Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Combo Axe

Gerber Legendary Blades is recalling about 103,000 Gerber Gator Combo Axes. The knife in the axe handle can come out when the axe is used for chopping or hammering, posing a laceration hazard to the user.

Gerber has received five reports of laceration injuries. All required stitches.

his recall involves the Gerber Gator Combo Axe, which has a 7-inch knife in the hollow axe handle. The axe is approximately 8.75 inches long with an axe head that is 4.75 inches x 2.7 inches. The axe handle is marked with the "Gerber" trademark. The Gerber Combo Axe II, which holds a saw in a longer axe handle, is not included in this recall.

Retail stores sold the axes nationwide, including The Sportsman's Guide, Dick's Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops/American Rod & Gun and online since March 2005 for around $28 - $60. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately remove the knife from the axe handle and contact Gerber to receive a free handle cap, which will hold the knife in the axe handle during transport and storage, instructions for the use of the handle cap, and a warning label to affix on the axe head.

For more information, contact Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at (877) 314-9130 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.gerbergear.com