hatchet vs tomahawk

This is just what I'm looking for!! I'm new here too and have just gotten into knives. So, after obtaining a machete, a fixed blade and a folder (as of now, only one of each, hence the "just gotten into") I realize that I probably need a hatchet or a hawk. The consensus seems to be leaning to the hatchet over the hawk, so I'll probably start there. However, I was wondering how the McGowan's Firestone Belt Axe weighed in against the GB or the Wetterlings.
 
Square_peg said:
I like the idea a claw hatchet because it's good for driving stakes and nails and will also pull them back out. Right now I'm using a Tommy Axe which is similar to a claw hatchet but a bit heavier. Soon as I get a rountuit and hang a claw hatchet I will try making the switch.

The weight of a backpacking axe depends on whether you're going solo or with a group. If going solo then weight is a dominant factor (consider a Fiskars). But in a group of 3 or more it's nice to have at least a boy's axe along.

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But enough of hatchets,, let's get to the important stuff. What flavor of bourbon are you bringing?
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Incidentally, what bourbon is it you have there?
 
yo bud, if you dont have an axe,... yeah, you should probably take care of that.....but, def check out the hawk forums here for good advice on buying one....axes are sweet cause you can go pick out a nice one anywhere...hawks , not so much plus theres a ton of hawks that suck out there.....but hawks sure are fun to throw....come'on, you know you want to....I love goin out with friends and playing P.I.G. or "make it, take it " ( for those who dont know, those games are old street basketball games), they convert to hawk throwing perfectly.

anyways, dont let me sway you too bad, thats just my personality shinning through a bit..
heres some hand made ones made by Devin Price. http://www.2hawks.net/AHAWKS.html
 
GirthShadow said:
Incidentally, what bourbon is it you have there?
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That's Knob Creek. My normal bourbon is Jim Beam's Choice. But for hikes or special occasions I like the Knob. Bourbon is real whiskey with real taste (not that I'll pass up a good Irish whisky or a single malt scotch).
 
My go to seems to be Bulleit at the moment, although when I really want the genuine bourbon burn, I'll take on the Booker's (which is also made by Jim Beam.)
 
GirthShadow said:
....although when I really want the genuine bourbon burn, I'll take on the Booker's
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You feel the extra proof.
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And the boxes are handy for other things. Beats a Crown Royal bag.
Knob Creek is still my favorite. Better than Bookers, Bakers and Mark Makers.
 
My Fiskars hatchet (discontinued version) is lighter than my Frontier hawk, which is the lightest hawk made by Cold Steel.

For wood processing, the hatchet will be more efficient. The hawk can be easily re-hafted (unlikely, unless you throw it) and has more reach as a weapon. That said, a hawk will still out-perform a stone axe, so if you have the know-how, I reckon you'd get on fine with a hawk. Our ancestors got by with less.
 
If you are backpacking, then I presume weight is a concern. You could always just pack in the hawk head (light light!) and cut a sapling or branch for a handle when you get on site. Seriously - how much wood do you plan to process on a backpacking trip anyway? A hawk (or even a decent, smaller fixed blade knife like the one you would use to cut your hawk handle) is likely adequate to get your fires going. You aren't building cabins or laying up cords of wood for the winter, right? Split some wrist thick stuff and call it good.


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Beckerhead #42
 
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