TOPS Max the Mini-Axe Mini Review

DRMUDD

DRMUDD

Joined
Feb 26, 2006
Messages
321
Went out for a little "quiet time" this afternoon and carried along my Max the Mini-Axe from TOPS so I could see how it performed in the woods... It doesn't.

I would've included some pics of it chopping, but I didn't take any. It is NOT a chopper. I took a swing at the base of a dead elm (2" dia.)and... BAM! The impact sent shivers of pain all the way to my elbow while the axe pretty much bounced off the wood.

Okay... dead wood is a no go. I then tried to chop a live elm with it. It bit in a few millimeters and that was it... not as much discomfort, but still jarring. Chopping with the Mini-Axe is like chopping with a short bladed knife... The blade is shaving sharp, but the edge geometry keeps it from being effective.

I'm not saying that I don't like the Axe. It's so darned cute, who couldn't like it? I'm just saying that I'm probably not going to add it to my hiking or camping gear.
 
DRMUDD said:
Went out for a little "quiet time" this afternoon and carried along my Max the Mini-Axe from TOPS so I could see how it performed in the woods... It doesn't.

I would've included some pics of it chopping, but I didn't take any. It is NOT a chopper. I took a swing at the base of a dead elm (2" dia.)and... BAM! The impact sent shivers of pain all the way to my elbow while the axe pretty much bounced off the wood.

Okay... dead wood is a no go. I then tried to chop a live elm with it. It bit in a few millimeters and that was it... not as much discomfort, but still jarring. Chopping with the Mini-Axe is like chopping with a short bladed knife... The blade is shaving sharp, but the edge geometry keeps it from being effective.

I'm not saying that I don't like the Axe. It's so darned cute, who couldn't like it? I'm just saying that I'm probably not going to add it to my hiking or camping gear.
Click to expand...

Great post DRMUDD. Most people will post what they think is great, wonderful, and the "end all be all" of whatever product they just recieved. I think your honest approach is refreshing! Thanks :cool: :thumbup:
 
I'm just sorry that I had to shell out 200 clams to find these things out. It IS a really neat concept and it's cool looking... I'm just not into wallhangers. I buy knives and hawks to use, not look at.
 
I dont really go for those future space ninja designs so popular in the full tang axes these days. They ones that perform the best seem to be the function over form models like the K5 tactical and the RMJ forge eagle talon, (not that they still dont look kick a$$).
Same with the VTAC, never read a bad review, but it aint much to look at either.
Well now, .02$ poorer but not pinching pennies yet.

LR
 
Nah, I was pretty close, I e-mailed the guy just before the introduction deal ended, but there were no utility spike hawks ready, Its the even plainer version of the K5. I read some great reviews though, and may get one yet.
 
i researched them tonite liam and i was impressed with what i saw. they looked nice and very well built. still, i would try the VTAC out first, but thats just me;)
 
I have the K5 hammer poll. It is a monster! I use it for demolition at work. It can rip through walls like a chainsaw and come out with nary a chip or scratch.
 
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