Forest throwing tomahawk

R

recruit17

Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Messages
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I'm looking for a solid, general-purpose tomahawk or hatchet that is good for throwing, but could also be used in a survival or possibly even self defense situation. I bought the SOG tomahawk from Wal-Mart a couple of years ago, and had an absolute blast hiking into the deep woods, and throwing it into tree and logs. Not too surprisingly, the thing broke a few months after I got it, so I went and just bought another one. I've gone through 4 fasthawks in the past couple years, and think it is about time I splurged and got something better. My main issue with the fasthawk was that it was too light for my liking, and I think I would prefer something with a little bit more weight too it, and more size too, yet small enough to fit comfortably into my backpack. I'm willing to spend around $400-500 as long as it is worth it. I've been interested in the RMJ tactical tomahawks, but they are very expensive and I have heard that they are not the most ideal for the woods. I think it would be cool to get like a traditional, Native American-style tomahawk/hatchet, but it's not a necessity. Anyways, sorry for rambling, and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
 
I love my KDSH (Kill Devil Sniper Hawk) by Swamp Rat. It works great for throwing and for general woods uses.

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You cant go wrong with Swamp Rat, But i do like the RMJ shrike as well its just out of my current budget. Also look into Storm Crows new hawks, about the same price as a KDSH and another great alternative. He uses the same steel as RMJ. Im also new to this and looking into some new hawks but my budget is closer to half of yours :)
 
Twohawks offers a Competition model designed for throwing and but is also based on a Hudson Bay model so it should be very good in the woods. Their Longhunter is also a good thrower and very good in the woods. I believe the heads come with a 25 year replacement. For the budget you mentioned you can get a few hawks and about a dozen replacement hafts.
 
If you want a full tang hawk I really like my Storm Crow of Helm Forge. Great hawk and good price for the quality.
Here is mine.
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If you want traditional wood handle I agree with Shortwinger 2 hawks are great too. There are plenty of great full tang hawks like RMJs swamp rat bench made Emerson Atc. Good luck hunting
 
The best throwing hawks are the traditional halted hawks that are out there

Steve does a great job
 
Another suggestion I would like to make is get a hold of Steve out at Coal Creek Forge he could build you a hawk that would be your dream come true. I don't doubt him to make exactly what is in your head and he is one of the nicest guys I have had the privilege of talking to.
 
The biggest thing you need to remember about throwing axes, knives, tomahawks is that you need to know the distance that's appropriate for your tool. If you're not throwing from the appropriate distance you will break something. It's very hard on them to hit handle first because the weight of the head puts a lot of force on the handle. When I was at forestry school, I was amazed to see that everyone throwing axes mostly stood at the same place to stick them in the target. Different sizes of throwers, height weight or strength didn't matter as much as getting the proper distance. If you're hitting handle first, try adjusting your distance from the target.
 
Good point. For a full spin good stick i throw from 5 paces, or 20-25 feet, with the KDSH. I find it alot easier from that distance than i do 3 paces or 7 paces. At 3 paces i have to spin the hawk some, or use more force to get the full rotation and thats not ideal.

This is a good read.

http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/tomahawk.html

Im very new at this... so take what i say with a grain a salt
 
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Oooo lots of good suggestions, really appreciate it guys. I might have to get a Kill Devil Sniper Hawk just because of the name, hahaha :P! But seriously, I've decided I want to buy a full tang, and the KDSH is pretty nice lookin. Where can I find/what is a "Storm Crow"?? I google'd it but all I found was I guy who forges candlesticks :S And I'm not really looking at getting a custom, at least for the time being.
 
Yeah, I know how to throw them properly. It's actually not that hard if you get the right distance and the right stance. But I beat the hell out of all of those fasthawks. I would throw them from like 20 feet away just for fun :P I also used them to chop up wood and stuff like that. They never really stood a chance...
 
Don't forget, hawk face forward, hawk face reversed too. Gives you double the sticking ability.

Practice from all different distances!

I've been throwing Cold Steel hawks for more than a decade. Very inexpensive and functional. Fun to modify.

Swamprat also makes the wicked Rattlehawk! Thicker than the KSD.
 
recruit17 said:
Yeah, I know how to throw them properly. It's actually not that hard if you get the right distance and the right stance. But I beat the hell out of all of those fasthawks. I would throw them from like 20 feet away just for fun :P I also used them to chop up wood and stuff like that. They never really stood a chance...
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I throw from 20-25 feet.... or 5 of my paces...

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I,as well as many guys that have seen mine, throw a hand forged hawk made by Ray Rantanen. He makes them from a Farrier's rasp. About $45. Check him out on line. Great guy.
Best...
 
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