COMBAR Titanium vs. COMBAR FoldaXe: Which Multitool Is Right For You?

There's a new COMBAR™ in town: the COMBAR™ FoldaXe. The streamlined, essentialist FoldaXe, together with the original COMBAR™ Titanium make up the newly expanded COMBAR™ series of tools. They look a lot alike. And they have certain overlapping features. "So," yo might be wondering, "what's the difference?"

In this article we're breaking down the key differences between these two large-format multitools and outlining use cases that each one is ideally suited for, so you can know which COMBAR™ is right for you.

The Origins of the COMBAR Multitools

Eight years ago we recognized a gap in available large-format multitools for adventurers, so we made one ourselves. That's a gross oversimplification of the process, but suffice it to say, that we reviewed a century's worth of patents, developed ten generations of prototypes, and applied our combined experience from serving in the Israeli special forces to create a tool that we'd trust in the field. No corners were cut. After years of research and experimentation, the result was an entirely new category in high-quality adventure tools, the COMBAR™ Titanium.

It's been almost 4 years since we unveiled the original COMBAR™ Titanium. Since then, we've received excellent feedback, including requests for a streamlined version of the COMBAR™. Our tinkerer instincts kicked in. We soon found ourselves testing, and re-testing, pared-down iterations of our flagship tool. 

That's how we arrived at the concept for the new FoldaXe. It's essentialist in comparison to the original, weighing less, swapping some materials, taking up less space in a pack, or gear box.

Let's dig into the features, specs, and use cases of these two tools.

The COMBAR™ FoldaXe

Summary

The COMBAR™ FoldaXe is great for expeditions where a lightweight and compact hatchet-style multitool will get the job done. It provides a compact axe blade ideal for splitting wood for kindling or trimming small branches, but without the weight of a full-sized axe. Opposite the axe blade is a hammer that can be used for myriad outdoor tasks, like securely placing tent stakes. The textured ergonomic handle can house our Pro kit – knife and folding saw. Ultimately this tool is the streamlined cousin to the Titanium. 

Features

• Axe - a 5" x 2.5" stainless steel and hard anodized aluminum axe cheek that can be deployed or stowed in the blink of an eye. This axe head features lighter-weight, hardened aluminum, a small difference from the titanium material featured in the COMBAR™ Titanium's axe head.

• Hammer - A hardened stainless steel hammer head with a textured surface to maximize friction.

• Hollow Glass-Reinforced Polymer Handle - A sleek, ergonomic handle designed to remain comfortable in your hand, even during prolonged tasks.

• Over-molded Head - Connecting the multifunctional head to the handle is an over-molded design which ensures that the connection remains secure during the most demanding of tasks.

• Pro Kit Compatible - The ACLIM8 Pro Kit (a stainless steel, drop-point survival knife and 10" folding saw) can stow neatly in the hollow handle.

Specs

• Weight: 2lbs (900 grams) (without the Pro Kit) 19% overall weight reduction compared to COMBAR™ Titanium.

• Dimensions: 15.75" x 2" packed

• Materials: Hard Anodized Aircraft-Grade Aluminum, Glass-Reinforced Nylon, Stainless Steel

Use Cases

The COMBAR™ FoldaXe pairs best with activities where pack weight is a consideration. Its minimalist design makes it lighter to carry and easier to stash. While it still makes a great addition to any overlanding, RVing, or vehicle-supported activity kit, its packable form factor makes it ideal for:

• Backpacking

• Bikepacking

• Camping

• Remote Hunting / Fishing

• Ranch / Cabin Work

• Home Emergency Kit Inclusion

The COMBAR™ Titanium

Summary

This is the original COMBAR™. It consists of three main tools, a hatchet, a hammer, and a spade. Made using a unique selection of materials constructed for endurance in the most challenging environments, the COMBAR™ Titanium is the rugged large-format multitool that handles demanding outdoor jobs with ease. Though, packable, the COMBAR™ is best suited for vehicle or animal-supported pursuits where space is still at premium but weight is less precious.

Features

• Spade - A solid titanium drain spade designed to dig through rough, rigid surfaces with ease. This feature is the key differentiator between the Titanium and FoldaXe.

• Axe - a 5" x 2.5" stainless steel and titanium axe cheek that can be deployed or stowed in the blink of an eye. The inclusion of titanium in the axe head connection is one small difference that sets the COMBAR™ Titanium apart from the FoldaXe.

• Hammer - A hardened stainless steel hammer head with a textured surface to maximize friction.

• Hollow Glass-Reinforced Polymer Handle - A sleek, ergonomic handle designed to remain comfortable in your hand, even during prolonged tasks.

• Over-molded Head - Connecting the multifunctional head to the handle is an over-molded design which ensures that the connection remains secure during the most demanding of tasks.

• Pro Kit Compatible - The ACLIM8 Pro Kit (a stainless steel, drop-point survival knife and 10" folding saw) can stow neatly in the hollow handle.

Specs

• Weight: 2.42lbs (1100 grams) (without the Pro Kit)

• Dimensions: 15.75" x 2" packed

• Materials: Titanium, Hard Anodized Aircraft-Grade Aluminum, Glass-Reinforced Nylon,  Stainless Steel

• (Full COMBAR™ Titanium specs can be seen here.)

Use Cases 

The COMBAR™ Titanium pairs best with vehicle-supported or animal-supported activities where pack weight is less precious. Its inclusion of titanium parts makes it the most rugged large-format multitool available, and perfect for pursuits like: 

• Overlanding

• Camping

• ATVing / Motorbiking

• Vehicle-Supported Hunting / Fishing

• Raft Trips

• Horse-packing

• Ranch / Cabin Work

• Home Emergency Kit Inclusion

So which is right for you?

Wether your gear quiver calls for a heavier-duty, titanium-reinforced tool, or a streamlined, lightweight tool (or both) depends on the nature of your outdoor missions.

ACLIM8 customers have used the COMBAR™ series of tools for everything from starting fires in remote sections of the Amazon rainforest to skinning and preparing an animal for nourishment in the backcountry. But all of these users have one thing in common: they are ardent advocates of readiness before any adventure. Equipped with the info in this comparative breakdown, you're ready to make your choice of COMBAR™, and ensure your own readiness for future adventures.

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