Birler

Forged to keep you from being SOL in a FOB. The Birler™ compact pack axe is light enough to cut down on weight, yet it's still burly enough to get everything you need done on a mission.  Elmer Roush of Brasstown, North Carolina knows a thing or two about axes and life in the battle theater. He spent time in country, in the Vietnam conflict. Today, in the Forged By War™ program, he's applying his 40 years of blacksmith experience as well as techniques from thousands of years ago to create exceptional tools such as the Birler™.  This is an axe that won't go AWOL on you when you need to break down doors, build floors and take down tall trees to rescue a fellow soldier. The blade is forged from 1055 carbon steel and is virtually indestructible. Just like those who use it. The sturdy Tennessee hickory handle ensures that the Birler™ won't fold on you when the fighting gets tough. The name even relates the tool back to the wooden handle and the art of Birling, being a reference to lumberjacks logrolling. This is one tough tool for mission or the outdoors.  Looking at the Birler™ you'd be amazed that it's such a heavy weight when it comes to work, yet such a lightweight when it comes to carrying it into battle with the elements.  If you're fighting to reduce every ounce as you head out into the field, carry the Birler™ in your hand.  An aftermarket sheath will be available for the Birler™ soon.  About the Forged By War™ program –  In 2013, Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, designer of elite, military, tactical tomahawks, approached CRKT with the news that he had been working with a few combat veterans that had returned from war with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  To help work through their challenges, they have been designing and forging steel into custom tools. Drawing from their experience earned in combat situations, they have been creating tools they wished they had available to them in the battlefield.  CRKT cares deeply about our returning veterans and we saw a way to give back to the community that created them. In 2016, we launched the Forged By War™ program.  These are mission ready tools, designed by veterans, with 10% of the CRKT net profits of the program donated to the veterans' charity of choice.  Mission ready tools that are, Forged By War™.  Dimensions Open Overall Length    16 inches Weight    10.3 ounces Blade Length    5.165 inches Thickness    1.113 inches Material    1055 Carbon Blade-HRC    50-55 Finish    Satin Handle Material    Hickory