Kings County Tools Swiss Made Camping Axe. Vintage Never Used Built Real Work. Hardwood Handles

I was looking for a good splitting hatchet for about a week because I had gotten tired of breaking knives batoning them. Getting a knife that would stand up the abuse would have cost about $60 and I had no interest in spending that much to split kindling.I looked at Marples (which seemed good), Cold Steel (which seemed like some like them and some hate them), and Estwing (which are durable, but cannot be rehandled, nor are their metal core handles good over long use times). I ultimately chose this Swiss hatchet because I figured that the Swiss military probably knew how to make axes, it being old, the steel would probably be very good quality, and the logo looked cool too. (Anyone that builds computers or bikes knows RGB and stickers make things work better!)I got it and the handle was covered in some awful smelling stuff (it might have been bare wood, but it was probably some sort of oil to preserve it). I promptly removed that and started sanding the handle. I used 80, then 120, then 220 grits to get the handle nice and smooth and then started a week long regimen of daily boiled linseed oil. The method I use is set out in Wranglerstar's youtube videos on how to prep yard tools for winter and the result is a really nice feeling handle that grips the hand and doesn't give blisters like a varnish or urethane does.Once that was done, I started to sharpen it. It came REALLY dull. Like as dull as a Walmart hatchet after some brat beat the floor to a fine dust with it. It took me a couple hours to finish with a file, but it ended up really nice. The steel is fairly soft (I'd guess in the 50s Rockwell, but I cant swear to it), especially if you have a good quality new file. However, while this is a really soft metal, it is tough as nails. I have limbed a redwood, chopped a bunch of little twigs into kindling sizes, and split dozens of 3 or 4 inch logs with this. The edge is just as sharp as the day I sharpened it except where I have hit screws pr nails in the wood or tree. There are a few dents in the blade where I hit things, but nothing has chipped out, just bent over (exactly what I want because I can fix that much easier).The handle grain was oriented very well at 10 or 15 degrees from being inline with the head.The only issue I had with this is the handle smell (which was gone after about 2 weeks), and the wedge in the head of the tool falling out. That is a flaw that shouldn't have even been a problem, but after about 5 minutes with a fine tooth saw and some poplar wood, I had a new wedge that has been just fine for everything I stated before.Overall, this hatchet is GREAT! I kind of wanted a project tool with history, so I had no problem with the smell or even the wedge issue. It just gives the tool more character and makes it mine.It is a bit heavy for such a small handle, but it splits really well which was my main goal. Just make sure you inspect the wedge on yours to make sure it is secure. Nobody wants to have a 2lb chunk of sharp steel fly into the neighbors' yard!

Seems like a fairly high quality hatchet for the money. Handle took some light sandi my to remove the coating in prep for a BLO finish- no big deal. The handle is very straight with just a hint of a palm swell. At first I was a little unsure but it does feel good in the hand. Some light sanding can help accentuate the small swell. The edge is very poor, though. Thick, dull, obtuse and uneven. The good news is the steel seems to be of high quality! I’ve been reprofiling mine for a while now and it still has a rounded edge on the tip! If I ever get this reprofile finished (and somewhat even) this should make a good small axe.

Mine came with a monumentally dull edge, which I expected. I’d have to rate the handle as Poor. The grain is bad and it looks like it’ll split soon after I start abusing it, which is no surprise either. The head has a fairly thick profile but it was surprisingly well-hung.This is truly a low-cost, “sensible shoes” hatchet that will require a full refurbishment (head stripped, reprofiled and force-patina’d and a new handle). My only use for this hatchet will be throwing, so I expect the original handle will be gone soon and my refurbishment project will be underway.All of that said, I still have to give this hatchet five stars. It cost me $29, which is no more than the cheapest, most dubious current Chinese production. I’ve read the reviews of those products and looked at them in big box stores. IMO this one is far preferable to everything I’ve seen and read of those others. I’ll take 20 y/o Swiss military surplus over comparably-priced current Chinese production any day. After I do my upcoming refurbishment, I expect I’ll have a robust and durable thrower/beater.This hatchet is positively not any Gransfors Bruk but I got every bit and then some of my $29-worth, and I’m fully satisfied with it.

My opinion is that this is not an expensive tool. The handle and fit of the head to the handle is poor. The axe is visually appealing and the shape and size of the handle is fine. I would recommend you use it until it breaks then get a better handle. That being said it does fall short of what I consider “standard quality” with any striking tool affixed to a wooden handle. The grain orientation on the handle of the axe I received was perpendicular to the axe head. It is standard preference for the grain of the wood to run in line with the direction of impact. The axe I received was poorly fitted to the head. On the top the wedge was very wide leaving very little handle material around the perimeter of the eye, from the bottom the forward taper of the wood fit nicely in the eye but in the broader rear section left a gap between the handle and the axe head. The axe head needs refinement on the edge, it has a very broad angle of the blade and plenty of working room and material for honing the edge. This is more than acceptable and I have no issues with the head of the axe. It is stainless and well documented in the product description. Be advised that stainless is a softer material for a striking tool. Stainless required a little extra attention to maintaining the edge and will not tolerate striking against the poll, or flat end, very well (note that most axe heads are not designed to be used as a hammer and it is recommended not to do so). I am pleased with axe head and will replace it with a different handle. I feel I am a fair more critical when it comes to handles and how they fit the head and eye. So take that in consideration. I am happy with the axe head and still feel the price was fair.

Seems well made enough, great value for a $35 hatchet. Just the right size for me when RV camping. Heavy enough and not a toy. Good steel seems to take an edge and hold it. Handle wood is straight grained and oriented correctly. It could fit in the head tighter, slight gaps, but is solid. If it was a $150 hatchet I'd take a star off but this is a great deal for this price. Smells like it was coated with cod liver oil. Stinky but perfect new condition when I got it. Little rubber blade guard will be replaced. Came dull of coarse but simple to sharpen. Just watch a DIY vid or check with your local farm/feed store. They often do tool sharpening or know someone who will do it correctly.