In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:
So the 'hand warmer' (the plasticky bit around the head of the pick) didn't stand up to much punishment. And neither did the trigger rest. And the adze is too narrow to be much use. And the shaft looks like a bugger to grip properly because the manufacturer has specifically excluded a grip - so it won't be much fun an anything vaguely technical. And it costs 50% more than your average walking axe.
I admit that I haven't used this axe. I haven't even seen it. And now I definetely don't want to.
I'm suprised at the positivity shown in the review's Conclusions, given all the caveats uncovered by the reviewer. To me, this is a poor review. It doesn't even discuss how the axe measures up to its competitors - is it value for money. Come on UKC, you can do better than this.
As to the axe, it looks like an ill-conceived design excercise, aimed at novice punters who know know better. It will cost a few quid more to manufacture but will add £40 to its profit margin. And the user will quickly realise it's crap and buy something else. Who is more cynical, me or the manufacturer ?!