ESEE Knives James Gibson Camping Bushcraft Axe - Leather Sheath - Made in USA

I gave 5 stars because this is exactly what I expected & wanted. With that said, let me get to some useful info. The cutting edge is 3 inches. The factory grind is balanced for chopping and cutting. The handle provides a sure grip but may not be the most comfortable for some people. The axe is pretty light weight and easy to handle making ideal for hiking or just a morning out exploring. The Esee axe is designed more for fine to light work in my opinion. Its not a one handed destroyer. Ive used the axe to chop Mesquite branches (up to 2 inches thick) and the job was pretty quick and effortless. Pruning the branches was easy. Where I was impressed was its carving ability. It did perform better than expected. I was able to make a stop cut and carve a 7 notch. I live in the rural desert so most things you would cut/chop are smaller and dryer than other places. Making this the perfect tool for my outdoor use. I would rate this axe very well for camp chores, bushcraft and light work. Perfect hiking companion. Pair this axe with a Swiss Army Knife and you have all you need... I would rate it low in being a medium to large hatchet replacement. The size and weight keep it from medium to heavy types of work.

The ESEE Knives James Gibson Camping Bushcraft Axe is absolutely amazing. It came razor sharp out of the box and feels like a serious tool the moment you put it to work. I spent time testing it in the Alaska bush, and performance-wise it flat out outperformed my Buck 106 Compadre Camp Axe and even my Wrango titanium axe, and that’s saying something. Not in weight, obviously… this thing has some honest heft to it. The balance, bite, and control are excellent, and it inspires confidence every swing. It chews through wood with authority and feels purpose built, not gimmicky. I haven’t put it to work on a moose yet, but that’ll be the final test to earn a permanent spot in my pack. That said, it’s definitely coming with me on the next hunt. Outstanding craftsmanship, incredible performance, and made right here in the USA. ESEE continues to prove why they’re one of the best in the game.

The design is balanced for multi purpose use and becomes apparent with actual field use. This is a good tool for use in place of a large belt knife. This is not a good tool to process large amounts of firewood or build a log cabin. The utility of this axe will depend on your expectations, experience and intended use. My use has been for general camp tasks, carving, saw brace, processing pitchwood, feeding a stick stove, making kindling inside a hot tent (the size is a benefit) and as a companion to a large axe or small knife and saw. The flaked flint or knapped pattern on the handle will be a like it or hate it thing. Personally I love the texture and tactile feedback from it. The designer Mr. Gibson has a few interview videos explaining the design and purpose of this axe. The balanced rocker, angled head, thumb push and shorter handle scales to eliminate damage when splitting. The videos are good for study if considering this axe. This was my first ESEE and is one of my favorite axes I own. Made in USA with quality materials and a lifetime warranty from an established company.

Like the axe, I don't think due to it's size that it actually functions quite as well as an "Axe" for the money as perhaps a larger one would but this thing is solid as a rock and you'd expect that it is an Esee. It's sharp from the factory and does just fine for small tasks. Has been very useful for hunting and camping.

Like a big knife crossed with a small hatchet. Good for lots of things.

This is not for splitting wood. Is for processing small kindling or even for a bush craft and some carving. It is lightweight but extremely sturdy. I really like Esee products and I have the drop point knife that goes along with this handle pattern from the guy that designed those

This ESEE axe blew my mind! First off I it seemed small out of the box but then I went camping that very night and after handling it for 10 mins I absolutely fell in love with this axe. Started getting fire by breaking up this big pine branch that recently fell. It was about 6 inches in diameter and this little axe just went through in very little time. That was the test. Then after that I was chopping 4 inch branch and smaller. It just goes right through it. After doing all that I was carving with the axe and making stakes for my tarp no problem and after all this chopping and carving it still shaves my arm hair off. It was hard to cough up the money but it's worth every penny. I like how it's small enough for my backpack. Very very comfortable to hold even when you choke up to carve. I'm a big fan of ESEE. I have a ESEE 3, 6 love those knives. ESEE is hands down my favorite out door Bush craft blade company.

This is a great camp hatchet or carving hatchet, I wrapped the metal bit of the handle to make it more comfortable for carving. If you get this, you must oil it or seal it as you use it or it will definitely rust. Ant the rust part is very annoying. Don't get it if you are lazy about maintenance and be aware that this needs oiled when used. Aside from that, its awesome for small carving tasks.. iis somewhere between a knife and a hatchet. You could use it as a hatchet, but its much smaller. This is awesome for what it is, what it is is a carving hatchet. If you want a survival took to add to your kit and you have a hatchet, bring that one instead, if you want a tool for small carving/chopping tasks, this is awesome.

Great ergonomics and build quality kind of expected some sort of belt attachment for the price though