H&B Forge Shawnee Tomahawk- Photo Review

Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
4,290
Shawnee Hawk
This being yet another great product from H&B Forge out of Shiloh, Ohio. H&B Forge's Shawnee Throwing Tomahawk is said to be the most popular throwing hawk in the country. Countless competition matches have been won with this axe. Many serious competitors would not throw any other tomahawk.
The specs on these hand forged tools may all vary due to them actually being made by a person with a hammer, tongs, fire, and water!
My Shawnee Hawk differed a little than the info listed on the website. The cutting edge is a hair under 3 7/8 inches-long while the cutting edge is 5 7/8 inches-long across the top of the blade.
The head weighs 14 ounces and the 19 1/2 inch handle weighs about 8 ounces, the total weight of the hawk is about 1 pound 6 ounces (22 ounces).
The cutting edge comes with a secondary bevel and that is fine if you are just throwing them. However, if you want to use these as “Bush Tools” then some sandpaper or a file can easily get the edge in working order. This is no different than the ‘days of old’ when a woodsman would buy his tool from the local general store or blacksmith direct, and then put his own edge on it according to what it will be used for. I left my Large Camp Axe a little less than shaving sharp because…I don’t shave much with it. Besides, if you live in the real world, then most may already know that a knife does the small work better. I have little use for a Scandinavian edge on my chopping tools where pine knots and hard oaks are prevalent in the parts of the country that I roam. The Shawnee Hawk will be kept a little thinner in the edge department, which can easily be altered if I need it be.
Between Patrick Rollins and me, we have the H&B Large Camp Axe, Shipbuilders Axe, Medium Camp Axe and now the Shawnee!
-RB


Splitting kindling



Sinks deep into Eucalyptus



Thick bit is good for splitting



New edge for making tinder




Compared with H&B Forge Large Camp Axe






Pole vs. No pole



New replacement handle from H&B




Using an old ESTWING leather muzzle.

 
What did you order friend?



That is the Camp-Lore prototype.



-RB

I ordered the "lady's" :o Throwing hawk from an Ebay seller who deals in H&B stuff. A few more dollars but don't want to wait. I wanted a mouse type hawk for the woods day hiking bag. Going to make a Kydex muzzle for it. On a side note that knife looks good.
 
I really should get a throwing hawk. It looks like fun and seems to be a lighter option for an axe. Thanks Reub!
 
I really should get a throwing hawk. It looks like fun and seems to be a lighter option for an axe. Thanks Reub!

I say go for it...try one out. If you are used to carrying and using an axe, go for the Large Camp Axe, it will be lighter than a regular axe, but see if you can do everything you need to in the woods with it.

-RB
 
If you are used to carrying and using an axe, go for the Large Camp Axe, it will be lighter than a regular axe, but see if you can do everything you need to in the woods with it.

-RB

I believe you are right about that. I have an H&B medium camp axe that I modified by lowering the toe of the bit and making top of the head dead straight from the eye to the toe. This modification lightened the axe and slightly reduced the length of the edge, the end result being a tad on the small side. I need to order a large one.

toc
 
Really beautiful hawks. I love the underside (beard?) shape on it. Looks like something Jeremiah Johnson would carry!
 
I ordered the "lady's" :o Throwing hawk from an Ebay seller who deals in H&B stuff. A few more dollars but don't want to wait. I wanted a mouse type hawk for the woods day hiking bag. Going to make a Kydex muzzle for it. On a side note that knife looks good.

Got the little Lady's/mouse hawk in. Once I get more time under my belt will do a proper review.

 
Between Patrick Rollins and me, we have the H&B Large Camp Axe, Shipbuilders Axe, Medium Camp Axe and now the Shawnee!
-RB

How does the Shipbuilder's Axe compare with the others? I've really liked the look of it, and am looking to replace my CS pipe hawk for camping
 
Back
Top