American Tomahawk Company CQC-T?

Glenn Jones · May 30, 2010

I believe the CQC-T Tomahawk has been around for 4 or 5 years now. For owners, has it stood the test of time? What are its advantages and disadvantages? I haven't been able to find out a lot about it. There don't seem to be a lot of independent reviews out there. Is it worth double the price of the VTAC?

Cpl Punishment · May 30, 2010

Personally, I think it's a much better design than the LaGana hawk. But again, we have a tomahawk with a 13 inch haft.

Some of the price difference is that they use 4140 ordnance steel versus 1060 for the LaGana.

A Vectorized one, with a 22-24" haft would kick ass.

GUN SNOB · May 30, 2010

Just got mine 2 weeks ago. The CQCT makes the VTEC look like a rock on a stick. Think Knife vs crow bar. These are designed for different jobs so any comparison really is not fair. one is a crow bar like tool (VTAC) and the other is a slicer (CQCT).

The handle is short on both so I'm on the wish list with Vector for some custom work when he gets caught up. With a 24 inch handle it will in deed KICK ASS.

Glenn Jones · Jun 3, 2010

It's always mentioned that the CQC-T is not a breaching tool like the VTAC because of its thinner edge geometry. Does that mean it would make a better rural tomahawk with better wood chopping ability?

SLOW2RUN · Jun 3, 2010

GUN SNOB said:
Just got mine 2 weeks ago. The CQCT makes the VTEC look like a rock on a stick. Think Knife vs crow bar. These are designed for different jobs so any comparison really is not fair. one is a crow bar like tool (VTAC) and the other is a slicer (CQCT).

The handle is short on both so I'm on the wish list with Vector for some custom work when he gets caught up. With a 24 inch handle it will in deed KICK ASS.

Does vector make composite hafts for the SOG Vietnam hawks , if so how long have you waited for yours and cost.

GUN SNOB · Jun 6, 2010

Does vector make composite hafts for the SOG Vietnam hawks , if so how long have you waited for yours and cost.

I e mailed and was told it would be a custom job. There covered up with work and taking names for when they are caught up. So I don't know how long, when, or how long.

It's always mentioned that the CQC-T is not a breaching tool like the VTAC because of its thinner edge geometry. Does that mean it would make a better rural tomahawk with better wood chopping ability?

The CQC-T will cut much better. Where the VTAC is more like a splitting maul the CQC-T is more Axe like. I have not had a chance to work with the CQC-T, other than playing with a few down limbs when I got it, it would be my choice of the 2 and other than the short length should hold its own well.

vector001 · Jun 6, 2010

Glenn Jones said:
It's always mentioned that the CQC-T is not a breaching tool like the VTAC because of its thinner edge geometry. Does that mean it would make a better rural tomahawk with better wood chopping ability?

i don't agree with that sentiment.

i've taken down a few doors in anger - i would live to have had a VTAC, just the way it is.

weaken with the spike, open with the bit and maybe a combat boot to help give it a little nudge....

vec

GUN SNOB · Jun 6, 2010

Originally Posted by Glenn Jones
It's always mentioned that the CQC-T is not a breaching tool like the VTAC because of its thinner edge geometry. Does that mean it would make a better rural tomahawk with better wood chopping ability?

i don't agree with that sentiment.

i've taken down a few doors in anger - i would live to have had a VTAC, just the way it is.

weaken with the spike, open with the bit and maybe a combat boot to help give it a little nudge....

vec

I have taken doors down with a framing hammer, Da boot, and just plane gumption. Any of my Traditional hawks will kill a door, but how sharp will they be when I'm done?

My point that the CQC-T has a finer cutting edge and could receive more damage than the VTEC against metal doors or masonry. Would I use it any way in a pinch...Yup. I really think it, CQC-T, is a better all around tool with the limited use I have with the two.

If I picked one as a breaching/digging/smashing tool only (no wood working/slicing) I would chose the VTEC. (or a Eastwing framing hammer with the claws sharpened:thumbup

.

Glenn Jones · Jun 19, 2010

Well, that was a shock to the system.

I finished up buying a CQC-T. It is a beautiful and lightweight tool. Being a novice with hawks, I was a bit taken back at how dangerous the end spike was and how careful I would have to be when using it. As a novice hawker, I am a bit worried that if I ever had to use it in a defensive mode there would be as much chance of hurting myself as there would my attacker. I quickly realised I had better put in a lot of careful practice with this CQC-T.

I do have to admit that my first love of things bladey goes to kukries of which I own 40 or more. Heaven forbid, if I ever have to use a blade in self-defence, I will go for one of my kukries first. But this CQC-T just surprised the hell out of me. It's winter downunder and we use a wood fire and stove. I often use old railway sleepers for kindling. I tend to splinter and slice of small pieces. My kukries do a reasonable job and I have been using them for a while now. Admittedly I tend to use lightweight kukries. I hate heavy kukries (a personal preference and an aging right arm), but this lightweight CQC-T just sliced wood off the railway sleepers as if going through butter. What an amazing lightweight tool. For a tool that is supposed to be designed for close quarter combat it makes one hell of a fine collector of kindling wood. I also bought a VTAC and used it for the same job. It also is a fine tool but it didn't excel at this job. I'm sure I will find other uses for it.

Dusty One · Jun 19, 2010

Glad you got one....They are Beauties....
Enjoy !

GingivitisKahn · Jun 19, 2010

Glenn Jones said:
I often use old railway sleepers for kindling. I tend to splinter and slice of small pieces.

Tiny drift: you realize railroad sleepers (here in the US and there as well, I'd guess) are treated with creosote and all sorts of things you probably don't want to breath. 'Hawks and kuks ought to chop them just fine tho.

vector001 · Jun 19, 2010

Glenn Jones said:
Well, that was a shock to the system.

I finished up buying a CQC-T. It is a beautiful and lightweight tool. Being a novice with hawks, I was a bit taken back at how dangerous the end spike was and how careful I would have to be when using it. As a novice hawker, I am a bit worried that if I ever had to use it in a defensive mode there would be as much chance of hurting myself as there would my attacker. I quickly realised I had better put in a lot of careful practice with this CQC-T.

practice is always wise, but gross motions are not always necessary in combatives. spiked hawks are relativcely safe when this is kept in mind, while retaining their deadliness.

I do have to admit that my first love of things bladey goes to kukries of which I own 40 or more. Heaven forbid, if I ever have to use a blade in self-defence, I will go for one of my kukries first. But this CQC-T just surprised the hell out of me. It's winter downunder and we use a wood fire and stove. I often use old railway sleepers for kindling. I tend to splinter and slice of small pieces. My kukries do a reasonable job and I have been using them for a while now. Admittedly I tend to use lightweight kukries. I hate heavy kukries (a personal preference and an aging right arm), but this lightweight CQC-T just sliced wood off the railway sleepers as if going through butter. What an amazing lightweight tool. For a tool that is supposed to be designed for close quarter combat it makes one hell of a fine collector of kindling wood. I also bought a VTAC and used it for the same job. It also is a fine tool but it didn't excel at this job. I'm sure I will find other uses for it.

i didn't realize the Aussies let spiked hawks in - good on ya, mate.

maybe it is by province.

i really appreciate spiked hawks in the woods.

vec

Glenn Jones · Jun 19, 2010

Tiny drift: you realize railroad sleepers (here in the US and there as well, I'd guess) are treated with creosote and all sorts of things you probably don't want to breath. 'Hawks and kuks ought to chop them just fine tho.

- Hi GingivitisKhan, thanks for the heads up on this. I didn't realise that. I think I might go back to using the bush timber. These are so old now that perhaps the chemicals have been leached out. They are full of white ants so maybe that is a good sign.

i didn't realize the Aussies let spiked hawks in - good on ya, mate.

maybe it is by province.

Hi Vec, I wondered about that too but you can buy them from at least one Australian online shop here now. My understanding is that throwing hawks and knives are banned. So long as throwing is not their main use and is not mentioned it seems to be fine. At least I hope that is true, I am on the wish list for one of your hawks (though it is not spiked). To be honest though, anything can be thrown so I'm not sure how they would differentiate. I did note that the seller of mine (bought off ebay) listed them as agricultural tools. Perhaps the state you live in is a factor. One state, Victoria, has banned swords but that is not the case elsewhere in Australia.

GingivitisKahn · Jun 19, 2010

Glenn Jones said:
- Hi GingivitisKhan, thanks for the heads up on this. I didn't realise that. I think I might go back to using the bush timber. These are so old now that perhaps the chemicals have been leached out. They are full of white ants so maybe that is a good sign.

Glad to help - they sure do burn well though, don't they?