Looking to get one of the two. I need something fairly compact that Could be used for countless chores. I like the hammer on the hawks, but how does a hawk stand up next to a camp axe? How well does a tomahawk split wood? Input is appreciated---I'd like to test myself but I can't afford both.
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Camp axe vs tomahawk
- Thread starter Black
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 7,035
Here's a review of a Vec hawk. Vector Black Mamba
Even if you don't go for a high end hawk like this, it's based on the Cold Steel Trail Hawk head.
IMO if you're going camping a hawk should do you just fine.
If you want to do a lot of work, an axe is what you want.
Again, if you don't go high-end, you could get a Cold Steel hawk and a Collins (or other) axe at the hardware store for about $50 for both. That way, you can see which YOU prefer. If you want compact, you should try a "trapper's Axe"/"boy's axe"/Hudson bay axe. All different names for a light axe head on a 24-26" haft.
Even if you don't go for a high end hawk like this, it's based on the Cold Steel Trail Hawk head.
IMO if you're going camping a hawk should do you just fine.
If you want to do a lot of work, an axe is what you want.
Again, if you don't go high-end, you could get a Cold Steel hawk and a Collins (or other) axe at the hardware store for about $50 for both. That way, you can see which YOU prefer. If you want compact, you should try a "trapper's Axe"/"boy's axe"/Hudson bay axe. All different names for a light axe head on a 24-26" haft.
I think it depends on what you want to do with it.
If you're looking at using a 19 inch or so axe or hawk, that's one thing. If you're considering something larger and doing some felling, obviously a hawk is out of the competition.
I've got a 19 inch Wetterlings that I love and used to take everywhere... It's a fine tool that I was completely committed to.
That is until I got a Coal Creek jack hammer bit hammer poll hawk. Now that's my go-to tool for camping. The weight is just right and steel really holds an edge.
It's a bit harder to put a great edge on the Coal Creek -- the Wetterlings is easy to get shaving sharp -- but once you get the edge where you like it on the CC, then it stays.
I hasten to add, that I've got a few other hawks and none of them have the right blend of weight and swing for me, although other people might feel differently. The Coal Creek hammer poll, though is an extraordinary do anything tool.
If you're looking at using a 19 inch or so axe or hawk, that's one thing. If you're considering something larger and doing some felling, obviously a hawk is out of the competition.
I've got a 19 inch Wetterlings that I love and used to take everywhere... It's a fine tool that I was completely committed to.
That is until I got a Coal Creek jack hammer bit hammer poll hawk. Now that's my go-to tool for camping. The weight is just right and steel really holds an edge.
It's a bit harder to put a great edge on the Coal Creek -- the Wetterlings is easy to get shaving sharp -- but once you get the edge where you like it on the CC, then it stays.
I hasten to add, that I've got a few other hawks and none of them have the right blend of weight and swing for me, although other people might feel differently. The Coal Creek hammer poll, though is an extraordinary do anything tool.
- Joined
- May 5, 2006
- Messages
- 1,265
you won't want to split with a tomahawk - the round eye doesn't pass through the split very well if at all.
for an affordable small axe consider a Wetterlings. Some other reputable companies are Council Tools, Vaughan Mfg., and Barco Industries.
http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=17HB18&ID=29
Best to pick one out yourself at the store in order to get a handle with proper grain orientation. Or see about talking to whomever you purchase it from to pick one out for you with proper grain orientation.
EDIT: oops, forgot to add Snow & Nealley
personally, I wouldn't go with a Collins. I believe they're manufactured in Mexico now and may not be as good as they once were. An old Collins off of Ebay would serve you well though. Ebay is a great place to shop for affordable axes.
for an affordable small axe consider a Wetterlings. Some other reputable companies are Council Tools, Vaughan Mfg., and Barco Industries.
http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=17HB18&ID=29
Best to pick one out yourself at the store in order to get a handle with proper grain orientation. Or see about talking to whomever you purchase it from to pick one out for you with proper grain orientation.
EDIT: oops, forgot to add Snow & Nealley
personally, I wouldn't go with a Collins. I believe they're manufactured in Mexico now and may not be as good as they once were. An old Collins off of Ebay would serve you well though. Ebay is a great place to shop for affordable axes.