Best Argument for Tommy

EngrSorenson said:
One example of how tomahawks might be generally better is that they have slip fit handles which are easily replaced or swapped. That comes with a trade in head and handle profiles.
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But regular axes and hatches can also be hung on easily removable handles.
 
I second the handle-length argument above.

I’ve purchased a couple of small H&B Hawks which are only 16 and 18 oz but come with 16” and 19” handles respectively.

All other things being equal, that long handle should make the tool more efficient over time, and a lanyard looped around the thumb makes up for the less ergonomic handle.
 
Square_peg said:
But regular axes and hatches can also be hung on easily removable handles.
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Technically possible but not common practice. The removable handle hanging I've seen done has almost exclusively been on hewing axes, which are subjected to somewhat different strain than general purpose axes, and that fitting is definitely still more finicky than "drop it down through the top and call it good" so there's still something to be said for the simplicity of the approach vs. removable fit to wedge-fit style eyes.
 
campandtravel said:
What is your best argument for carrying a Tomahawk vs. a Machete or larger "chopper" knife? Assuming it has to be one or the other for some reason.
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In No way would I choose to have an argument related to choice of tool to carry as is typically situ dependent and everyone's situ is different based on mind, time and space of local.

I own and use a number of both (3), and for the last ten or so years a Hawk (slip fit haft/head) has lived on my pack and been used on virtually every outing because it is a tool I find it carries great value in multitude of applications. My "argument" would be that over many years carrying various options, first-hand experience where I travel and practical application is my primary influencer. Also, throwing big knives and hawks are great fun but the hawk is on a different level and I have found throwing machete's (as fun as they are, even when you stick them every time) eventually results in bent blades :-/

Typically the hawk comes off pack, and slips inside the belt, when I leave the truck so-as to be at the ready for the hike in where-ever for clearing & collecting (into a drop-pouch) on the way in. This Spring I had assumed I would carry a 'chete to deal with overgrowth on the in-trails, but interestingly I found the semi-sharp edge of a pack shovel (Cold Steel or Glock entrenching tool with handle extended) was an acceptable substitute for a 'chete. I do not consider a 'chete at all comparable to a "large chopper knife" based on blade thickness and carry weight. A 5.5" - 6.5" Belt Knife, Hawk, and Saw are my typical, along with a small scandi folder for pleasure and precision cutting tasks. I greatly appreciate the extended reach a Hawk affords (overhead limbing, etc.) including the use of the beard for hooking & pulling. I also baton with my Hawk (both cross-cut & with grain). The ability to remove the head from haft is another whole set of application uses.

So, my "best argument" would be my experiences as they relate to me and my applications over time. YMWV

I believe everyone should do their best to experience real world practical application based on your specific regional environment and come up with you own conclusions (the forests where I live and play are N. side of Mt. Rainier).
 
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DocJD said:
Welp , if talking about hawk vs hatchet ... the weapon aspect is a vital distinction , IMO . :)
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That is what it originally was, a weapon not a tool. It was also a status symbol and an object spiritual significance with pipe hawks.

I can't quite picture a bunch of first nation folks outside their lodges hacking away with their tomahawks chopping fire wood....
 
The usage in-period still often covered examples that were combined tool and weapon, and that meaning has evolved over the years (as all language does with time) to include many models that are specifically or predominantly intended for tool use. These days it's most typically meant to mean a small axe head, typically (though not always) with a slip-fit eye, and a long handle.

But all of this is purely academic without specific examples and specific tasks/additional context of what the intended selection criteria are, as previously mentioned. There's so much variation within each of those categories that you could make for some truly demented matchups and not be bending the common understanding of the terms in the slightest.
 
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