A recent recall listed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that Gerber Legendary Blades has recalled about 103000 Gerber Gator Combo Axes due to a possible laceration hazard. The product is a hybrid ax and knife where the knife can be stored in the axs handle; however injuries can occur as the knife can escape the axs handle when the ax is used to chop or hammer. Five injury reports of lacerations requiring stitches have been received by Gerber. The affected product was sold throughout the U.S. at Bass Pro Shops Dicks Sporting Goods and The Sportsmans Guide since March of 2005. Prices ranged from $28 to $60. The Gerber Combo Axe II is not affected by this recall. Those with the affected product are encouraged to remove the knife from the ax or to contact Gerber at 1-877-314-9130 or gerbergear.com to obtain a free handle cap that can be placed over the base of the ax in order to contain the knife for storage or transport.
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In the event that a person suffers injury due to a product that may be inherently dangerous an injured person may be able to pursue a product liability claim based on strict liability. Even though a product may have been manufactured and designed correctly it may still be an inherently unsafe object. In my humble estimation sticking a knife into the base of an ax would seem to be quite an unsafe combination especially if there are no mechanisms in place that keep the knife secure within the base.
– Texas Product Liability Attorney Michael Grossman
