Does a lanyard make sense on a tomahawk?

R

rlewpolar

Joined
Oct 4, 2022
Messages
755
I’ve heard conflicting opinions on this. Some say never use a lanyard on a hawk when chopping for example because if you lose control, the hawk will swing back and cut you potentially. On the other hand, using a lanyard on a big knife to chop seems quite common and doesn’t seem all that different than a hawk. The chopping motion seems about the same, with the potential benefits and risks seemingly in line. Is the shape of the hawk versus the knife a factor in making a lanyard on the hawk an no-no? Opinions?
 
Ive used a lanyard on hawks before but I use a long lanyard twist it and run it up with the handle. I hope that makes sense. I would never leave it free hanging off my wrist.
 
I don't like lanyards for hawks, machetes, or choppers. I would prefer to throw the knife or axe if it slips that badly, but rarely is that actually a problem, and never with a tool that isn't new to me. I will do grip tape long before a lanyard, these days.

I used to like a lanyard for choking way off the back or a knife, but it always seemed to get in the way when not using the lanyard, for just general cutting stuff, or knocked around to the point of being more nuisance that utility, IME. Also, when it did catch a knife that slipped, I didn't like it attached to me while it swung around to a stop. I now just prefer handles with better retention, even at the expense of comfort. Large pinky hooks are uncomfortable for me, but really limit a knife from sliding completely out of your hand.

If I had one on a hawk, chopper, or machete, it would be very short, only enough for a single finger and for hanging on a hook.
 
I wear gloves frequently with cold weather and I like a snug lanyard as grip may slip a little and I would hate to have one fly into 5-6’ of snow.
 
As a general rule, no, they're more a liability than they are a help. Chiefly because good chopping technique with one-handed choppers necessitates a certain rolling snap of the fingers and wrist, which a properly used lanyard interferes with. When used right, a lanyard hangs off the back of the thumb and wraps around into the hand snugly, locking the tool to the hand. Dropping the tool in this state causes it to swing across the body instead of back towards it, which is much much safer. However, it also locks the wrist. While there are some niche circumstances where a lanyard is legitimately of assistance, I generally find them to be poor practice.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
As a general rule, no, they're more a liability than they are a help. Chiefly because good chopping technique with one-handed choppers necessitates a certain rolling snap of the fingers and wrist, which a properly used lanyard interferes with. When used right, a lanyard hangs off the back of the thumb and wraps around into the hand snugly, locking the tool to the hand. Dropping the tool in this state causes it to swing across the body instead of back towards it, which is much much safer. However, it also locks the wrist. While there are some niche circumstances where a lanyard is legitimately of assistance, I generally find them to be poor practice.
Click to expand...
Are hawks being commonly used now for utility , chopping wood ? :confused:
 
DocJD said:
Are hawks being commonly used now for utility , chopping wood ? :confused:
Click to expand...
Depends entirely on the kind. There are many kinds of tomahawks, with some being used as throwers exclusively, some being used for combat, some being used for breaching, some being used as a light head on a long single-handed handle for bushcraft and camping, etc. etc., so context very much matters here. Chopping was specifically mentioned by the OP.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Chopping was specifically mentioned by the OP.
Click to expand...
Yes , but chopping what ? Heads , necks , arms, legs ...or processing wood ? There is a difference , IMO .

I do understand , that hawks are much sexier than old fogey hatchets or camp axes , for marketing purposes . ;)

I suppose the POU must be specifically defined for the individual product .

Anyways , thanks for the info . Seems that it's complicated . :)
 
There's a difference, for sure, but the differences are irrelevant regarding pros and cons of having free wrist/finger action to manipulate the implement, eh? In either case, having that wrist and finger action (precluded by the use of a properly applied lanyard) is advantageous to the point where it outweighs the benefits of a lanyard in almost all circumstances.
 
The only 2 times to use a lanyard are roofing and hand to hand combat. Deep snow is not a good reason, the risk is way worse than digging in the snow to find your blade. I spent 50 years of my life working with a axe /hatchet every winter day (NOT ANYMORE !)
 
I like a lanyard on a chopping knife, but have never used one with an axe/hawk. I have however added some tarred bank line to the end of my H&B Boys Hawk as a hand-stop/ring and it allows a slightly lighter grip/longer use between breaks…
8C2F1310-1040-459A-B39B-35047795FDCC.jpeg
8315DD50-30BD-4EB8-9F08-080A9F7A6F2C.jpeg
CE36D8D4-3819-43F2-91FB-45BCF13346D5.jpeg18B6B067-794B-4916-84DC-B13D68443E55.jpeg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top