Tomahawks...

[richbat]

Now before anyone says a Hatchet or Axe would be better suited for your needs,I am already aware of the debates on the subject,so with that said and my mind made up to get a tomahawk what would any of you recommend?The needs would be for chopping 2-4" diameter branches,trees ect. would like to have something with a hammer but not a real deal breaker if it doesn't,I'm not looking for any professionally made custom jobs,just something reliable that won't break after 2 or 3 outings with it.Thanks,Rich

[Tristar777]

Hi. I think the first thing may be to define what a tomahawk is and what you want to use it for?

[richbat]

Seriously?Define a Tomahawk?Not trying to be an arse but I would definitely think that anyone who frequents a Survival Forum should know the differences and my intended uses are already listed.

[MrFixIt]

Look at Cold Steel Trailhawk. Has a small hammer poll, and is regarded quite well by enthusiasts.
Oh, and it's not going to break the bank either...

[richbat]

Thank you.I seen some pretty good reviews of it but the only thing I didn't care to read about it was the fact about the head sliding down the handle at times.I also looked at the Estwing and Sog...

[crashdive123]

+1 on the Cold Steel Trail Hawk. Decent piece and a reasonable price.

[Rick]

I also have the Trailhawk. It's a common tool for me to carry. It's not a heavy chopper so you won't be downing any trees but it works well for my needs. I tried an Eastwing hatchet but found it just too weighty to carry. The tomahawk was much lighter and still gave me the versatility I was looking for.

[Mannlicher]

H&B Forge makes some really good 'hawks.
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[pete lynch]

Another happy Trailhawk owner. I think the length of the handle allows for chopping similar to heavier shorter handled 'hawks.

[Lamewolf]

Look at Cold Steel Trailhawk. Has a small hammer poll, and is regarded quite well by enthusiasts.
Oh, and it's not going to break the bank either...

I've looked at that one many times and it really doesn't "do it" for me - the cutting edge just seems too small for my tastes. I prefer the Cold Steel Frontier Hawk (doesn't have a hammer poll) or the Cold Steel Pipe Hawk which does have a hammer poll. Both of these have a more traditional longer cutting edge. CRKT also has some new tomahawks one of which has a hammer poll, but a friend has one and I kind of thought it was too heavy for a hawk.

[hunter63]

I have a verity of traditional hawks......mostly use for light chopping and tomahawk throw/handle matches....

Don't cut trees, don't hunt zombies, not planning on a tactical, fighting, combat use, ...not used for hammering, (bends the "Eye")....handle slide down, not made by any one with a knowledgeable name...just a guy that make them from truck springs, and hard enough to "cut the blade" of most any hawk I have thrown against.

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[SurvivalTips]

I've actually never really considered a tomahawk as a survival item, although it is multipurpose if it can hold up to your chopping needs.. Interesting!

[crashdive123]

Here's a nice vid on the CS Trail Hawk by one of our members.

[sjj]

......................

[MrFixIt]

Thank you.I seen some pretty good reviews of it but the only thing I didn't care to read about it was the fact about the head sliding down the handle at times.I also looked at the Estwing and Sog...

The newer models actually have a small hole in the head where you can screw a small wood screw into it.
But with use, the head will "settle" into place.

[richbat]

crashdive123,I have seen that video and a very good one at that...My hats off to the man who posted that,well done...

[MrFixIt]

After watching that video I wish that I hadn't given mine away...

[hunter63]

My tomahawk usage tends to be in re-enactment primitive use....have used it in a primitive buck skinner camping, bow hunting trip.
For use around camp, does work, but not well....Cruiser/hand ax much more useful.

Watching the vid on the cold steel hawk, I can say the Cold Steel hawk would not be a consideration for my use.
Head too small, curved too much, too light,....Seems to me like a tact-cool toy, not a real tool.

I did buy one, tried it, and swapped it for a antique Lee Loader for a20 ga .....

Want I carry is a small hatchet, on my hunting fanny pack......

BTW did swap out the knife for a Mora Robusta

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Y'all can do what you want....just my experience.

[MrFixIt]

Looks like the Rifleman's Hawk might be a better tool after doing a little research...

[RangerXanatos]

I have the trail hawk amd riflemans hawk. I find the riflemans hawk too heavy. Maybe if it had a longer handle.