We had a chance to use the Iron Fox Flathead Axe in several different scenarios.  It’s a solid tool with some pros and cons depending on the work you are doing.  Check out the pictures and information below.

FROM THE IRON FOX WEBSITE:

Our goal when designing the Iron Fox axe was to create a modern fire axe that could be used against any material and not get stuck. We wanted to make it tough, versatile and easy to use. Even in its earliest form the concept prototype outperformed our expectations, crushing everything we tested it against. In its finished form the breach axe is an unstoppable force. After intensive design and testing, we have refined every angle, optimized the weight and balance, and forged it from a nearly indestructible material. This axe was built to dominate the modern fireground and anything else standing in your way.

Each axe is 100% made in the USA from tempered high grade tool steel. At 7.5 lbs, both the flat head and pick head weigh and balance identically despite their physical differences, giving you the feel in your hands that you expect from a properly weighted tool.

Price: $219.99 (+$10 for fiberglass handle)

Striking:

No complaints on the striking front.  We banged on the forcible entry prop numerous times.

Wall Breaching

The Iron Fox Axe worked well as a flathead when breaching drywall and block walls.  The blade held up well against the block, however, we conclude that the flathead works better in that scenario.

Iron Fox Axes On Facebook

 Roof Ventilation

The majority of our roof ventilation review was done on a roof with 1″ boards covered by shingles.  First, the flathead worked the same as other flathead axes  when opening the roof.  Second, we wanted to test the premise that the axe head wouldn’t get stuck like other bladed axes.  Some instances when striking the roof with the blade yielded easy removal.  In others the blade still hung up in the roof, however, because of the curve on the bottom of the head toward the handle; a slight down rotation and push of the handle toward the roof ridge allowed the blade to become free.  Pretty good on an old school roof.

Below is a video from the guys at Iron Fox comparing axes on an OSB roof.  Our usage had similar results.

Iron Fox Website / Ordering

• There is no notch for marrying with a haligan on this flathead.
• Wide blade (1″) is different than traditional axes.  If you use the blade as a wedge regularly this one may be to thick.

Overall, the Iron Fox Flathead is a tough axe that can destroy most things we will see on the fireground.

Pass it on!