First Impressions: Case Knives "Winkler" Pack Axe

Ask any survival expert which versatile backwoods survival tool comes second in importance only to your firearm, and they'll tell you that a quality camp axe can get you through a wide variety of emergency situations. That's why we sat up and took notice in January when Case Knives announced that they were producing their first-ever camp axe: The Case Winkler Pack Axe. The Pennsylvania-based Case has long been justly famous for its top-quality steel blades and huge variety of gorgeous, collector-quality handles rendered in top-end materials...and although this axe is definitely a product of that famous Case craftsmanship, it was born to be useful, not pretty.

Co-designed by Kevin Holland, a survival expert with over 2,000 combat missions across the globe as a U.S. Navy Seal and an elite member of U.S. Special Operations, the Winkler Pack Axe was built for tough work, survival excursions and heavy use. It's made from a single, 3/8-inch-thick piece of 80CrV2 steel that laughs at tough use, with a hefty axe head that's sharp right out of the box. It also features a tapered, skeletonized handle and a blunt end that can be used as a mallet. 

One key feature of the perfect camp axe is that it must be large, sturdy and heavy enough to effectively split logs for firewood, yet small and light enough that it's easy to pack and easy to handle. The Winkler axe fits this bill, measuring just 15 inches long and weighing in at 26 ounces. Laminate canvas grips shrug off the toughest wear, while a Paracord wrap at the axe head offers additional survival utility. At $499.99, this isn't an inexpensive camping, hunting and survival tool...but, just like a quality firearm, it is one that will last you and your family for generations with proper care. Click here for more information!