American Tomahawk Ranger questions

[alphamaniv]

Hello All,

I have been looking at the American Tomahawk Co. Next Generation Ranger model and had some questions. The only thing I have ever used is an old camp hatchet that I got as a kid. (Please, no laughing)

What I need is something that can be used when camping, for regular camping tasks, but can also live in my survival bag. Although I hope it never needs to chop through a padlock or steel door I would want it to be able to without destroying the hawk. I know that that is extreme, but I want to be ready for anything. I have tried to do away with buying "play pretties" or collector’s items. If I buy it then, by God, it's going to be used for its intended purpose. So, what do you guys think? I will have to save my money for a little while to buy a 300 dollar tool, but I am willing to spend that much, or more if need be, to get what will be USED as a primary cutting, chopping, hacking, possibly defensive tool.
Sorry to go so long and ask so much, but I am new to the tomahawk scene and I know that the experts hang out here.
Thanks!

 

[Cliff Stamp]

alphamaniv :

Although I hope it never needs to chop through a padlock or steel door I would want it to be able to without destroying the hawk.

A quality lock is hardened steel, they are difficult to cut with bolt cutters. I would assume that if you took a tomahawk to them you would have one hell of a time trying to cut them apart. The lock bar would readily impact, scallop or fracture the edge of the tomahawk and the body of the lock is also very durable, they are not even easy to break apart with a maul. You would probably be better off breaking off whatever the lock is attached to.

The New Generation tomahawks from ATC look to be very high quality blades. They have O1 heads hardned to the mid fifties, synthetic handles securely bonded to the head with texturing to improve grip in compromised conditions. I would expect high overall performance. I have also never found Andy Prisco to sell using hype, if you can, get a hold of him on the phone and discuss the matter with him.

-Cliff

 

[Big-Target]

If you can't afford the NG spike hawk, then buy the original ranger spike hawk. Great quality, and 1/2 the price!!!!

 

[scotjute]

I'm not a hatchet expert, but from years of camping and using
several different hatchets, the "roofing shingle" type hatchets
with a hammer on the opposite side of the blade have been the
perhaps the most useful single hand tool I've run across for camping
trips. I currently use a "Vaughn" (spelling?) that I bought at
a Home Depot store for about $20-30. Doubt if you can throw
it, etc. but the style is excellent for chopping and hammering,
typical camping chores. If you lose it, its not the end of the world.
Realize these aren't the ultimate survival tool, but they're very functional.
As for beating padlocks, thought Cliff had some good points. Hardened
steel padlocks are extremely tough customers. You'd be better off
learning to pick them or chopping out whatever they are attached to.