Comparison Request: RMJ vs SOG vs M48

BePrepared

BePrepared

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Aug 26, 2010
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I'd like to see a side by side comparison, and actual use comparison of the following

United Cutlery M48

SOG Fusion Tactical

Any of the RMJ hawks


I'm curious as to the performance and quality differences between these hawks.

I have no doubt whatsoever that the RMJ is hugely superior but i'm wondering if the difference is commensurate to the added 1000% cost

Thanks for your help guys. Even if you don't have time for a review, if you OWN an RMJ and one of the others, I'd love to hear your thoughts
 
I have the SOG Fasthawk. I got it for $20, and at that price it's a good starter hawk, but it has it's limitations. Those being, stainless steel, the spike does not pierce, it's too blunt, and the composite handle is screwed to the head. I have beat the $hit out of mine, thrown it as hard as I can, beat on wood posts for hours now. The edge is not meant for chopping wood, nor is it a true fighting hawk. The spike is for utility, I bet it would bounce off a tire wall, and not punture it. It can only dent wood, not sink in.
I admit I have not broken it, but I wouldn't take it to war, but maybe leave it in a car for emergencies?

I don't own a RMJ, but I can tell you that the spike will puncture tires, kevlar helmets, glass, metal, people, etc.. The steel and heat treat is such that you will see little to no damage after cutting into a car or cinder blocks. The edge and sharpened beard are expertly designed, you won't get that performace from the SOG Fasthawk.
 
I think the M48 looks more useful for combat than the SOG.

I have 2 of the SOGs and one M48 on the way. The spike on the M48 looks to be BRUTAL

i use the SOG as a general camp axe, and it's fantastic for that... it's also a stupendous thrower. Not thinking it would be a good choice for combat..
 
Just ordered a SOG FastHawk. Have 2 Coldsteel hawks (Trail Hawk, FrontierHawk). Good for throwing and camp chores. Hope to make the SOG a better combat/utility piece. Check out gavkoo mods for the FastHawk on www.youtube.com on how he reshaped the spike edge and top angle. Also made an awesome Kydex sheath...
 
There was some serious testing by a gentleman at Ft. Benning a couple of months ago pretty much testing everything on the market. He is still getting his final report together, but his tests sound good and we should be able to see some results soon. I've heard through the grapevine that the RMJ Shrike and the Winkler hawk both fared very well in the tests.
As for cost benefit ratios with tomahawks - I liken it to buying firearms. Most any firearm will go boom and throw lead down range when you pull the trigger. Most all are capable of killing game or people. And you can spend anywhere from $50 at a pawn shop to $8,000 for a tricked out Knight's Armament or the like. It really boils down to what you want and what you need. If what you want and need is something you can risk your life with - then plan and pay accordingly - it is not common for people to willingly go to battle with the cheapest gun they can find - yet they make that choice with their cutlery all the time.
Good luck with the choice - as soon as we hear about the results of that test we'll let you know.
 
RJM,

Those results should be very interesting. And btw, love your hawks, especially the Shrike. I wish they had those when I was in the Corps. I have a GFB Sm Forest Axe and some kukri and love them but am in the market for a good hawk. I don't like cheap things so I want one that will last forever (with regular use.). I assume the Shrike is just as good in a camp/utility role as it is in a combat role?
 
Bill,

One thing i really like about the Shrike is the insulated handle. Basically it's a 3/4 tang with the remaining left at the pommel for storage purpose.
It feels like a compact tool.

On a contrary i really like my Kestrel so far. Some other time ago it was used to puncture a hog's skull and i have new respect for that spike.

I see a lot of SOG hawk in metal handle. How does it fare?

J
 
JayGoliath said:
Bill,
On a contrary i really like my Kestrel so far. Some other time ago it was used to puncture a hog's skull and i have new respect for that spike.
J
Click to expand...

Jay,

I didn't know you were into hawks too! I guess John must be lurking around here too :D. What kind do you have besides the kestrel?
 
As I've gotten into hawks, I think of them like cars. A $25k V6 Mustang will get you where you need to go, as will a $35k Mustang GT. A $55k Shelby ups the ante, and a $100k Super Snake is the best of the best. It depends are one's personal needs and wallet. RMJs and Winklers are the best of the best ... and you get what you pay for. I have two Winklers (as well as a couple lesser priced hawks), and would put my life on either of them. The lesser hawks, probably not my life ...
 
shortwinger said:
Jay,I didn't know you were into hawks too! I guess John must be lurking around here too :D. What kind do you have besides the kestrel?
Click to expand...

I sold off a Talon sometimes ago and currently got a Winkler Breaching axe. If Swamp Rat maintain the curvature on the Kill Devil hawk, i might be interested.
Looking out for the Magua hawk and Kestrel 37 soon.
7350114318_081c0016c3_z.jpg
 
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