The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·15130·Announced 2015-05-07

Snow Peak Recalls Japanese Axe M Due to Handle Cracking Hazard

Snow Peak is recalling about 220 Japanese Axe M units because the handle can crack, allowing the axe head to come loose and posing a laceration or impact hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (axe) where the handle can crack and the head can come loose, posing laceration or impact hazards, but no injuries have been reported.

Plain-English summary

Snow Peak USA is recalling about 220 units of the Japanese Axe M due to a safety hazard. The handle of the axe can crack, which allows the axe head to come loose. This defect poses a laceration or impact hazard to the user or bystanders.

The recalled Japanese Axe M has item number R-061 printed on the back page of the included manual. The black axe head measures 5-3/4 inches high by 4 inches wide and weighs 2 pounds. The axe handle measures 14 inches long and is made of light-colored maple. A small black snow flake (asterisk) is burnt into the handle near the hole at the end. The axe was sold with a white leather holder for the axe head that attaches with a snap strap.

The firm has received three reports of a cracked handle or loose head on the axe, but no injuries have been reported. The axe was sold at outdoor equipment retail stores, including Adventure 16, Backcountry Gear LTD, Camp Saver, Snow Peak Portland Store, and UTE Mountaineer, as well as online at www.snowpeak.com from December 2013 through August 2014 for about $160.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Japanese Axe M and return it to Snow Peak's Portland retail store or contact Snow Peak for a free replacement axe. Consumers can contact Snow Peak toll-free at (855) 407-8390 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at [email protected], or visit www.snowpeak.com and click on the recall poster for more information.

The recalled product

Product
Japanese Axe M
Manufacturer
Snow Peak USA, of Portland, Ore.
Category
Consumer Product — Tools
Hazard
Affected units
220

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

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