CRKT Full Tang Hawks

wintermute

wintermute

Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
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Until recently, when I started delving into the subject on this subforum, I never understood the usefulness of a full tang hawk - the steel transmits more shock to the hand/wrist than wood, etc. Now I understand that they do serve a purpose and I want one. Unfortunately, most full tang hawks are out of my price range. I've been searching around for reviews of the CRKT Chogan and Kangee, but there doesn't seem to be much info out there. Are they quality hawks? Does anyone here use them and like them? I'm more interested in the Chogan because it seems to be more of an all-round type tool, and frankly, I don't feel comfortable with the amount of sharpened edge on the Kangee. Thanks.
 
wintermute, I'm curious to know which purpose do you think those "hawks" do serve.
 
I can see how they (full tang hatchet/ax shaped knives) could be a huge improvement over a big chopper style knife in actual use if well designed. I do not think most that I have held are well designed. I think most of the ones I have held are cheap and expensive crap. @Park Swan seems to be designing one for actual work instead of fantasy nonsense, but I have not tried it. The problem with most is the spike and lack of poll. You want a poll so you can pound things. And you want a poll so you can strike it so you can baton like you would with a knife. Those spikes are just in the way.
 
I got one of the Chogan's right after they hit the market, just because. I knew I'd never afford a real RMJ and this would have to do. I have used it some in the woods and it did better than I expected. When chopping up to a 3 inch branch, it works about as well as a traditional hatchet. any bigger than that and it just doesn't have the weight or geometry to chop well, IMHO. It doesn't split anything other than kindling very well. It does have a tapered tang so that helps keep the weight towards the head and I think this is why it chops as well as it does. My advice: if you want one, get one. while mine is not my primary woods hatchet, I wouldn't feel cheated if I had to depend on it; it rides behind the seat of my truck 24/7.

randy
 
The Kangee is intended as a self defense weapon and as an extraction devise. It would also make an excellent chopper especially for an axe of it's size but if you are looking to hammer or split wood you will need something else.

 
Ugaldie said:
wintermute, I'm curious to know which purpose do you think those "hawks" do serve.
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Besides the uses that Java_Dude stated, it'd be nice to have a small chopping device that you don't have to worry replacing a broken handle for when there's no handles to be found (e.g., multi-day hiking trips).
 
Woodcraft said:
I can see how they (full tang hatchet/ax shaped knives) could be a huge improvement over a big chopper style knife in actual use if well designed. I do not think most that I have held are well designed. I think most of the ones I have held are cheap and expensive crap. @Park Swan seems to be designing one for actual work instead of fantasy nonsense, but I have not tried it. The problem with most is the spike and lack of poll. You want a poll so you can pound things. And you want a poll so you can strike it so you can baton like you would with a knife. Those spikes are just in the way.
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That's why the Chogan looks interesting to me - it does have a hammer poll. I also like how it has a finger choil so you can choke up under the blade for finer work. I have a nice Wetterlings hatchet as my primary hatchet, but I like the idea of having a more-compact hatchet that I can more easily pack - the Wetterlings gets used mostly at home or when car camping. I don't often process large pieces of wood, so this will act as a nice alternative to my already awesome, practical hatchet.
 
wintermute said:
That's why the Chogan looks interesting to me - it does have a hammer poll. I also like how it has a finger choil so you can choke up under the blade for finer work. I have a nice Wetterlings hatchet as my primary hatchet, but I like the idea of having a more-compact hatchet that I can more easily pack - the Wetterlings gets used mostly at home or when car camping. I don't often process large pieces of wood, so this will act as a nice alternative to my already awesome, practical hatchet.
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The Chogan is a great hawk. I recommend it, it's a great tool.
 
rwn2000 said:
I knew I'd never afford a real RMJ and this would have to do
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My thoughts too.

I got the Kangee... It's a beast, but ridiculous.
I'm much more happy with a 12" Estwing sportsman as a "tactical" hawk haha
 
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