Let’s Talk About Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe
The Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe is a multi-tool designed for the outdoors, combining a hatchet and a folding saw into a single, packable unit. Manufactured by Camillus Knives, a company with a long history in cutlery, this tool aims to offer versatility and convenience to campers, hikers, and survivalists. It features a stainless steel axe head with a hammer end and a folding serrated saw integrated into the handle.
I was looking for a compact tool that could handle basic wood processing tasks during camping trips without carrying a separate hatchet and saw. The Camtrax’s combination of these two essential tools in a single unit appealed to my desire for efficient packing and weight reduction.
Upon unboxing, the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe felt surprisingly solid, despite its compact size. The weight felt balanced, and the synthetic handle provided a comfortable grip, inspiring confidence in its usability. The molded sheath seemed durable and functional, offering multiple carry options.
Compared to other combination tools like the Gerber Pack Hatchet or a folding saw paired with a separate camp axe, the Camtrax offered a more integrated solution. I liked how all components fit neatly together, minimizing the risk of losing individual pieces. I picked this over the Gerber as it featured a saw, which is vital for creating kindling.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The concept was brilliant, and the initial build quality appeared decent, but I wondered how well the folding saw and the materials would hold up under real-world use. Would the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe truly perform, or would it be another gimmick that promised more than it delivered?
Real-World Testing: Putting Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The conditions were relatively dry, but the temperatures dipped into the low 40s at night. I used it primarily for processing firewood for a small campfire.
The axe performed reasonably well for splitting small logs and branches, though its short handle required more effort than a full-sized axe. The hammer end proved useful for driving tent stakes and minor campsite adjustments. The saw cut through smaller branches efficiently, though the serrated blade struggled slightly with thicker, green wood.
The handle felt secure during use, and the multi-position grips offered some versatility. However, switching between the axe and saw required some practice to become efficient. After the first use, I noticed some minor scuffing on the blade’s Titanium Finish, but no significant damage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use on various camping and hiking trips, the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe is showing signs of wear, but is still fully functional. The axe blade remains sharp enough for basic tasks, though I’ve noticed some slight chipping along the edge.
The folding saw mechanism is still solid, but the blade has lost some of its initial aggressiveness. I have noticed that the Synthetic Handle is prone to some scratches. The Molded Polymer Sheath also shows some wear and tear.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional oiling of the axe blade and saw mechanism have kept it in working order. Compared to my previous experience with separate hatchets and saws, the Camtrax offers a clear advantage in terms of portability, but it sacrifices some power and efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe
Specifications
- Overall Length: 12.25 inches, making it compact and easy to pack.
- Blade Length: The axe head features a 3-inch cutting edge, suitable for small tasks, while the saw blade is 7 inches long. This allows for cutting larger branches.
- Blade Material: Stainless steel with a Titanium Finish, which offers decent corrosion resistance and edge retention.
- Handle Material: Black Synthetic material provides a comfortable and secure grip.
- Sheath Material: Molded Polymer sheath with a dual-position belt clip for convenient carry.
- The saw is a lockback folding stainless serrated saw with triple edge grind in handle. This ensures safety and functionality.
These specifications make the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe a lightweight and versatile tool. Its size is compact for portability, while the stainless steel construction provides some durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe is capable of handling basic wood processing tasks, such as splitting small logs, cutting branches, and driving stakes. Its combination design means trading some raw power for portability.
The axe blade is sharp enough for limbing and splitting small kindling, though it may struggle with larger, denser wood. The folding saw cuts efficiently through branches up to a few inches in diameter, but the serrated blade is less efficient than a dedicated wood saw. A weakness is definitely working with thicker wood.
Overall, the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe meets expectations for a lightweight, combination tool. It provides a decent level of functionality in a compact package, but is not a replacement for dedicated, full-sized tools.
Design & Ergonomics
The Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe is designed for ease of carry and use in the field. The synthetic handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip, even when wet.
Switching between the axe and saw requires some getting used to. However, the overall design is intuitive and user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel blade and synthetic handle should provide reasonable durability for occasional use. The Titanium Finish helps protect against corrosion, but may scratch or wear over time.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and oiling. With proper care, the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe should last for several years of moderate use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe comes with a Molded Polymer sheath that offers two carry positions on a belt. There are no other included accessories or customization options.
As a combination tool, it’s not designed for extensive customization. However, users could potentially modify the handle with paracord or other grips to enhance comfort and ergonomics.
Pros and Cons of Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to pack and carry.
- Integrated hatchet and saw provides versatility in a single tool.
- Durable stainless steel blade with a Titanium Finish offers decent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
- Molded Polymer Sheath.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to purchasing separate hatchet and saw.
Cons
- Short handle limits chopping power and efficiency.
- Serrated saw blade is less efficient than a dedicated wood saw, especially with green wood.
- Not suited for heavy-duty tasks or processing large quantities of wood.
Who Should Buy Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe?
The Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and backpackers who need a lightweight and versatile tool for basic wood processing. It’s also suitable for survivalists looking for a compact, all-in-one solution for their bug-out bags.
This product is not ideal for those who regularly process large amounts of wood or require the power and efficiency of full-sized tools. Professional landscapers, loggers, and serious bushcrafters should opt for dedicated axes and saws.
A sharpening stone or file would be a must-have accessory to maintain the axe blade’s edge. A small container of oil for lubricating the saw mechanism would also be beneficial.
Conclusion on Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe
The Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe is a decent combination tool that offers a good balance of portability, versatility, and affordability. It’s not a replacement for dedicated axes and saws. It’s a convenient solution for those who need a lightweight option for basic wood processing tasks in the outdoors.
At $59.89, the price is reasonable for what you get. The convenience of having a hatchet and saw in one package makes it a worthwhile investment for casual users.
I would recommend the Camillus Knives Camtrax Hatchet/Saw Axe to anyone looking for a compact and versatile tool for camping, hiking, or survival situations. Just be sure to understand its limitations and use it within its intended capabilities. Consider adding this tool to your outdoor gear collection for added preparedness.