Description

Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe 90TA

The Cold Steel Trail Boss is a versatile full-size outdoor axe designed to bridge the gap between a compact hatchet and a heavier felling axe. Its European-style 1055 high-carbon steel head, broad cutting edge and straight-grained American hickory handle make it suitable for demanding camp, trail and forestry-related utility tasks.

With an overall length of approximately 68.6 cm and a weight of approximately 1177 g, the Trail Boss remains manageable enough for carrying on extended outdoor trips while providing considerably more chopping power than a typical hand hatchet.

The approximately 11.4 cm primary cutting edge offers a broad bite into suitable wood, while the long hickory handle provides leverage for chopping kindling, processing firewood, clearing brush and carrying out other controlled outdoor work.

Key Features

• Versatile outdoor and camp axe
• European-style axe head
• 1055 high-carbon steel construction
• Broad primary cutting edge of approximately 11.4 cm
• Straight-grained American hickory handle
• Approximate overall length of 68.6 cm
• Approximate weight of 1177 g
• Suitable for chopping, splitting and trail-clearing tasks
• More capable than a compact hatchet for larger wood-processing work
• Cold Steel product number 90TA

European-Style Axe Head

The Trail Boss features a traditional European-style head profile with a broad blade and substantial poll. This shape provides an effective balance between chopping penetration, control and durability.

The blade section measures approximately 16.5 cm, with a primary sharpened edge of approximately 11.4 cm. The broad edge is designed to take a substantial bite from suitable wood during each controlled swing.

1055 High-Carbon Steel

The axe head is made from 1055 high-carbon steel, a tough and impact-resistant material commonly used for large cutting tools and blades that must tolerate repeated shock.

Its relatively moderate carbon content helps provide a practical balance between toughness, edge retention and resistance to brittle fracture. As this is not stainless steel, the head should be cleaned, dried and lightly oiled after use to reduce the risk of corrosion.

American Hickory Handle

The Trail Boss is fitted with a straight-grained American hickory handle. Hickory is widely used for axe handles because it combines strength, flexibility and shock absorption.

The long handle offers useful leverage during chopping and wood-processing tasks while retaining the traditional feel and balance of a full-size field axe.

As with all natural wooden handles, the hickory should be inspected regularly for cracks, loosening, crushing, deep cuts or other damage before use.

Recommended Use

• Chopping kindling
• Processing firewood
• Splitting smaller logs
• Clearing branches and brush
• Maintaining trails and campsites
• Building lawful outdoor shelters or blinds
• Camping, bushcraft and forestry-related utility work
• Emergency and preparedness equipment

The axe is intended for controlled work on suitable wood. It should not be used to strike stone, concrete, metal, hardened fasteners or other unsuitable materials.

Technical Specifications

Why Choose the Cold Steel Trail Boss?

The Trail Boss is suitable for users who need more capability than a compact hatchet but do not want the weight and bulk of a heavier felling axe. Its combination of a broad steel head, long hickory handle and manageable overall weight makes it a practical option for camping, wood processing and trail maintenance.

The 1055 steel head provides toughness for repeated chopping, while the natural hickory handle helps absorb shock and supports comfortable controlled use over longer periods.

Care and Maintenance

• Clean the axe head after every use.
• Remove dirt, sap, moisture and other residues promptly.
• Dry the steel completely before storage.
• Apply a thin layer of protective oil to the steel during storage.
• Inspect the edge regularly for chips, rolling or deformation.
• Inspect the handle for cracks, looseness, deep cuts or crushing.
• Do not use the axe if the head is loose or the handle is damaged.
• Store in a dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect the edge during transport and storage.
• Sharpen while preserving the original bevel and edge geometry.
• Avoid overheating the steel during powered sharpening.
• Apply suitable wood oil to the handle when needed.

Safety Information

• The cutting edge is sharp and may cause severe or fatal injury.
• Use only in a large, clear working area.
• Keep all people and animals outside the swing and rebound zone.
• Maintain stable footing and a secure two-handed grip.
• Use a stable wooden chopping block where appropriate.
• Never chop directly onto stone, concrete, metal or unstable surfaces.
• Do not swing towards the body, legs or supporting hand.
• Wear suitable eye, hand, foot and leg protection.
• Do not use the axe when tired, impaired or unable to maintain full control.
• Never attempt to catch a falling or rebounding axe.
• Do not throw the axe.
• Keep the edge protected when the axe is not in use.
• Store securely and out of reach of children and unauthorised persons.

Legal and Responsible Use Notice

This product must be purchased, possessed, carried, transported and used only in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the customer’s country, region and municipality.

The customer is responsible for determining whether the purchase, possession, carriage, transport or use of this product is lawful in their location and for using it safely, responsibly and only for lawful purposes. The seller does not encourage, recommend or authorise unlawful, threatening, offensive or harmful use.

Classification of this product within an axe, outdoor, tactical, utility or self-defence category does not constitute legal advice, confirmation that it may legally be carried for self-defence, or a recommendation to use it against another person. Applicable laws may differ according to the product’s design, intended use, location, manner of transport and surrounding circumstances.

Misuse may cause serious injury, death, property damage or legal consequences. The product must be stored securely and kept away from children and unauthorised persons.

This notice does not exclude or limit any statutory consumer rights or legal obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded.

FAQ

Glossary

• European-Style Axe Head: Traditional head profile with a broad blade suitable for chopping and general wood-processing tasks.
• 1055 High-Carbon Steel: Tough carbon steel commonly used for impact-resistant blades and tools.
• Primary Edge: Main sharpened cutting section of the axe head.
• Hickory: Strong and resilient hardwood widely used for traditional striking-tool handles.
• Poll: Rear section of an axe head opposite the cutting edge.
• Chopping: Cutting wood across the grain through repeated controlled strikes.
• Splitting: Separating wood along the grain.
• Bevel: Angled surface forming the sharpened edge of the blade.

Manufacturer & GPSR Information

Manufacturer:
GSM Outdoors, LLC
5250 Frye Road
Irving, TX 75061
United States

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Responsible Person in the EU:
Battle-Merchant Wacken GmbH & Co. KG
Gehrn 4
25596 Wacken
Germany