C.S. Vietnam replica opinions please

I've never handled one, but $40 seems to cheap but $150 seems excessive, you know? That's why I don't have one. :(
 
Got a deal at the end of Blade Show. Had my eye on a $350 model. Figured this would hold me over. Was going to sharpen part of the bottom ot the blade. Anybody have one?
 
I don't own the vietnam hawk, but based on my experience with other Cold Steel special projects stuff, I'd say that Cold Steel hawks are a value that invariably require some work to bring out their full potential. I love my Cold Steel hawks.
 
I don't know if this helps you any, but I picked up a cheap knockoff vietnam tomahawk from ebay for less than 20 bucks. the handle was ****. but the head is fine. I've had a lot of problems with handles untill I got some hickory and It's been down hill since then.
 
WileECoyote said:
You gotta sharpen the heck out of 'em? What else?

Thanks!
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IMO the CS tomahawks are a good deal except for the VN model. The head is attached differently than the other CS tomahawks. It will get loose after only a few throws and since the attachment is different you can't just slip it back on like with the others. It is the most expensive one in their line but also their worst IMO.
 
WileECoyote said:
You gotta sharpen the heck out of 'em? What else?
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You're definately right about the sharpening. I've found that assembly is critical with CS hawks. That allen screw doesn't keep the head in place worth a damn. All it does is chew the crap out of the haft. I put a slight chamfer at the front of the eye and press the handle on with an arbor press. I then drill through the head and shaft and pin them together with a 5/16" piece of unhardened o-1 rod, the ends of which I peen so that they flare out. Sharpening is the last step. My Frontier Hawk hasn't come loose a bit after months of throwing. I was using my Frontier Hawk to limb branches at my dad's yesterday and was highly impressed at it's edge holding ability when cutting wood only.

What do you want a hawk for, Ubernut? I own the Frontier, Norse and Trail hawks. After using them for several months I'd say that the Frontier Hawk is my favorite. I may get a Rifleman's Hawk because I like hammer polls, but it sounds like it's too heavy. The hammer on the Trail Hawk is somewhat small, but functional and the cutting edge isn't as long as the Frontier Hawk. The Trail Hawk is great also IMO. The Norse Hawk won't do anything that the Frontier Hawk won't do better. I don't throw my Trail Hawk, so I can't compare it to my others as a thrower, but my Frontier Hawk sticks better than my Norse Hawk. I hope this helps.

Sorry for the long post.
 
You're right Flop-shank, I have a CS Rifleman's Hawk and they are cumbersome. Great bite though, and I like to use it in CQB Training, as I
figure if I can get up to speed with it, I'll be really fast with my other hawks!
 
Hi Flop-Shank! I recognize you from the bali forums. I'm a hawk newbie
You asked me a good question. Why do I want a hawk?
I like throwing knives and used to have a hawk I got from Atlanta Cutlery about 15 years ago.
I like the idea of it being such a part of our American heritage.
I like throwing edged items, and God forbid, I'm sure it would be quite handy for self defense.
So, while in Atlanta looking at all the beautiful hawks, I wandered over to the C.S. booth, and they wanted $40 for the VN model. I offered $35 and now it's mine.
Because of the way the handle is attached I'm assuming it wouldn't make a good thrower.
I feel like I'm getting hooked. I now want a nice custom
Saw some beautiful workmanship, while in Atlanta.

Thanks!!
 
I'd get a Frontier Hawk you won't regret it. Mine's tough as hell. It throws great. They're available at Grand Prairie Knives for eighteen bucks. I'm guessing that the Vietnam Tomahawk would be very good if one were to come up with a good solid way to rehaft it. It's good to see you over here.
 
I have 3 Frontier Hawks and they come in working sharp. I've been taking Frontier and Trail Hawks and making weekend conversion projects. They are a great raw material for something you can personalize that is not a great expense. I paid just over 20 bucks each including shipping. I strip, polish, and gun blue the heads, improve the handle fit and stain the handles. I also take a torch to burn in patterns into the handles and then finish them in linseed and lemon oil, paracord wraps and leather.
Since I also throw them, I don't make them razor sharp but they will cut paper and that is good enough for my use.
The VT has the head mounted differently and I'm not sure if it would hold up to a lot of throwing but still may be a good starter if you want to improve upon it yourself.
May I suggest you use your 40 hard earned bucks and get a Fort Turner.
 
Paul1967 said:
How sharp are the Frontier hawks from the Factory?
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Not very sharp in my opinion. Hatchetjack is right. They are great raw material. They work from the factory, but with some elbow grease, and know how, can become truly impressive pieces.
 
When the head slips, leave that allen set screw alone otherwise you'll mess up your handle with a deep groove, believe me. Best to smooth up the eye and handle fit and tap it back in on a stump.
Flop-shank mentioned elbow grease and in my opinion, it may be nice to purchase something high end and then admire it but there is something more personally rewarding in taking something, improving upon it and making it your own. The raw materials are there and the additional cost of a high end piece is labor and a brand.
Getting back to the original question of the VT, there are some posted photos of Cold Steel VT's that were reworked by their owners into some very unique pieces.
 
There's always E-bay. I get mine from Elite Tactical. My last 2 I picked up for less than 20 bucks each with shipping. I notice you like blade throwing. I use a CS Bushman. Nice balance and weight. A natural sticker.
 
Thank You Hatchetjack. I didn't realize the Frontier Hawk was made by Cold Steel. I like throwing, and also the idea you can "pimp" it up. So, thanks again
 
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