Help identifying tomahawk / hatchet

B

bootzon

Joined
Dec 30, 2015
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Thanks in advance for any help identifying this tomahawk or hatchet. A friend passed it on to me. I don't see any identifying marks. I know the handle has been replaced.

I have the following questions that I hope some folks might shed some light on.

1. What is it? I'm guessing tomahawk based on the blade shape being more long and narrow. I'm also guessing the point opposite the blade indicates more of a tactical, or tacticool, intention? Does anybody recognize it as being made by a particular manufacturer, or is it likely imported? Is this a throwing Hawk?

2. What kind of handle should be on this? What length? Should it be permanently attached, or slipped on a handle so it can be easily removed?

I pass on the following novice observations. The finish, although it has specs of surface rust from storage in a damp place, is very bright. Almost like it was chromed, but it seems to be solid and not plated. The grind on the edge doesn't have a clear line. Very rounded, so I think it's a convex grind. What does that say? Modded, or likely original? The top edge is very rounded. Again, is this likely original or rounded off from a previous owner? It has a decent edge and I anticipate it will sharpen further to a very sharp edge if it's as good as it is after sitting in a damp garage for several years.

So what is the analysis from the experts here? If you don't mind a bit of schooling for a novice, I'd love to know what this is and more about it.

Thanks!

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Look up norlund tomahawk. It's a very very similar pattern, but still has forging marks and what not on it. Yours was probably modified when the handle broke. Actually came across one in a thrift shop still in package.
 
Might be a modified ball peen hammer. Very commonly done. And the eye shape is right.
 
Thanks for the ideas. Never would have thought a ball peen hammer for a tomahawk.

Approximately what size opening for the handle would be normal?
 
It reminds me of the overall style of the morning tomahawk, but they had a stone type patten on them.
It's probably a blacksmith one off.
 
These things are factory made and it was a very common pattern up until the turn of the century. They are not blacksmith made or hammers or anything else. My brother has one. I have a NOS one someplace from the 60's or 70's and if I could find it I would tell you who made it as it still has the sticker on it. I have a United Cutlery from the 90's thats is the same style (though rougher). My dad has one he was given in Vietnam. Point being it is an old pattern dating to at least the 50's that has been replaced in popularity by the LaGana style head pattern.

Sorry, it is nothing unique.

ETA: scroll down and you'll see a couple examples. http://www.furtradetomahawks.com/more-fakes-mistakes--repros---18.html
 
Last edited:
xrayoneone said:
These things are factory made and it was a very common pattern up until the turn of the century. They are not blacksmith made or hammers or anything else. My brother has one. I have a NOS one someplace from the 60's or 70's and if I could find it I would tell you who made it as it still has the sticker on it. I have a United Cutlery from the 90's thats is the same style (though rougher). My dad has one he was given in Vietnam. Point being it is an old pattern dating to at least the 50's that has been replaced in popularity by the LaGana style head pattern.

Sorry, it is nothing unique.
Click to expand...

Good info, and now that you mention the Vietnam thing I remember having seeing one in some Vietnam War content ( maybe a documentary, book, or online among combat knives )
I wonder if norlund contracted this company to make some with a textured mold ?
 
Much appreciation to everyone for responding.

I put a tape to it and it appears the hole for the handle is only 7/8" wide and is a round, not oval. I have no way of determining if the hole is tapered with the current handle on it.
The edge is just shy of 2". Overall length of the head is 6 3/4".

Given those dimensions, what does that say? it seems to me that a 7/8" handle that would allow the head to slip over the handle and wedge in place would not be strong enough to chop much.

Do throwing hawks have thinner handles?
Does the thinner handle indicate it's just for show and not working?
Is the head designed to be mounted on a tapered handle from the top and wedged in place as it is now?

Thanks again!
 
xrayoneone said:
These things are factory made and it was a very common pattern up until the turn of the century. They are not blacksmith made or hammers or anything else. My brother has one. I have a NOS one someplace from the 60's or 70's and if I could find it I would tell you who made it as it still has the sticker on it. I have a United Cutlery from the 90's thats is the same style (though rougher). My dad has one he was given in Vietnam. Point being it is an old pattern dating to at least the 50's that has been replaced in popularity by the LaGana style head pattern.

Sorry, it is nothing unique.

ETA: scroll down and you'll see a couple examples. http://www.furtradetomahawks.com/more-fakes-mistakes--repros---18.html
Click to expand...

Your right xray. Scroll down to the Westbury Sales tomahawk and the accompanying photo, and it is very close, if not identical to this one. At least in design. The drawing in the ad looks like a hammer style handle that is mounted from the top and wedged.

Sorry, it is nothing unique.
Click to expand...

I didn't think it was, but still want to know what it is. Thanks.
 
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