Ed, looks like you got a manicure!
The last pic shows how stout the metal stock is for the Winkler. I never imagined it to be that thick. Looks like a tank of a hawk.
The head is designed primarily as a fighting weapon to be used both with a swing like a regular tomahawk, and as more of a slashing type weapon when held by the grip area just under the head. The forward spike is designed to cause a lot of damage when the need arises. Make no mistake, these designs were developed for guys that have a real need for a weapon with these capabilities. They are not camp tools or politically correct in a regular peaceful world. Just like an M-4 rifle, maybe it can be used for hunting deer or rabbits but that is not what it was designed for. I am not saying there is anything wrong with other axe designs, just that these were developed with the help of and for those that use them and are very good at their job.
Highlighted sections on the RnD Hawk are some features that went into the design of the Hawk head.
Held high under the head, the hawk head can be used in very close quarter similar to the Karambit.
The front spike allows an initial wound channel entry and the edge complements it by creating an even larger less manageable wound without having to retract the hawk once it penetrates.
We added enough clearance underside the bit/cutting edge and angled it out so that will not dig into the user's hands when gripped high. It adds an effective penetrating beak. Sharp force trauma first before chopping or slicing come into it.
The Bit is also angled so that it has the back cut options at very close range without having to commit to wide slashing strokes. It has to clear the initial gouge that the front spike hawks will cause. With a high hand grip the handle can trap a limb just enough so that the edge or spike can do the initial damage.
The Back spike is not made to be as sharp, it is for more blunt force trauma or for accessing the natural "grab" points of the body. We received feedback that sharpened back spikes snag on the gear or are a concern that its too many sharp edges to contend with in the dark.
Much thought (and effort on Mr. Winkler's part) went into making sure the beak at the front spike's end would not cut into the user's wrist when held facing in the opposite manner (back spike forward). He had to run thru several protos which were more pleasing aesthetically but had to be set aside for practical purposes.
Held in the back spike forward manner, the index finger has the same reference point as the back spike.
Wow, those are some incredible hawks, and Etwood, your story is priceless. That hawk design combines the penetration of a knife with the power of an impact tool. I'm a huge fan of hawks in general, but I have a question. Functionally, is there a difference between some of these really high end fighting tomahawks and say, a Cold Steel Vietnam hawk? Would you need/want a more expensive steel than 1055 for the bit, and does a full tang handle versus a walnut haft give you any particular advantages in a fighter?
Wow, those are some incredible hawks, and Etwood, your story is priceless. That hawk design combines the penetration of a knife with the power of an impact tool. I'm a huge fan of hawks in general, but I have a question. Functionally, is there a difference between some of these really high end fighting tomahawks and say, a Cold Steel Vietnam hawk? Would you need/want a more expensive steel than 1055 for the bit, and does a full tang handle versus a walnut haft give you any particular advantages in a fighter?
Does that have a 5.11 logo on it, or am I seeing things?
Looks like RMJ went on a bender and had a one night stand with an Omnivore.
The tool is half of the equation. Proper training and metal conditioning are a big part of it as well. Knowing how to deploy it rapidly and effectively, targeting on the body, etc.
Its just one more advantage you have out there. I was in a prison riot situation a few months ago ( a story I will tell latter on) and I was glad I had my axe with me, it was a situation where a gun or rifle was not an option and the intimidation factor of the hawk alone got me and a prison worker out of a very bad situation.
Here is an option or two.....
GK&T Climbaxe
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GK&T CQB Hawk w/cordwrap
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GK&T CQB Hawk w/ G10
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This is the smallest one I have, it’s a R&D Baby hawk, evil little axe that I carry under my jacket at times.
Baby hawk, is that the 10 3/4inch version? Or an even smaller one not on their websites?
I'm asking because I'm looking for a concealable EDC hawk. Been looking at both the WK II Hunter's Axe (for the size) and the WK II Winkler/Sayoc RnD Compact Hawk. Recommendations? Edwood, you're the guru on this subject as far as I'm concerned.
I want a hawk that I can primarily use for bushcraft etc. (why I am leaning towards the hunter), but I also want it to be useful in a self defense situation should I ever be unlucky enough to need it. Truth be told there are other things I would rather carry for a self-def item, but knives, pepper spray, volt emitting devices, handguns, all are outlawed here. An axe is still considered a tool though. As long as the cutting edge is no more than 12cm (4.7")