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American Tomahawk Model 1 nylon vs hickory

R

rlewpolar

Joined
Oct 4, 2022
Messages
755
In between these two models and having trouble deciding between the two handle types . This is going to be a general purpose hawk and I’m looking for durability. Is the nylon handle the way to go? Input from those that have had both types handles would be appreciated
 
I have both. My wooden handle developed a little head wobble over time. Likely from the impacts from the usage combined with the wood shrinking due to changes in humidity. I re-hung it and it hasnt come loose since.

The poly handle is indestructible. I actually tried to remove it and couldnt. I took the screw out and used it and it never came loose. I tried to pull the head off and couldnt. I believe I would have needed a press.

If durability is what you want then the nylon handle is your choice.

There is a different feel in flex and vibration compared to the wood. Not bad, just different.
 
As far as general durability goes…

I primarily use my model 1 as a camp tool. Ive thrown the nylon handle a bunch, chopped endless wood and hammered stakes with the side of the head. I use the spike to split wood (no bigger than my forearm) by laying the wood on its side and driving the spike in. If that doesnt split it, I then lever the handle one way and the wood the other and that will split it. The steel is a simple steel, 10-60 I think, and it stays shaving sharp for a long time. Ive yet to deform an edge chopping wood. Stropping has brought back the shaving edge after cutting wood. The coating at the edge and on the spike has worn but it makes the hawk look better!
 
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Nylon for worry free use. Hickory does feel great though. As Riz! Riz! said above - My hickory model one developed a little more wobble than i am comfortable with.
 
I wish they'd make an extended handle version . I think the current handle is 13ish inches. Ide like one about 17 for the extra leverage and swing speed. Ive been thinking of rehanging my hickory model on a longer handle
 
Received my Model 1 yesterday and I’m am impressed in every way. Perfect size, balance, the nylon handle feels very rugged, the sheath is excellent. Haven’t done anything with it so far but I expect good things. My favorite hawk so far although I have a few more high end hawks inbound so we’ll see
 
I wish they made an optional leather sheath like the originals.
 
I emailed American Tomahawks today and got an answer with 5 minutes (on a Sunday!). Impressive. I was asking about their hickory handled version of the Model 1 (I like the nylon version so much that I am contemplating the hickory model as well now). I was basically asking about something that I had read online saying that around 2020, they started using a locking wedge to improve head wobble on the hickory model. Here’s the response I got. Interesting. Wonder if those experiencing head wobble are from those before they made the improvement in 2020.


“We've always used a locking style wedge, it is the machining of the eye that changed back in 2020 to facilitate a better handle fit.”
 
Interesting. Mine were from like the week they were released. I honestly think they just cut slightly too mich wood from the handle before hanging them
 
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