Schrade has supplied us with many fine blades over the last few months. This time we decided to take a look at one of the Schrade axes, specifically the SCAXE5 Full Tang Tactical Hatchet. From the first I was impressed with look of this hatchet. From top to bottom it’s 13 inches of 1/4 inch thick SK5 high carbon stainless steel. It’s formidable and strong, yet compact and light at a weight under 2 pounds. The SCAXE5 arrived razor sharp with a deep saber grind on the cutting surface. The reverse is a strong, slightly curved piercing point. The most unique feature is the addition of a very functional pry bar at the base of the handle. Another nice perk to this little hatchet is it’s scabbard. The sheath has two snap on belt loops that could be used to attach to molle straps and it snaps closed from the bottom meaning the axe could be deployed quickly with a solid downward yank. In the end the SCAXE5 is a great choice for smaller woodland projects such as limbing, small felling, whittling, making feather sticks, etc. Small suggestion; if you buy one add a little paracord to the skeletonized portion of the upper handle, because why not stash a little cordage when you can. Secondly, the tang is skeletonized under the grip, you could possibly hide a bit of flint and tinder underneath.As I began my review and contest for the SCAXE5 I got an email from the Vice President of Taylor Brands offering to send a SCAXE4 for review. The SCAXE4 has sold very well and have been out of stock for some time. A shipment of ten pieces arrived at Schrade and we were given two of them; one to review and one to giveaway. It was nice to be able to look at such a hard to get item. The SCAXE4 is approximately 18 inches of tomahawk with 3Cr13 Stainless Steel Head and nylon fiber handle. The whole thing weighs in under two pounds. The blade is convex ground for strength and durability. The design is weight forward increasing chopping ability. I was told the SCAXE4 was not designed to throw so that was the first thing I did. I found it very easy to do even though I have no experience in axe throwing. When used in a hardwood felling the SCAXE4 performed very well though limbing wasn’t as clean as with the sharper SCAXE5. The handle is wrapped in 550 cord in a simple double spiral. I found this wrap did come loose as I worked with the axe. If not addressed this could be a hazard so I tightened the wrap. Later I discovered my wrap was coming loose under heavy activity. Therefore I would recommend tying a proper handle wrap knot on the shaft such as a Turk’s Head wrap. If I were to make any other suggestion it would be to rename it the SCHAWK because it sounds good.All in all, I was very pleased with both SCAXE’s and found both to be great tools for different jobs. Schrade may be able to make the perfect axe by joining the two together into a tomahawk with a sharp saber grind and a pry bar.

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