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hawk for afghanistan

The hawks that Vector001 is putting out look like the sort of thing I would like to have. Simple head from cold steel and tough long handle. Easy and cheap to replace the head if needs be and you can hold the handle horizontal and your mate can use it as a step.
 
RMJ Tactical Makes a great forged hawks. They offer discount pricing for military personel. http://www.rmjtactical.com If you let them know when you are going to be deployed they will make every effort to get it to you before you go
Be safe.
 
RMJ Tactical Makes a great forged hawks. They offer discount pricing for military personel. http://www.rmjtactical.com If you let them know when you are going to be deployed they will make every effort to get it to you before you go.
Be safe.
 
Triquetra said:
But actually, I would go for traditional design like from Fort Turner. You can find testimonials and a couple pics from soldiers on his website. I'm not particularly promoting his but the traditional type in general. Most of the time you would probably be using the hawk in a more utilitarian manner, which the tactical design wouldn't excel at, and I don't think that the tactical designs would be that more effective in a combat role. I think that a traditional hawk would be just as good a weapon. The tactical versions do look scarier, but that could be a disadvantage. From what I've heard a lot of the people in charge in the military don't seem to realize that your at "war" and they limit the carry of large knives, tomahawks, etc. If what you are carrying looks more like a tool than a weapon you might be able to get away with carrying it whereas you might not with the tactical versions.
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Triquetra,

Your point is well taken as to some leaders feeling that 'perception' is more important than giving the soldier the best equipment. You also made a good point about a traditional hawk perhaps being better for utilitarian use, and that it might be called for more in that role. However, the ATC VTAC still would be a better choice in a combat scenario, and the traditional hawk that has a sliding head is better for throwing.

I looked at Ft Turner's website under the 'endorsements' catagory, and noticed that the soldiers are THROWING the hawks rather than using them in a combat role... in fact, they are having throwing contests with awards given to the best throwers. That is fine, and that is where a traditional hawk works well. On the other hand, you don't really want a sliding head on a hawk that will be used in hand-to-hand combat... the reasons are obvious, including slower swings due to a HEAVIER hawk as compared to an ATC VTAC.

Yes, people throw ACT VTAC's, but they really come into their own in hand-to-hand combat, and I have several pictures of our soldiers ready for combat armed with ATC VTAC's. These same pictures are on ATC's website, too.

BTW, a traditional hawk won't take being run over by a vehicle too well, either... while the ATC VTAC will. :thumbup:

-Ron.
 
VTAC or RMJ Shrike depends on what you want to spend and availability of the RMJ, If money is not a concern and you can get one RMJ
 
I am noticing many, many hawks coming out since the original LaGana Tomahawks back in Vietnam began and evolved into the ATC VTAC. I have looked at many of these designs, and personally think some are poor designs. This is not meant to slam anyone, the original LaGana and the current ATC VTAC has done so well that others have come up with differing designs to please virtually every taste out there as far as the customer. It is truly interesting to watch the 'idea' of a tomahawk in combat bloom over the last few years to the point it is today!!! The civilian customer size is growing as well!!! Tomahawks are growing in popularity so fast!!! You have military and civilians buying tomahawks for throwing and for combat... it is kind of neat to watch (Ewwww, '60's lingo!!!)...

However, I still think the ATC VTAC is the 'standard' all others are judged by when it comes to a CQB role...

ATCVTAC.jpg


And for pure THROWING... this type works best...

ThrownColdSteelFrontierHawk.jpg
 
I ordered hte vtac should be in later this week cant wait to see one up close and personal. emersons cqc-t is amazing looking but more money than i want to spend at this point. thanks for all the responses ill try and post a short review.
 
razorsdescent said:
I ordered hte vtac should be in later this week cant wait to see one up close and personal. emersons cqc-t is amazing looking but more money than i want to spend at this point. thanks for all the responses ill try and post a short review.
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Good choice......Enjoy !
 
ATC VTAC is a good choice but there are a few issues to consider.

Is the VTAC going to assist you in weekly tasks? No you don't have to use it everyday but man why have the extra stuff in you don't need it? Throwing it into boards is fun sure but you want to have some job application.

Weight, why carry the extra weight when rucking in high altitude, especially if you get stuck with the SAW....That is going to suck.:thumbdn:

I hope your Commander and First Sargent made it clear that you can take a tomahawk with you. Or if your high enough rank that you do whatever you want anyway, all is well. :D:p
 
Just to clear some things up. The ATC V-Tac is NOT a general issue item in most units in Iraq or A-Stan. Some were obtained by some units early in the conflict and they do have a NSN. The standard issue crash axe is made by Ontario and we havevone in our platoon raid kit. I did see a couple guys carry hawks when I did my first tour here in 2004 but have yet to see any since.

Now, if I felt the need for a hawk, I would go with the ATC V-tac as I like the design and quality. I let my guys carry anything they want as long as it makes sense, so if any of them wanted to private purchase one my unit would allow it.
 
But hey if you just want it to play around in the FOB with it no harm done, get you and your buddies to buy em and have competitions of throwing them into some wood boards. 100$ is nothing to a deployed soldier for something of that quality.
You probably spend that much on other less useful ninja gear (I have), or a PSP, DS, whatever.....:D

Something that I thought of. Since you bought one, when you get in country have somebody take pictures of you with the hawk looking all high speed and see of ATC will post them on their website. lol :D
 
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The ATC VTAC is light enough that you can forget it is there until you bump it against something...
 
Just my opinion but...(being a Marine Vet with a Grandfather who fought through Korea)...I think the the extra item to take ( for the sake of posterity) would be your grandfather's knife from Korea. Then when you get home give it back with many thanks. How cool would it be for your child to have the knife that great granddaddy and daddy took to war?

JMO

David
 
You can always order the VTAC and have it shipped to your APO address as well. I had a VTAC during my last deployment to Iraq. It traveled with me a few times (wheel/helo), but didn't get used for the glamorous stuff. I did use it to dig up some commo wire, demolish a bed frame and bust open some older sand bags. Last thing I want to play with is hand-to-hand, but the VTAC does have an intimidating look...however, it's more tool than weapon for me. If you're on a major FOB, keep it in the ruck/truck...there are plenty of FOB CSM's that throw a fit about uniformity yet couldn't find the front gate to the FOB/COB:mad: Fortunately for me, I can and do just ignore them...:D I'm heading to Afghanland this summer, but in the southern region. If your job is going to have you on foot/patrolling, listen to the advice already offered and reconsider your VTAC use. If you're going to be mounted, the VTAC in an assualt pack for day ops and small dismount/mount ops isn't a bad addition considering the weight and breaching you might be doing.

Good luck and we'll see you on the other side...

ROCK6
 
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