How's Your VTAC Stack?

[Owler]

I'm curious about what a "proper" or "standard" ATC VTAC looks like, what it should look like, and how it ships.

I understand that drop forged anything is going to vary. I have read and understand all of what is outlined in the ATC VTAC FAQ.

However, I'd really like to hear from some other VTAC purchasers about how their hawk met their expectations.

I recently purchased a VTAC after reading reviews, etc., (here and elsewhere), and was very surprised and somewhat disappointed when mine finally showed up.

The VTAC I ordered arrived in a USPS flat-rate bag, with no padding, no box, and no information. Just a bag with a tomahawk in it. The hawk (or rather, the world) was protected only by a nylon/polymer bag/sheath, and a thin layer of cotton fiber.

There was no documentation, and no box—just some plastic and rubber bands. There is no mark on the metal to indicate make or model.

There is an ATC logo on the bottom of the haft.

The grind is mostly irregular—beyond character-building. I recall thinking that I could have done a better job sharpening a doorstop on a belt sander in junior-high. (See pics for evidence)

My questions are pretty simple:

1. Do VTACS ship in boxes as a matter of course, or is it up to the drop-shipper/wholesaler/retailer to determine (beyond the pouch) how to ship this hawk?

2. What should a proper ATC VTAC look like? Should it have a maker's mark? Is a very poor grind an indicator of authenticity, or of a fake?

I'd really appreciate any input from VTAC owners. What was your ordering experience like?

***I should add that I did not order directly from the ATC website, but the item was purchased as "new" from an online dealer.

 

[Battlemacar10]

Looks like mine, I have since sharpened it a few times. I use it for training my kids and many Military enlisted men and one woman.

You should have saw the real ones they were ugly as well.

My uncle was a LRRP in Vietnam and used a wood haft one and became a collector after nam. He worked in the firearms industry as a military sales rep, but never gave up on the tomahawk for combat use.

In the world of Hawks the VTAC is total entry level. I just sent off a big money order for a Winkler Hawk trust me the VTAC is worth it for $100. My collection is as follows.

Winkler Sayoc
PBC1
VTAC
Trench Hawk (non US made)
United M48 Hawk(non US made)


Next besides the new "Sheath Hawk" from Winkler is the ATC Nessmuk but man the 2hawks "War Hawk/Beast" look sweet and I dont have a wood haft hawk yet.

Having been exposed to modern small arms since 1985 at the age of 7, working high level security right out of HS, working in the firearms industry for the last 8 years. The Hawk is still my favorite weapon (the M4 with a M203 is close LOL).

The Hawk doesnt run out of ammo, is silent, extends your reach, can be sharpen back to like new and is very scary LOL. Look the hawk is the future of edged combat for these reasons. The hooking factor alone is worth it. Remember always keep your enemy as far away as possible.

OP you made a wise choice now get out there and learn some tactics. As for quality well the M48 is much nicer BUT the haft looks weak and like the PBC the M48 is too sharp and can roll, chip and bend. The Trench hawk is a heavy, long and unbalanced design, BUT did come sharpened right with a decent sheath; make sure to keep the screws tight on the sheath though.

The Winkler well thats like comparing a Ferrari and a Volvo. Its a work of art that is straight out deadly.

 

[Dusty One]

I have several VTAC's and I cant remember how they were shipped to me. They are well worth the money for what you get very tough. Your edge is a little off, you could send it back or straighten it out with a file.
I disagree with it being an entry level hawk it is much better made than entry level. But you can also spend much more. Take it out and beat it up some you will like it.

 

[BearKinder]

I'd say the ATC LaGana is a good step up from the Cold Steel offerings, though I'd prefer the CQC-T from them:

The thing I don't really like about the LaGana or CQC-T from ATC is the short, synthetic hafts. I'd prefer they use a standard size eye and a wood haft, so one could attach a long or short haft to the head. I understand soldiers wanting to keep it short, as it's really a last ditch weapon, and not a primary, but for other uses a long haft is better.

 

[Devon Smith]

The OP's look like the three I own. I think shipping methods were the same, too.

No concerns on my end, they've already been used and abused and are doing everything I expect of them (unless I throw poorly, but who's fault is that?).

Devon

 

[GUN SNOB]

Yours looks a lot better than mine did OUT OF THE BOX.

The good news is there well tempered and take a long time to re shape. (slow and keep it cool if your using power tools) Bad news is the amount of material you need to remove to get them 'right'.

They are what they are. There a tool intended for hard/abusive levels of use. There is no need, other than personal, that they look good.

I am cleaning mine up. Removing the cast slag, trying to straighten the cutting edges, truing the flats on the bit, re finishing. No real reason, just 'cus I can.

 

[hatchetjack]

That's about right. Mine came in the same way. It's not a presentation piece and will look as such. Mine has irregularities on the blade from the forging process but that's not unusual either. They're meant to bust off door knobs and such. Unless you want to keep it as a safe queen, you're wasting a good 'hawk. Get a file or belt sander to clean up the grind if it bugs you that much.

 

[Owler]

Thank you all for the responses.

Looks like it's time to take this beast out for a spin...

 

[savagesicslayer]

mine was exactly like yours right down to the little dent at the edge of the black coating.My edge was straight but lightly off center.Now it's a deadly work of art.Light and fast.I love my V-tac.