Swiss Military Surplus Small Swiss Axe 15.75" Overall, 1.6 Pound Head - M4328

This is one of those reviews that could be given 5 stars or 1 star! First to be honest I had ordered one and when it came it was hung very poorly wedge was not right head wasn't seated right and it was in safe to use in its current state. Besides doing any sharpening or shapeing it would need a new handle completely because there was no salvaging it. So I ordered a replacement. Ok second one came and it was better bit the head was put on wrong and it was off to one side horriblely. So I had to rehang it and correct it. Ok now on the the head. No useable edge. Definitely not usable out of the box unless your buying it to hang on the wall. These hatchets are over 30 years old and vintage. They were made between 1980 to 1985 from my understanding and research.The steel is very good and tempered well its carbon steel not stainless which I'm completely fine with and prefer. Filed sanded and stoned to get a razor sharp edge of my preference. Handle and head both are covered in heavy clear coat. Sanded the handle and applied boiled linseed oil and the wood soaked up quite a bit . replenishes the wood and adds protection and strength and beauty. I also blackened the head or forced patina. Helps keep rust off and gives it a nice look and was my preference. So after about two days of off and on work its a awesome performing hatchet. Holds an edge extremely well and has nice wieght for some thicker chopping and with the work put into it I can also carve and feather stick among other similar task. Ok so its a project if you want a reliable and a workhorse vintage 30 plus year old hatchet. I'm completely happy with the second one after the work put in. 5 stars. Now if your buying just to wall hang you'll be happy maybe. If you want to use it out of the box and don't like doing a lot of work on a tool before use you'll probably hate it and never use it. So 1 star... So that's my reasons for it being 1 star and 5 stars

I simply don't understand the poor reviews for this. It's well made and a outstanding price. Sure it's dull out of the box so sharpen it a bit with a file. If you take ANY gear out in the field for the first time without tweeking it a bit at home you are asking for trouble. Also remember its basically a hatchet. If you want to fell a redwood or build your own log cabin look elsewhere, you want to process enough wood for a couple of nights camping and do it on a budget this is a can't miss. I had $20 to throw at a late season replacement axe and this more than fit the bill. It is dollar for dollar amazing!

After reading the mix reviews, I decided to order it myself. After all, I could always return it. Having just received it and looked it over, I will cover what has been discussed and complained about.But first about me. I have restored knives and hatchets in the past. I have a collection, IE: Al Mar, Ek, Randall, Fallkniven, Kabar, Glock, Cold Steel, Plumb etc, etc.. And, I know something about sharpening, being part of a generation that was taught that skill set.Now to the review:The steel: Its not Stainless, it's Carbon Steel and is magnetic, with a 3.25" face.The handle appears to be Ash and from top of head to bottom is 15.50". It is not lacquered. As to smell, if I put my nose to it.... It does smell. I shall repeat, IF I put my nose to it.The specimen I received, as you can see by the pictures, the handle's orientation and the head mounting are excellent.The Edge: Dull. I would not even consider it sharpened. I took no points away from this. Why? The profile was fine, and I would rather have a profile that was not destroyed by being poorly sharpened.The head being carbon steel - will rust... if you do not take care of it! I have my old fighting survival carbon steel knife of 50 years, been with me in all types of climates. Not a spec of rust. I prefer Carbon steel over stainless. You take care of your tools, your tools will take care of you.I'll rub some linseed oil on the handle, sharpen the edge and place a cover on it for protection. If you do not know how to sharpen or lack the proper tools, a local professional restaurant supply or Cutlery store usually offers this service.Finally, I am well pleased, and for thirty dollars, it would be heresy for me to knock off points for what I received.

Had to throw a circle wedge and standard wedge into the eye to lock everything together. The head was loose upon arrival, has a couple nasty dings and the edge was dull and warped. Not overly disappointed because it is surplus after all and there's more than enough material to remove to correct the warp, which will happen naturally when I reprofile the edge. The dings are a bummer but doesn't effect the function of the hatchet, cosmetic tiff. All in all I like it and it feel good in the hand. 3.5 stars

Shipping was fast. The ax head was very loose and needed a little attention. The edge was very dull and needed a lot of attention. All in all it's a nice little hatchet for around the campfire or home hearth.

I will be very honest here. I love these Swiss Military surplus Hatchets because they are made very well by a country that knows what an ax is supposed to be made like and the price is right. I like the fact that they come "untouched" for the buyer has the option of making it to there own personal baby, but for some bizarre reason my hatchet was delivered sanded (to much by the way) and lacquered (which I don't like) and damaged on top like someone used a screwdriver to push in the wedge. So disappointed and will not buy again from this seller.

Nice looking hatchet when it arrived , but for my use of it required a lot of time to sharpen it . Very blunt cutting edge and not ground on center line , it was a pain it the butt to keep cutting edge center and straight . As for the handle it had a nasty smell from the factory coating , had to remove finish and put on some linseed oil to fix that . I also removed the clear coat that was on the hatchet head - kind of sticky , then polished it to shine . I have not used it yet , looks perfect now and should be a very good tool for my needs . Would still have bought it as it is made from quality metal and handle is true and good material .

It was very dull but got it sharpened to razor sharp... Head was slightly loose but bought a $.30 metal shim and took care of it... All in all an awesome hatchet.