I need an axe/ tomahawk!!

[emoney2277]

Hey guys, been looking to pick up a small axe or tomahawk to accompany me on my outings. Would like it to be light and easily packed. I've been looking at a few models. The 2hawks Longhunter is a front runner as far as aesthetics and size but I've read mixed reviews on its function and finish. I know Will has a nice looking Hoffman he likes, just wondering what the rest of you think. I'm not a crazy shelter builder, it's duties would be moderate, firewood processing, I'd like to throw it, and self defense.
Thanks for the input.

 

[Todd Isa 53]

Well, I am old school but do some serious wood work a few times a year. They might not be tactical but I absolutely love two small axes. Honestly I have owned and used other small axes or hatchets and some of them would be considered tactical and they simply could not compete with the handle strength and performance in wood. Just my Opinion. Oh and self defense... yea its a axe, I think they will do the job.
Here is a blog I wrote on the subject of these axes plus one much larger axe, if you are interested. http://todd-gray.com/every-man-needs-good-blade-axe/

Good Luck in your hunt. Sounds like you have some awesome options already.

1. Gransfors Bruks “Ray Mears” Wilderness Axe.

Head weight: 0.8 kg (1.7 lb)
Total weight: 1.4 kg (3 lb)
60 cm hickory handle (23 in)
Also, very sharp! Yep, it shaves. I know a axe that shaves.

2. Wetterlings Outdoor Axe: A little smaller but still great.

Total weight: 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Total length: 49 cm (19 1/4&#8243
Face: 8 cm (3&#8243

 

[viral]

IMO the 18 inch axe is a strange size. It's too long to one hand and too short to two hand. I prefer a two handed one so I can really make short work of a log. The best made Hudson Bay axe is what I have. I bought mine unfinished and did all the work to stain and seal it. But the gransfor bruks and wetterlings are top of the line without a doubt.

 

[viral]

Sorry I forgot to add, the Hudson Bay is 26 inches long I believe. Comes out of the box shaving hair.

 

[emoney2277]

Thank you. I will look into these. Tactical is not really something I'm looking for. Wood first, throwing second. I really like the 2Hawks but can't get an honest review on it, seemingly because it's associated with Canturberry and people either love or hate him.
Here's what I'm considering:
http://www.2hawks.net/longhunter/
Price is good, size seems right, materials are fine. Just haven't found any honest unbiased performance reviews. I was hoping a member owned one at one time or another.

 

[catalystman80]

The 2hawks longhunter looks like a very handsome piece, and if you really want the ability to "throw it," I can't come up with a better alternative. One thing I'd like to humbly caution though is what are you going to be using it for most of the time. If you're doing a lot of firewood processing, a hatchet with a relatively steeper cutting geometry will do a better job with chopping and splitting, and of course it won't stick like a tomahawk would. And of course tomahawks aren't traditionally meant for wood work like that - doesn't mean it can't be done occasionally, but traditionally, they just aren't built for that kinda "abuse." With that said, I use my axes for splitting, chopping, and even carving, and depending on the magnitude of the job, the size of the axe changes. The Gransfors Bruks Outdoor axe is my go to hatchet for it's compactness, lightweight (very minimal forearm fatigue from prolonged use), yet amazing splitting ability (it's a bit steeper angle than the Wildlife hatchet).

 

[viral]

Dude that thing is awesome. I couldn't pull it up earlier but jeez. Just get that and be done with it. You're not going to find something so aesthetically pleasing as that puppy

 

[emoney2277]

Thanks all. Wood processing would be moderate. Enough to sustain a normal campfire for a night and maybe chopping a few 4-5 inch diameter poles for a shelter. I use a tarp for the rest. I definitely want to throw it though....a whole lot!!!!!

 

[FeralGentleman]

IMO the 18 inch axe is a strange size. It's too long to one hand and too short to two hand. I prefer a two handed one so I can really make short work of a log. The best made Hudson Bay axe is what I have. I bought mine unfinished and did all the work to stain and seal it. But the gransfor bruks and wetterlings are top of the line without a doubt. View attachment 464462

This is true for me. I had a GB small forest axe that I just never got a feel for - seemed more like an over sized hatchet. Switched it out for the GB Scandinavian forest axe (25") handle and I like it much better.

 

[emoney2277]

Dude that thing is awesome. I couldn't pull it up earlier but jeez. Just get that and be done with it. You're not going to find something so aesthetically pleasing as that puppy

That blued steel and hickory speak to me!

 

[Todd Isa 53]

Yea... I looked this bad boy up and Wow! It looks great. The 23 inch GB Hickory handled wood machine works perfect for me. The wood looks great... the head is heavy enough to do some damage and i can resharpen it to a razors edge in minutes. But, I agree, for throwing and the smooth look those 2Hawks seem great. I just can't get over how the GB cuts through wood like butter.

 

[emoney2277]

Well, I am old school but do some serious wood work a few times a year. They might not be tactical but I absolutely love two small axes. Honestly I have owned and used other small axes or hatchets and some of them would be considered tactical and they simply could not compete with the handle strength and performance in wood. Just my Opinion. Oh and self defense... yea its a axe, I think they will do the job.
Here is a blog I wrote on the subject of these axes plus one much larger axe, if you are interested. http://todd-gray.com/every-man-needs-good-blade-axe/

Good Luck in your hunt. Sounds like you have some awesome options already.

1. Gransfors Bruks “Ray Mears” Wilderness Axe.

Head weight: 0.8 kg (1.7 lb)
Total weight: 1.4 kg (3 lb)
60 cm hickory handle (23 in)
Also, very sharp! Yep, it shaves. I know a axe that shaves.

2. Wetterlings Outdoor Axe: A little smaller but still great.

Total weight: 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Total length: 49 cm (19 1/4&#8243
Face: 8 cm (3&#8243

Thank you, great review.

 

[Skystorm]

The Gransfors small forest axe is extremely popular. I float between that one and the small hatchet. I really don't throw my tools but if I did I would just pick up a CS trail hawk, they are cheap enough to be disposable.

 

[bonafide]

I have 9 of 2hawks tomahawks .. as well as plenty other makers, mostly hand forged customs. I really like 2hawks stuff, but it is cast not forged - in case that might be an issue. They can (or were) kinda delayed in getting one if you order directly from Devin. That being said, CRKT has a pretty nice production model out now called the Chogan. I dont own one, but had a chance to gander it a bit at this year's Blade Show .. for the money ($40 on amazon), might be worth the try. btw .. also take a look at http://walkbyfaith777.com .. one of my favorite makers.

2Hawks .. Competition model w/bloodwood haft.

Voyager (Bubinga) and Comp (Hickory)

WarBeast (Curly Ash) and Woodsman (Walnut)

 

[gtr60]

Wow beautiful hawks bonafide! What are the two fixed blades in the stump with the bloodwood 2hawks comp?

I went through a few different phases on my search for a hawk/hatchet. I was first interested in the 2hawks stuff until I read that the heads are cast.
I'm more than sure they're great tools and they're very aesthetically pleasing, but I couldn't justify spending that much and getting a cast head.

I ended up getting a CS frontier hawk and modding it which was perfect for a while, but I still wanted something more "custom" so I contacted Hunter Martin (Kalel on the forums) and had him make me one of his utility hawks.

I don't think I'd throw this as the thought of missing and watching it sail off into the woods makes me uneasy, but I did take down and de-limb/bark a 2" diameter tree with almost no effort.

Obviously not as traditional as others and isn't designed so much for splitting like a gransfors bruk, but it's satisfied my need for a hawk/hatchet and it's really comfortable to grip up high when doing more controlled cutting/slicing. Also it's quite a bit heavier and more solid feeling than my CS hawk since it's full-tang, so it could be too heavy for you.

52100 convex grind

 

[McVeyMac]

This is true for me. I had a GB small forest axe that I just never got a feel for - seemed more like an over sized hatchet. Switched it out for the GB Scandinavian forest axe (25") handle and I like it much better.

I also have the GB SFA, and I also feel like it is an in between tool. A little too big for one hand, and a little too small for two. I have not stepped it up in size because I think going too large affects portability. But y'all got me thinking.

 

[Cimarron56]

GB Small Forest Axe is a great tool. One of my favorite. If I were back packing, it would be my choice. BG Scandinavian Forest Axe is a better tool. Axe handle length improve safety. If I were packing into a fixed camp for hunting or base camping the Scan FA would be my choice. I don't have a Ray Mears, but it looks like a Small FA head on a longer handle.

GB's are great steel. They sharpen up really well, and if you ding up your blade (which you will with any serious use) the clean up really well.

BTW has a great youtube on small axe safety.

 

[Cimarron56]

Also, check out Dan Winkler's camp axe.

Link: http://www.winklerknives.com/knives.asp?id=159

 

[bonafide]

Wow beautiful hawks bonafide! What are the two fixed blades in the stump with the bloodwood 2hawks comp?

couple years ago I was very fond of buying knife blanks and finishing them off with handles/sheaths myself. Those were a couple of matching Two-Fingers blanks I finished in antique westinghouse.

I ended up getting a CS frontier hawk and modding it which was perfect for a while, but I still wanted something more "custom" so I contacted Hunter Martin (Kalel on the forums) and had him make me one of his utility hawks.

I have one of Kalel's hawks too. - pretty sure it was one of his earlier ones. Very solid hawk/hatchet.

 

[emoney2277]

Have you had any issues with the 2hawks quality, bonafide?