Whether you’re a hardcore survivalist, a tool collector, or just someone who has a general appreciation for smart, modern design, you’ll want to check out Exceed Designs’ new Hyzer modular titanium axe. And even if you’re neither of those things, you might still be interested. The compact, ultralight axe combines a striking skeleton handle with a modular head system that lets you adjust your chopping power.
Washington State-based Exceed Designs, a long-standing knife and EDC accessory maker, is entering the world of bigger (but not too big) tools with the Hyzer, offering a meticulously crafted ultralight chopping tool for rural and backyard lumberjacks and firefighters.
Exceed says it spent about three years of R&D on Hyzer, pursuing its vision for “the ultimate lightweight modular titanium axe.” It describes its final design as one of the lightest modular axes ever made, and offers a wealth of customization options.
Exceeding Designs
Indeed, the Hyzer looks quite different from other axes we've seen.
The Hyzer handle starts as a solid block of 6AL-4V GR5 titanium that is machined into its final lightweight, airy skeletal form. Much of Hyzer’s development process was spent finding the right machining process and partner for the handle design, ensuring the proper tolerances required for strength-to-weight and rugged durability that would last “multiple lifetimes.” Exceed covers at least one of those lifetimes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Exceeding Designs
In addition to combining durability and low weight, Exceed says the titanium handle also reduces vibrations and promises smoother, more comfortable performance.
The handle is paired with a variety of D2 steel head options that can be quickly swapped out with four two-piece Torx T10 screws. Exceed offers a variety of coatings, thicknesses, and finishes that allow buyers to specify the exact head(s) that best suit their needs. A paracord handle wrap is available to add color and grip, and Exceed plans to add additional customization options in the coming weeks and months.
Exceeding Designs
The Hyzer weighs well under a pound, weighing in at 13.8 oz (391 g) when equipped with a full-length 9.8 in (25 cm) handle and a medium-weight head, or 12.3 oz (349 g) with the same head and a mini handle length of 8.2 in (21 cm). That's significantly lighter than all of the axes currently advertised at REI, all of which weigh over a pound, and is quite comparable to SOL's 13.9 oz (394 g) Stoke Camp Axe, a multi-tool that also has a flint fire starter, kindling parachute cord, hex keys, and a few other functions.
The Hyzer is currently on sale starting at $182 for the Mini version and $192 for the Full Handle model, with different customizations and add-ons increasing the price from there.
Source: Exceed Designs