Yep...it seems to struggle to work though (could be operator error).
Yep...it seems to struggle to work though (could be operator error).
Hey I am also keen to grab one thanks.
cheers guys, I am keeping a list of potential / confirmed buyers, pretty close to 10 now. I've had a chance to use the axe, and it chops way better than the prototype. Handle is longer and a bit heavier, so it's better balanced now. It is of course razor (shaving) sharp, and I am genuinely shocked at how well such a small axe, weighing only 1kg, chops. I need to make a sheath for it though, it would cut you up badly if you accidentally touched the blade
any idea of a ballpark price?
The camp axe set me back about $400 for what that is worth
no idea on price yet, they are on holidays. I'm pretty sure the version I have is the commercial version, it looks completely finished and is branded etc. So I'm guessing they'll open up orders in the new year, but that's just my guess. I'll see if they're open to a group buy discount
Well let's see a picture then
They asked me not to send out any pics when the prototype was underway, I guess they don't want them floating around on the internet until the design etc is finalised. They are on hols now, but one they're back at work I'll ask if they are OK with me posting pics here. Given that it's their product, they might want to do the release on their website. Either way I'll update here once I know
Good on you for backing the maker, a few would probably bash happy pics all over the web and not even realize the potential issue!
yeah, in the end its their product, brand and reputation, I'm just the beta tester. But you guys will know first when they are ready for release
@Gruffle any more news on this? Have a trip coming up in April that would be nice to have it for. If not I'll have to make do with the camp axe I already have!
Double post
Yes, I am giving the latest version a really good test. So far I can find no faults. I want to try it with some very dry old hardwood over the weekend, and also some splitting. I will be sending Tuatahi my final review on Monday, and then be pushing them to start production. The model I have looks like the commercial version, it is rustproofed, branded with the model name (still under wraps) and looks fully ready for production to my eyes....
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...2-C47A31CD06FD
Second hand work axe... Pick up only or I'd be tempted
That’s a bloody steal of a deal. I’ve already got one but very tempted to grab for the old man.Quote:
Originally Posted by 223nut
@223nut check out the questions. He’s happy to courier.Quote:
Originally Posted by 223nut
No one had asked any when I saw itQuote:
Originally Posted by McNotty
It’s gone
come on cut all the rubbish we all waiting photo photo photoQuote:
Originally Posted by Gruffle
OK, after sending my review to Tuatahi, they confirm they will be putting the axe into production. My only issue with it was that I think it needs to come with a cover supplied. It's razor sharp of course, and since a lot will carry in a backpack, you could cut yourself really badly rummaging around for it.
I did ask again, but they still are asking me not to release photos. They want to post it themselves on their website, which is fair enough.
Pity it's taken so long, but at least they're making it.
They had already foresee the cover issue and are already trying to source them.
Apparently, "hopefully it won't be too much longer."
You guys will be the first to know when its ready for public release....
Thanks for the update and perseverance Gruffle :)
It'll be worth the wait!
If you guys are looking for small custom axes, check out the Soloblacksmith.com. Auckland based blacksmith that does hand forged axes. The website has a few green woodworking axes that meets the original authors specs. Or can be made custom
Excited for this and look forward to them being available. Hopefully soon.
Yeah I hope not too long. I have no complaints at all with mine, but it really needs a cover. It is so sharp it'll tear up the inside of your back pack, or hands if you make a wrong move. Hopefully they'll have covers sourced soon. It'll be sold together with cover.
Could be wrong but I believe they out source the current cover making
They do. I interacted directly with them when I bought my Working axe from them to get a slightly modified cover.Quote:
Originally Posted by 223nut
yep definitely outsourced. I guess they'll ask their existing outfit but have not discussed this with them in any detail. I had a look on aliexpress to see if I could buy a cheapie in the interim, but they look like total crap, PU shite. I buy a bit of stuff off aliexpress, some of it's great value, some not. If cheap enough it's worth a spin of the roulette wheelQuote:
Originally Posted by 223nut
OK, so Tuatahi told me today they're launching the small axe in June. Just in time for winter
Nearly 2 years in the making and still no pics :x_x: you axe guys are special all right :yaeh am not durnk:
Don’t worry about it, everyone got hypothermia waiting and won’t require an axe now.
Im reminded of the episode of two n a half men..charlie writing ditty,gets imput from young un...and the buyer goes with origonal crap version alan liked that sucked....Quote:
Originally Posted by Gruffle
one hopes they have listened to feed back and produce something good and not cheapest to make....
June...but which June???
Yeah it's been a while alright
OK folks here it is, 2 years later....
The Tuatahi Trapper.
It's not on their website yet, but they have the axes in stock and ready to go.
I did ask about a group buy, but they said they can't lower the price, and apparently it's the expense of the hickory handles which is the reason for this.
If anyone has a source of wood that's good for axe handles they're keen to know about it.
But anyway, here's the details:
We have two handle lengths, normal length is 49cm total length including the axe head, and the longer version is 60cm total length including the axe head.
They both come standard with an axe cover and are prices as follows (Excluding 15% GST):
1 x Trapper axe with 49cm hickory handle + axe cover = $385.00 + Delivery + 15% GST
1 x Trapper axe with 60cm hickory handle + axe cover = $385.00 + Delivery + 15% GST
The version I have is the 49cm one, and I find it ideal for fitting into a back pack but still long enough for two-handed chopping when required.
The weight of mine is just a tad over 1kg, and with it's relatively long blade due to the bearded design, the chopping power is impressive.
I compared it with a small cheapo (but sharp) axe I have of the same weight, and there's no comparison.
The bearded design gives a much bigger blade area without adding weight, and I can easily choke up on the handle right behind the blade with no fear of cutting fingers.
So there you have it, if you want to buy one just send them an email, because it's not been added to their shopping cart yet: tuatahi.axes@actrix.co.nz
BTW I don't know how many they have in stock, first in first served I guess....
I'll post some more pics of my own axe tomorrow when it's daylight, and if anyone has questions just fire away
Attachment 224629
Whats the dark line circled in red ? Could this be a potential weak point ? No hate genuinely curious what has caused this blemish in what is otherwise a very nicely finished and well thought out axe.
I have no idea, didn't even notice it myself. There is certainly nothing like that on my axe, and I think extremely unlikely they'd release a product with an obvious flaw. In my experience with them I've never had an issue with quality, they seem to be very fastidious. Not fast, but fastidious...Quote:
Originally Posted by dannyb
Ordered one today, looking forward to it turning up.
Here are some pics I took of my test axe, as far as I can see its identical to the commercial model.
It's dirty of course, but was obviously spotless when I got it. And wickedly sharp.
Looking forward to getting the cover, TBH I'm not using it much now because I'm afraid of chopping off a finger rummaging for it in the back pack.
You can see it's quite a bit smaller than the camp axe, and truly backpackable at 1kg.
Attached some fancy pics from TuatahiAttachment 224803Attachment 224804Attachment 224805
Looking at other pics I think the dark line is just where the rust proofing meets the part of the blade where it's been ground. I can vaguely see it on my axe, but there's definitely no damage to the metal. And I think the crappy image quality in that pic has vastly exaggerated the colour change. It's not visible on my axe at all unless you look very closely.Quote:
Originally Posted by dannyb
