care, it should provide years of service. If you’re looking for a no-frills axe that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the Angelo B 700g German Style Axe is worth considering. So grab one, get a sheath, and get out there!