I Need advice for a Quality Tomahawk

JM2

JM2

Joined
Mar 11, 2013
Messages
2,275
First, thanks for this forum, it is a wealth of information. I am part native american and the value of a good tomahawk is not lost on me. I currently have a craftsman hatchet, not an old one, just one straight from sears. Its style is okay and its function is okay. But i have a burning desire for a quality tomahawk.

I have been thinking about the cold steel riflemans hawk or trail hawk. the main difference i see is that the cutting edge is 3½ on the rifleman and 2½ on the trial hawk. I think i'd like the larger cutting edge. But i dont think i like the cold steel brand. I'd rather pay more for better quality, or a more traditional manufactured head. I dont cotton to things made in china or taiwan

The purpose of my new tomahawk will be all encompassing. It will go with me in the woods, and stay close around the cabin. Everything from chopping kindling, driving stakes, felling small trees for tent poles and even some carpentry work when the need arises. truly general purpose.

I know the cold steel could handle it, but i want something with more class, something that will not be just a tool, but a fine tool i can pass on to my youngsters one day,.

Thanks for the suggestions and help in my decision.

PS. i might just go ahead and the one of the cold steels to start, and then later on get one that suits my fancy more.
 
Have you considered checking out some of the customs around here, or the secondary market ( to get you a higher quality point and lower entry level price point..)?

Also- you didn't really mention any specific price range you wanted to be in, and including this may help members narrow down your search / list...

I've used Grans, Fiskars, Gerber, United Cutlery, hardware store brand name, and even a few cheap made no name knockoffs all with success for normal mundane camp tasks (and all have varied in their price points as well), but your allusion to one general purpose tool may lead/lean you towards one of the more quality-oriented tomahawks/hatchets.

I don't think you will have trouble finding cheaper ones, so maybe it is time to start your search, and research, for a quality hawk in earnest.

Maybe some more narrowing may help?-

-what handle length feels good to you?
-what handle material do you prefer/favor? (Natural/synthetic)
-do you want a "grip" to provide shock absorption, or do u want/expect the handle to do much of that?
-is there a steel you are particular to, or are you willing to try something you haven't owned/sharpened before?

I am sure any or many of the more experienced members will offer help, but the more you narrow it yourself-the more focused the discussion can become.

Good luck,-ill be reading (& learning) right along with you...
 
I use the Cold Steel tomahawk similarly -- it's seen lots of yard work, a bit of construction demo work (it's great for that), and it's a good size to take camping. I'm not terribly impressed - the edge rolls easily. I wouldn't want a full-hard 'hawk, any more than I'd want a full-hard (i.e. un-tempered) hammer, however, I think CS went a skosh too far with the tempering. However, I've not been sufficiently bothered to send it back. I just have to sharpen it more often than I'd like.

I agree with the post above -- look to a good quality tool that won't disappoint. I've often had lusty feelings for a Gransfors-Bruks 'hawk.
 
I would suggest Coal Creek Forge, I got my first hawk from Steve and its a work horse and looks good to boot.
 
I would agree with trying to find one from a maker on here. I got the tomahawk below from this site and it was a very fair price.

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Coal Creek Forge a member here and a fine gentleman make you whatever you would like .
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I appreciate he info thus far.

Price range, 200 or less.

I dont care for the style of the hawks shown thus far. I like the style of the cs trail hawk, except for the smaller cutting edge. I'd like 3-4" cutting edge. Straight along the top with a hammer head. I just want something that is better quality than CS.

I like just a plain hickory shaft for the handle, and with a jam fit socket, no wedges as i couldnt replace the handle in the field . i want around an 18" handle. easily shortened if too long though.

As far as steel is concern, im not really sure. 1095 seems to take a good edge. All i really know about steel types is from a few pocket knives i've had. Had a tree brand boker, an old one, that thing would take an edge like you wouldnt believe. Same as an older old timer and a case with a cv blade. Stainless is out of the question.
 
I dont know if he has any but ragweed forge octagon hawks are my favorite throwers. I do need some handles though
 
I dont like the style of butcherforges i seen. But the coal creek forge is growing on me. maybe slightly different style would suit me pretty good.

Gransfors-Bruks doesnt have anything that suits my tastes.

FORT TURNER camp or trapper hawk is darn close to what I want. and very affordable. Not perfect, but closes so far to match my style.

Anyone have suggestions of something else along that styling cue, thanks.
 
I have learned what i want is a hammer poll tomahawk. Guess it would help to know what its called to make a search easier.
 
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I would check out 2 hawks, very nice hawks, If you want a hawk that wont break ever and don't need hammer poll check out Estwing new hawk. Very light to carry and handy but no hammer poll
 
I just got off the phone with Steve from Coal Creek Forge. His recommendation was for me to get a cold steel, or one from trackofthewolf.com use it, abuse it, and figure out what i need and want. Then, if once i get my bearings, buy a custom hawk. I am going to take his advice. He also said to stay clear of 2 hawks, ragweed forge and crazy crow.

For now, i will most likely get the cold steel.
 
Sound advice Cold Steel or if you don't mind the wait Fort Turner. You don't want to spend a lot of cash for a custom until you know what you really want. One more custom nobody mentioned Wolf Creek Forge .
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I went with the cold steel pipe hawk and really enjoy it plus it's even better looking after I modded it. It's right between the trail hawk and riflemans hawk in weight. Plus the pipe portion is not hollowed out and serves well for a hammer poll. I ordered the A-23V from ragweed forge also but it hasn't arrived yet.
 
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