It's a hatchet, it's not a log splitting axe, although it can do it. It's not a razor blade, you're not supposed to shave with it. Y'all that are complaining about how it does not come sharp enough have apparently lost sight of what an axe/hatchet does. Sharp gets stuck in wood (not good for it's intended purpose), wedge shaped blades split wood (as in the dull one your hatchet arrived with). This is an amazing product at an excellent price .

First impression was a little less than impressed with the factory edge... that being said, it isn't a big deal because I never leave a factory edge on anything. A little work with a file then a diamond sharpener had a perfect edge on this beauty. (Just under shaving sharp is where I like to keep hatchet blades). All my knifes I strop to a razor. Anyway...

I got this hatchet to take on my pretty regular minimalist camping trips. I always take an axe and a couple of knifes but I was lacking a good strong hatchet. I'm a man that likes things that last so I liked the hickory handle on this one and the blade shape with the dark finished handle really caught my eye. So far I've just taken it out back and split some medium to small oak I had laying around but it had no problem at all, and if I planned on splitting anything bigger I would use an axe anyway. I banged the handle a time or two while trying to get the feel of this hatchet but you can't really tell at all. That's one thing I should mention, the blade angle and length take a little getting used to but I love it now. The quality control is something I have always respected from CRKT so I wasn't surprised to find that all the measures I would have taken (both to make and secure the handle) were taken.

I'll be sure to leave an update after a night out with this one but for now I definitely recommend this hatchet or "tactical axe".

*UPDATE*
Downgraded to a 4 star due to the head coming loose and needing to be reseated. Also, the edge needed a little extra need even more work to be a good WORKING camp axe. After a while I ended up needing to take a belt sander to the edge to get a better bevel. I still use the axe and it works great for the price but needed to be properly set up.

First the pros:
- it feels solid in the hand. Doesn't feel like a cheap axe you'd find at any random hardware store.
- the quality is noticeable. That doesn't mean QC catches everything, but the one I received was well made.

Now the cons:
- wish the sheath came with the purchase. Had to buy separately.
- needs sharpening. Came with the edge of a butter knife almost.

The good news is I've seen videos of this when it is sharpened, and it's a beast! As soon as I have it sharpened, it's going in my bug-out bag.

***UPDATE 3/2/23***

Sharpened this bad boy and good Lord is it worth it! Get a good edge on it and it goes through wood easily!

What do I use this axe for? Currently I'm clearing 7 acres of thick trees. I have my stihl but next to that, this is my second most used tool. I'm very impressed and it looks great! The sheath is very well made and such a perfect fit. It's comfortable to wear on my belt all day and doesn't hinder natural movement. The handle is super comfortable and forgiving. The head is super tough and easy to maintain with a basic sharpener or strop. 1055 is perfect for axes cause it's super easy to strop back into place instead of chipping with say 1095. I see some say it's not razor sharp, but it's not a knife or razor. It's not suppose to be or it be razor sharp. I use this on hard wood all day with zero issues. Head stays tight and is very solidly wedged in. Overall highly recommended!

It is a bit smaller than I expected. My issue though, not the sellers.