The 5.11 Tactical Operator Axe

A couple years ago, Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics designed a multi-functional axe with hammer and pry-bar ends that would ultimately evolve into the 5.11 Tactical VTAC Operator Axe. As much as we loved the hammer, axe, pry-bar and two dozen other functions packed into this behemoth of a tool, it always felts like it was just a little too big to be carrying around in a bag on the regular. Which is why we were so pleased to learn that they had boiled down the feature set of the 5.11 Tactical Operator Axe into a more compact version. The appropriately named 5.11 Tactical Operator Axe Compact still has hammer, axe and pry-bar functionality, along with hex-bit capability (and a stowed bit), a ruler and notches for a paracord-wrap handle, so it does everything you expected the original to do. But the compact version packs all that functionality into a ten inch length (five inches shorter than the original) that works great as an EDC multi-tool and hatchet.