A hatchet isn’t something I’ve reviewed before, so when I saw the Exceed Designs Hyzer, a titanium and D2 modular hatchet system, I was intrigued. That’s a wild concept—lightweight, customizable, and built with some serious materials. If anyone was going to attempt something this ambitious, it would be Exceed Designs. They have a reputation for high-quality, precision-made tools with a focus on innovation, so I had to see if the Hyzer lived up to that reputation.

Handle & Ergonomics

A good hatchet, like a good knife, comes down to two things: a well-designed handle and a well-executed blade (or head, in this case). The Hyzer offers two handle lengths:

Full-size (9.75")

Mini (8.15")

I opted for the shorter handle, partly because the longer version was backordered. In hindsight, that should have been a clue—the long handle likely offers a much better chopping experience.

Titanium Pros & Cons

The handle is made from 6AL-4V Grade 5 titanium, which means it’s strong and lightweight. But titanium has one major drawback: it doesn’t absorb vibration well. That’s a problem when you’re swinging a tool meant for chopping. With the short handle, I found that I simply couldn’t generate the force needed for effective cutting power. The lack of weight behind my swings meant it took far more effort than it should have to chop through downed limbs.

That said, comfort-wise, the handle is solid. The skeletonized design reduces weight further, and the optional paracord wrap was a great choice. Without it, I think vibrations would have been even more of an issue. There’s some texturing (let’s call it jimping) where the thumb rests, and I found it natural and grippy when swinging. But even with these comfort factors, I experienced fatigue pretty quickly, likely due to the shorter handle limiting my range of motion.

Verdict on the handle? If you’re looking for real power and efficiency, the longer handle is the way to go. The short handle might be fine for small branches or detail work, but it struggles with serious chopping tasks.

Axe Head Performance

The Hyzer’s D2 steel axe head is available in different thicknesses, making it customizable based on intended use. I opted for the light version, which, combined with the short handle, wasn’t an ideal pairing. A heavier head with a longer handle would likely transform this into a much more capable tool.

Out of the box, the edge was shaving sharp, which is impressive—but not necessarily ideal for a hatchet. In my experience, a hatchet or axe should be sharp, but not to the point of fragility. A finer edge on a tool meant for chopping will degrade quickly, and in this case, it did. I’d rather see a working edge with a slightly more toothy finish that maintains performance over time.

Chopping Power

Performance-wise, the Hyzer does chop well, but it takes more swings than it should. Again, that’s likely due to the combination of a light head and short handle, making it harder to generate the momentum needed for efficient cutting. It got the job done, but I felt like I was fighting the tool rather than letting it do the work.

Durability Concerns?

One thing that caught my attention is the head attachment system. Instead of a traditional fixed head, the Hyzer uses four custom Torx screws (T10) with Loctite to secure the head to the handle. It’s an interesting approach, and in my testing, the head stayed secure with no noticeable movement. However, it’s hard not to wonder how much abuse this setup can take before something comes loose. Exceed Designs includes information on properly replacing and securing the head, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.

Sheath & Carry Options

The Hyzer comes with two sheath options:

Horween leather (which I chose)

Kydex with a belt clip

The leather sheath is beautiful and functional, great for tossing the hatchet in a bag without worrying about it damaging other gear. The Kydex option adds a belt clip, which could be a great choice for campers or outdoorsmen who want quick access to their hatchet. Both options seem well-made and well-thought-out.

Final Verdict – Worth It?

The Hyzer Hatchet is an ambitious and unique product, but I feel like some choices weren’t fully thought through. While the concept is cool—a lightweight, customizable, titanium hatchet—some configurations, like the one I chose, feel compromised in performance.

If I were to build a Hyzer again, I’d go for:

The longer handle – More reach, more power, less fatigue

A heavier axe head – Better chopping performance

That combo would likely transform the Hyzer into a legitimate cutting tool. As it stands, my light head + short handle setup was underwhelming for anything beyond small branches and light tasks.

Who Should Buy This?

 If you’re a titanium junkie who loves precision-engineered tools

If you want a high-tech, modular hatchet with customization options

 If you need a compact, lightweight option for small tasks

Who Should Skip It?

 If you need a serious chopper—a traditional hatchet will perform better and cost less

If you don’t want to worry about screws and modular components in a tool that takes heavy impacts

 If you’re looking for maximum efficiency rather than a high-tech concept

I love what Exceed Designs does, and I appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation in the Hyzer. But from a real-world performance perspective, a traditional hatchet or axe will outperform it for less money. If you’re looking for pure function, there are better, more affordable options out there. If you love unique, high-quality gear and don’t mind the price, the Hyzer is an interesting piece to add to your collection.