CS Tomahawks

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engle's-wilder

Joined
Nov 18, 2010
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82
So I've been looking into hatchets and tomahawks, and I've got an itch for both... (probably like most of us on BF, wanting more than we ought... but hey, that's why we joined-for the "therapy"!), so, I'm gonna just get one of each (for now)...

My question to you all is, should I go with a CS: Trailhawk or a Frontier? I love the style of the frontier (awe-and then-some), but the Trailhawk seems more useable with the hammer-poll (you could split wood with this using stick wedges or use as a regular hammer without spreading the eyes, right?). Anyone had experience with either... and your thoughts on it?

Also, does anyone know the kind of steel they use in these hawks? do they hold an edge well? (you can get just about anything to cut keenly, it's just a matter of how well it stays there, ya' know!)

:D:DThanks guys! I appreciate it!:D:D
 
oh, I just found out that there are two styles of frontier hawk... um, well I saw the one that's selling now first, so if you have thoughts on that one, that'd be great! (does anyone know why the other older frontier hawk was discontinued? were there problems in design or did CS just wanna updated or stylize different?)

thanks!
 
yu can't go wrong with either and most likely you will end up with both hahaha.

For the first though most will recommend the trailhawk. It is a great design once you start messing around with it. I have one on a Vec handle.

I have an old frontier hawk for my steel training hawk and it is a great design too.

Iawoodsmans video on the trailhawk
[youtube]6pvv97vPLHk[/youtube]
 
crossada said:
yu can't go wrong with either and most likely you will end up with both hahaha.
Click to expand...

Oh, I feared as much ;)


Thanks for the quick response & the vid. Crosada (very cool!), but I do have one question: what is a Vec handle? Is that like a metal handle or something?
 
Vector001 is a member around here so hopefully he stops by. Vec is fond of saying it isn't just a plastic pole:D but in layman's terms that is how i would describe it. It is indestructable too which is a plus.

Take a look around here
http://hawks.equinoxcoronado.com/

My Vec IGH or instant gratification hawk with black stadia lined handle. Has a perfect feel and easy edge alignment.
001-2.jpg
 
oh wow, so is the head secured to those or does it still go on by friction?... doesn't seem like much handle is left above it? does the composite handle mean better thrower (less broken handles to deal with?!?!)
 
I like them both very much But the new frontier is my favourite of them all for throwing. It also has a wider edge for cutting and is obviously the most traditional of all the CS hawks. The other day I battoned the frontier through a piece of hard Maple fire wood by striking the back of the head at the eye, worked great.
Either one will make you happy.

Best regards

Robin
 
do you think striking the back of a frontier would widen the eye if done often? I know the eyes are thicker than a side-wise picture would lead you to believe... or would this certainly ruin it with time?
 
engle's-wilder said:
do you think striking the back of a frontier would widen the eye if done often? I know the eyes are thicker than a side-wise picture would lead you to believe... or would this certainly ruin it with time?
Click to expand...

I think it would take a steel hamer to hurt the eye. I was using a hardwood branch to batton and the back of the head was chewing it up. Don't hit the haft though. :D You could always get a rifleman and chop most of the poll off but the thing is a beast IMO, probably a lot better with the hammer head chopped off.

Regards

Robin
 
I've had the trailhawk, norse, frontier. Prefer the frontier, its lighter than the others, the new one comes with 22" haft, and overall I like the look and feel. TH hammer doesnt impress me if I need a hammer I have those around. Dont need a hammer camping, myself. A number of people have posted frontier mods recently, check those threads out. I liked my first frontier so much I bought a second. :thumbup:

WIP:

008.JPG
 
engle's-wilder said:
oh wow, so is the head secured to those or does it still go on by friction?... doesn't seem like much handle is left above it? does the composite handle mean better thrower (less broken handles to deal with?!?!)
Click to expand...

it is secured but i think i read if it does come loose it still will be a slip handle too. You can't break it so yes less broken handles. All that being said i still really prefer good old fashioned wood for most applications:rolleyes: I just find old traditional gear more appealing anymore. I'll save the Vec hawk for the zombie apocalypse where i can't afford broken gear;)
 
Or, you could go with the Pipe Hawk, as it's just a Frontier hawk with a much better hammer poll than the trail Hawk comes with.

csstoreonline_2136_15915831
 
Another vote for the pipe hawk. Great design.

I have the rifleman hawk and the norse hawk. The rifleman hawk is a serious thrower, and heavy beast. The pipe hawk has the great features and then some of the rifleman hawk, without as much weight, in a much better looking design.
 
Pipeman said:
I like them both very much But the new frontier is my favourite of them all for throwing. It also has a wider edge for cutting and is obviously the most traditional of all the CS hawks. The other day I battoned the frontier through a piece of hard Maple fire wood by striking the back of the head at the eye, worked great.
Either one will make you happy.

Best regards

Robin
Click to expand...

I have a Rifleman and a New Frontier. The rifleman is more real world utilitarian to me. It has real heft and is a more serious branch splitter. The New Frontier still does it but is on the lighter side. I would say that this is more toward the hawk as a weapon side, than splitting\chopping for wood. But it can do it. I prefer the New Frontier as it is very light and great for a back pack while still being useful. You will definately notice the Riflemans weight. I just posted a 200 year old belt axe that I found while metal detecting a known aged site. The little belt axe is fairly close to the New Frontier. Closer than any Cold Steel hawk that I've seen anyway. The belt axe was more for limbing\chopping frozen carcases, chopping smaller branches for fire wood etc. The idea of it being in your belt sash tells you about it's intent, as opposed to a large tree felling axe.

 
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I have a trailhawk that I like and is a good thrower. I bought it after watching the "versatility of a trailhawk" video posted earlier.

I will be getting a pipe hawk next, I think it will do everything the trailhawk does and better.
 
I prefer the trailhawk. It is lightweight and the ratio of handle length to head weight is just right. The Rifleman's hawk needs a longer handle in my opinion.
 
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