First Tomahawk

LeftytwoGuns

LeftytwoGuns

Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
678
Whats up guys,

I kind of just stumbled on this sub forum, and have never owned a tomahawk. I really like the RMJ tacticals, but don't think a $350 - $400 tomahawk is a good starter one, considdering I don't even know if I would like or use one.

I see the Cold Steel Tomahawks going for a reasonable price, and think it would be a good one to use and abuse. From CS the only one I really find a little appealing would be the Vietnam Tomahawk. Anyone have any experience with these? Are they worth $50 and are they going to hold up to some use?

Do you recommend any other hawk as a starter just to see if I even like them?
Thanks in advance,
-steve
 
Welcome to the World of TomaHawk's, Cold Steel stuff Is pretty Good, But you can Buy Americn Made Hammer Forged for almost the same price and Dana from Fort Turner has some Great Deal's "And there Top Of The Line In Quality", Check these out, http://www.fortturner.com/store/index.htm

Here's an older Topic on the Iroquois Hawk from Fort Tuner check It out, There Beautiful,
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638228&highlight=Iroquois

Here's an Older Topic on Fort Turner's Roger's Ranger, I dont think anyone make's a Better Roger's Ranger at any Price, Check It out,

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641895&highlight=Rogers+Ranger
 
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I have a CS Vietnam hawk. The edge geometry is not suitable for serious chopping (I tested it on some yard work). The steel on mine is soft so it isn't that tough to reprofile---but it doesn't hold an edge.

The haft is relatively thin and will break if you do much throwing. However, it would probably work as a weapon or a trainer, if that's what you're looking for.

DancesWithKnives
 
Hi Steve. I guess the question that needs to be asked is, what do you want to use it for and how much do you want to spend? Mine are pretty much only for throwing, and so far, I have not spent over $60 on any one hawk. My first was a Coal Creek Forge spike hawk and it is probably still my favorite. It will also chop, clear brush and even dig with that spike (not a typical tactical spike). For a last ditch SD/emergency/truck hawk, I have a Condor Combat Axe. It is also fun to throw but it's not as balanced as the CCF. I also have a few others including a Great River Forge French style hawk and have a Fort Turner Iroquois hawk on the way from Dana (should get it this week or next). If you're looking for a purely tactical hawk, the Lagana VTAC can't be beat, dollar for dollar (can be had for around $100 on the bay) and they are the original tactical tomahawk. That's one that is also high on my must-have list. Also on my must-have list is one of Vec's hawks. It is essentially a customized CS Trail Hawk head with his own proprietary survival haft. From what I understand, damn near indestructible. Price-wise, Vec's tools are dead in the middle of the Lagana VTAC and RMJ offerings. Search the forum a bit and you will see the awesome hawks he turns out.

Anyway, here's a pic of my three current faves: L to R CCF Spike Hawk, Condor Combat Axe and GRF French Style Hawk
hawks1.jpg
 
Thanks for the info guys. I guess the CS steel one probably isn't for me then.
I had planned on spending about $50 but the CS one doesn't seem to hold up, and I don't really plan on buying anything from the Fusion line by Sog.
Maybe the next step up would be the AT Lagana.

I like the RMJ forge ones as well, but it's probably out of my price range for a first tomahawk.

The intended use would be potentially some yardwork, on occasion to test it out. And keeping it in the Car for emergencies, and maybe carrying it on a camping trip or two. I doubt that it would be thrown regularly. I like the look of the "tactical" hawks. I do want something that looks nice and with modern materials as well. I may end up grabbing a Lagana.

Thanks again,
-steve
 
I have a Next Generation Ranger Hawk that is forged 01 with a synthetic haft. VERY solid hawk. Unfortunately, it was in an entirely different price range from the CS.

For your applications, some of the other CS hawks would get the job done and I've read much better things about them than about the Vietnam model.

DancesWithKnives
 
fwiw the RMJ isn't very good for wood work either. it is more of a heavy breaching tool more than anything.
 
I was in the same situation as a hawk newbie a coupla months ago. I emailed Coal Creek Forge and got a great totally hand made spike hawk for a very reasonable cost.
 
I'm another +1 for Fort Turner. Excellent quality product and customer service second to none! I've got the Iroquois hawk, but I hear good things about their whole lineup. Good luck on your search! Careful, though, it's addicting!
 
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