Hawk vs Camp axe in real world use

Todd A

Todd A

Joined
Oct 6, 2007
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It is time for me to replace my trusty 30 year old BSA True Temper camp axe. It will be gifted to my recently "promoted" to Webelos son.

I was going to replace it with a Weterlings or maybe a Granfors but after spending time in the Axe and Hawk forum I am tempted to consider a decent Hawk.

I could use some real outdoors use opinions from those who own both, or just Hawk users, as I have never used or handled one.

My uses would be light to medium chopping and de-limbing. I don't have a need to fell large trees on my outings.Splitting isn't a high priority either

Are there any major drawbacks in performance of a Hawk?
 
hey todd, check out the axe/ hatchet forum. steve at COAL CREEK FORGE made me a hudson bay axe that might just be the thing for you. great guy and great to do biz with. paul
 
I have used a modified Cold Steel Trail Hawk (refinished, with a nice convex grind) for just this sort of chopping, and it works well. It bites deep, which is great for limbing and small trees. I take mine with me when I want to groom my hiking trails (on private land).

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I'm still of the opinion that a good axe would probably be a more versatile tool, but the 'hawk certainly does a good job with smaller stuff.

All the best,

- Mike
 
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I think the head-heaviness of an axe is going to be alot more efficient for the things that you plan on doing.
 
Keep in mind, a Hawk was, and always has been, designed as a weapon, not a field tool. A small camp ax will out work a Hawk any day of the week. I have nothing against Hawk's, I actually own a completely hand forged one. Why do I have it? Because it is so friggin cool :D
 
The light weight is what is tempting me.

A major loss in performance for light duty work (compaired to a axe) would make me just pick up another camp axe.
 
+1 on Coal Creek Forge. Steve made me a great poll hawk from a jackhammer bit that work fantastic. Great guy to deal with as well.
 
maybe check out the GB mini or the mini wetterlings. still really light, but with the usefulness of a hatchet.
 
I carry a small backpack axe from fiskars.....for times I know I am gonna need to chop...

I carry a hawk for fun...only with the addition of a saw.

but mostly the axe.
 
Todd A said:
The light weight is what is tempting me.

A major loss in performance for light duty work (compaired to a axe) would make me just pick up another camp axe.
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I have not experienced such a loss in performance, but others' mileage may vary.

For me, a 'hawk is a precision 'biting' tool. They generally have thinner, smaller blades and longer handles (as compared to camp axes), which means that they excel at making deep, targeted chops. This involves a bit of a learning curve - It takes a lot more precision and control to take down a sapling with my 'hawk than it does my BK-9, but that's only because the BK-9 has 9" of blade (hard to miss!). If I put my 'hawk on-target, a good swing or two can easily take care of smaller tasks.

All the best,

- Mike
 
That is exactly what I wish to use it for. Sort of in place of a "chopper" size knife,the duty my True Temper has been performing. I find I don't do much splitting anymore,and sapling or slightly larger size are my chopping range.

+1 on Coal Creek Forge. Steve made me a great poll hawk
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:thumbup:That is the exact Hawk that made me pause on my replacement purchase plans.
 
I have 10+ hawks in all shapes / sizes, none of them will do the actual woods work of a GFB Small Forest Axe...them being roughly the same size (18inches). More weight on the GFB but not by much compared to some of the hawks. I was attracted to carry a hawk over an axe to save the wieght, but the loss in performace is just too noticable.

Now, if I had to take out a few zombies, I would go for the hawks, as has been said, it is what they were designed for.

Cheers,
Klammer
 
klammer said:
Now, if I had to take out a few zombies, I would go for the hawks, as has been said, it is what they were designed for.

Cheers,
Klammer
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I have that part covered with something a tad louder,and less messy.:)
 
But hawks don't run out of ammo- Duh!

I would always choose an axe for real work, but have used a hawk for fun.
 
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Generally I use something like one of these, a Wetterlings, old U.S.A. made Collins I picked up at a junk shop for $6 and am restoring, or the little one I made.

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But if we are talking about zombies, I would take this one, a very early ATC Ranger Hawk :D

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Todd A said:
Splitting isn't a high priority either.
Are there any major drawbacks in performance of a Hawk?
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Drawbacks? YES, most hawks are lousy at splitting. But since that's not an issue for you, go ahead and try a nice hawk! They're just plain cool and can chop like blue blazes on relatively small work like you described.
 
for shaping wood, which is somthing i do alot, the hawk dosent seem to do very well, but i really dont know why.
 
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