Cold Steel Axe Gang Training Hatchet review by Booligan
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Introduction
Ordering
Basic Information
First impressions/Packaging
Axe Details
Performance
Pros/Cons
Overall
Introduction:
Cold Steel is the premier manufacturer of polymer training hand to hand weapons, and they've recently introduced a training version of their Axe Gang hatchet. This full size replica hatchet is made of Cold Steel's signature polymer material, which is strong and relatively lightweight. I'll discuss all of the various aspects of this training tool in this review, so keep reading for more information on this interesting training weapon!
Ordering:
I was contacted by my buddy Carp over at CQB Radio, who asked me if I would be interested in checking out this new training tool from Cold Steel, and of course I couldn't refuse. I have a huge soft spot for hand to hand training weapons, and having used Cold Steel training knives for a number of years, I knew that it would be a high quality piece of equipment. It is available at various retailers, including Airsoft Atlanta, bargain priced at $16.99.
Basic Information:
The Axe Gang Trainer is a polypropylene replica of Cold Steel's actual Axe Gang Hatchet. This hatchet is like something you would see in a Hong Kong action film, and has a nice classic hatchet look to it. It's not the smallest hand to hand weapon, as it has an 18” long handle and a 5.5” long blade, but it is certainly handy enough to be wielded effectively. This thing is just begging to be used in zombie games, or tucked into your gear to use during standard games.
First impressions/Packaging:
Packaging is very basic, consisting only of a plastic bag to hold the axe itself. It doesn't include anything else, but then again, it doesn't really need anything else. My first impression about it was that it was a fair bit larger than I thought it would be, but I was really pleased with how realistic it looked.
Axe Details:
As mentioned before, the Axe Gang Hatchet Trainer is a full size replica of the real Cold Steel Hatchet, however it is made entirely out of polypropylene. Due to the rigid construction, this isn't designed to whack away at players with reckless abandon, instead, use it like you would use one of their training knives, by just tapping the other player with it.
Axe overview
Size comparison with KJW KP08 pistol
The head of the axe is black with a silver rounded edge for safety. The rear of the axe head has Cold Steel markings, and the right side of the blade has a crossed axe logo. The head is molded solidly to the handle to keep it all together.
Faux blade detail
Cold Steel logo
Crossed axe logo
Securely molded together
The handle is made with a fake wood texture to help it look realistic. On the side of the handle, you'll find a warning to always wear eye protection and safety gear while using the hatchet. On the opposite side of the handle, you'll find some kanji writing that translates to “Axe Gang”. The writing is painted on, and after repeated handling, it has started to fade.
Axe Gang kanji
Warning about safe use
Performance:
As far as performance goes, there's really not much to test, but rest assured that this thing will take any abuse you can throw at it. That being said, other players may not take the abuse that you can inflict on them with it, so be courteous and don't hit people hard with it. Use it like you would use other hard polymer training weapons and just tap people with it.
Pros:
It's a training hatchet!
Very sturdy construction
Has a pretty realistic look to it
Large size lets you reach out and touch someone at a further range than a knife
Cons:
Entirely made of hard plastic, making hard training potentially dangerous
Axe head could use a little bit more detail
Kanji writing has started fading
Overall:
I love using unique and different weapons when I play airsoft, and the Cold Steel Axe Gang Hatchet Trainer certainly falls within that category. It is a pretty damn cool alternative to the normal training knives that most players use. It's a little tricky to carry on your gear, but with some modifications to MOLLE webbing, it can slide right in securely. I'm very happy to add this kick ass training weapon to my loadout!
Many thanks again to Cold Steel, CQB Radio, and of course, Airsoft Retreat!
