CPSC, Coleman Announce Recall of Camp Axes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Coleman Co. Inc. of Wichita, Kan., is recalling about 20,000 camp axes. The axe handle could crack or break during use, causing the axe head to separate from the handle. Consumers could be injured if they are hit by the separated axe head or handle.

The Coleman Co. Inc. has received two reports of the axe heads separating from the handles. No injuries have been reported.

Only the Coleman deluxe camp axe (model 836-430T) is involved in this recall. The axe has a black plastic handle, about 13.5 inches long, and steel axe head, about 2.75 inches long. "Coleman" is imprinted on the handle. The axe comes with a black case for the blade. The axe is packaged for sale in a plastic shell with a green and red backer card that reads in part, "Coleman Deluxe Camp Axe...836-430T."

Discount and sporting goods stores nationwide sold the axes from January 1996 through June 1997 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the camp axes immediately and call The Coleman Co. Inc. at (800) 257-5299 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday or write to the company at P.O. Box 2931, Wichita, Kan., 67201 to obtain a full refund.