BK9 vs CS Trailhawk chop-off

[thrillbilly]

I've been debating on getting one of these: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/812300-Pathfinder-Hawk

A few people had them in my Survival Basics class, and they are really nice.

But then....I watch "The Walking Dead" on Sunday night and start thinking about that new SOG Fasthawk....

do it...they're fuuuuun!

 

[JV3]

nice write-up! these cs trailhawks never hit my radar actually until i saw this thread. i can appreciate the honesty as well in saying the bk-9 got out-chopped, given this is a becker forum. i recently said a similar thing, declaring the ontario 12" machete is a better chopper than the junglas on the esee forum people don't pile on you if they know the conclusion came from experience though, like what you've shown here i'll probably pick up a trailhawk now...orange? someone must've hijacked GingivitisKahn's acct. where's the apple?!

Ever have a preconceived notion busted?

plenty of times! that's why i make it a point to go out and test stuff for myself.

 

[GingivitisKahn]

i'll probably pick up a trailhawk now...orange? someone must've hijacked GingivitisKahn's acct. where's the apple?!

Lol - good point! Now I want an apple.


---

Beckerhead #42

 

[ocnLogan]

nice write-up! these cs trailhawks never hit my radar actually until i saw this thread. i can appreciate the honesty as well in saying the bk-9 got out-chopped, given this is a becker forum. i recently said a similar thing, declaring the ontario 12" machete is a better chopper than the junglas on the esee forum people don't pile on you if they know the conclusion came from experience though, like what you've shown here i'll probably pick up a trailhawk now...orange? someone must've hijacked GingivitisKahn's acct. where's the apple?!



plenty of times! that's why i make it a point to go out and test stuff for myself.

Great post man, this is good stuff.

Also, for reference, when I refer to the BK9 being a great chopper (it is), but within certain limitations. For its size, it is a good chopper, although by no means is it the best chopper ever. I like carrying one for its utility. Plus, I camp out of the Jeep most of the time (aka, not too worried about weight), and when a BK9 is paired with a good folding saw they make a great wood processing team.

Just curious though, how does the much longer trailhawk carry in comparison to the BK9? And honestly, I've heard some people get pretty used to using the head of a hawk or an ax for little chores. How have you found that hawks work for little stuff so far?

I've never really been too interested in Hawks, but I'll admit, now they're on my radar .

 

[messer454]

Isn't this comparison an apples versus oranges kind of thing? I think a more interesting and relevant showdown would be between the BK9 and the CS Trailmaster. I had my Trailmaster out on a hike today and it kicked some serious deadwood ass.
I'll probably get a BK 9 one day but in the realm of looks , I think the Trailmaster wins easily. Having said that I'm definitely picking up a Machax the first chance I get.

I like the looks and feel of the Trailmaster and have no complaints with old steel but no experience on the new. It will probably served you well until the handle begins to come off like mine did because the only thing really holding it on is the lanyard bushing. I moved on to more durable big knives like the BK9 and Junglas. I still like their Kraton on Master Hunter though.

 

[messer454]

I've been debating on getting one of these: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/812300-Pathfinder-Hawk

A few people had them in my Survival Basics class, and they are really nice.

But then....I watch "The Walking Dead" on Sunday night and start thinking about that new SOG Fasthawk....

I had the pathfinder and it was really well made. The handle was just way too small in circumference for me compared to the H&B hawks and Cold Steels I am used to so I let it go. If you have handled one and like it I am sure it will serve you well. I need to get a fasthawk to play with but I dislike a hawk that can't be used as at least a light hammer if need be.

 

[thrillbilly]

I had the pathfinder and it was really well made. The handle was just way too small in circumference for me compared to the H&B hawks and Cold Steels I am used to so I let it go. If you have handled one and like it I am sure it will serve you well. I need to get a fasthawk to play with but I dislike a hawk that can't be used as at least a light hammer if need be.

I have hammered the crap out of the fasthawk. It is suprisingly sturdy for a cheap tool, my first one I pretty much Tried to break, didnt manage too. It impressed me enough that when I lost it due to circumstances I was willing to spend the money to replace it.

Ive chopped with it, thrown it, batoned it thru some wood by beating on the metal collar on the shaft, drove tent pegs, and just to test it some, I drove a wrist-sized crudely sharpened ''stake'' 8'' or so into the ground (which took some serious walloping to accomplish)


Now if you're talking metal hammering, as in nails...I have no idea. I have hammers and carpenter's hatchets for that.


I don't mean to sound like a fanboi, but I think the cheap lil SOG is underestimated...it aint the best available...but it is certainly not useless and is certainly worth the money I paid.

That being said, I need to order a CS or 2 just for a more traditional looking 'hawk

 

[messer454]

I have hammered the crap out of the fasthawk. It is suprisingly sturdy for a cheap tool, my first one I pretty much Tried to break, didnt manage too. It impressed me enough that when I lost it due to circumstances I was willing to spend the money to replace it.

Ive chopped with it, thrown it, batoned it thru some wood by beating on the metal collar on the shaft, drove tent pegs, and just to test it some, I drove a wrist-sized crudely sharpened ''stake'' 8'' or so into the ground (which took some serious walloping to accomplish)


Now if you're talking metal hammering, as in nails...I have no idea. I have hammers and carpenter's hatchets for that.


I don't mean to sound like a fanboi, but I think the cheap lil SOG is underestimated...it aint the best available...but it is certainly not useless and is certainly worth the money I paid.

That being said, I need to order a CS or 2 just for a more traditional looking 'hawk

What I meant was I prefer either a hammer pole or at least a rounded pole that has a little more versatility to drive stakes and such as a hammer. I have hammers too but I don't take them when I am out and about hunting, etc. I havn't been able to come up with good enough reasons to have a spike on the end for me.

 

[thrillbilly]

it's got a checkered hammer face on each side of the head. the spike aint that useful, but its modeled after a Vietnam Hawk which is pretty much all Weapon based in design, not so much tool. the spike side is easier to get to stick, makes it almost foolproof to throw.

I understand what you're saying, more tool less tactical. This is just a fun toy, didnt buy it for anything serious...but Ive tested it enuff to know I CAN use it if I Need to.

 

[Wolf_1989]

A tomahawk without a spike can still deal some damage to someone if you smite them with the back of the head. It's essentially a mace in that regard. Likewise one with a hammer poll.

 

[Silverthorn]

Im buying this

http://www.armor.com/pole213.html

for my belt axe