K5 vs. Hays Tomahawk

[Nematocyst]

My trigger pull scale puts mine at about 20-21 oz.

Thanks, Gun Snob. (I'm assuming that's for a 14" Hays Hunter. If so, that's just about perfect for my needs.)

Gsonnen, thanks for the paracord knot/braid link. I suspect that's going to occupy some of my time this summer.

 

[GUN SNOB]

Nematocyst;

Yes 14 in handle.

glamdring;

I have not thrown mine YET, just got it a week ago and have not had time. I have no dout it will throw, it has a very Stout handle and the edge is shaped well for sticking. The grind is a little thick.

I like the feel of a wood handle but learned long ago as a carpenter that wood has its limits. Looks like the handle on the Montana will be very hard to break.

I haven't run mine threw the test yet but based in 'fit and finish' I am very happy with it. I hope to do some chopping with it next week and will put it up against 2 cold steal hawks and a Eastwing hatchets for a base line.

It will also be cutting against a older CS "bent knife" (Khukri) and a HI AK bowie. This will not be a scientific test as much as looking for FEEL, witch IMHO is #1 for the tools I chose to carry. (as long as they can get the job done.)

I expect (hope) to have my kit picked out by the end of the month, if I can stay off Blade Form so I quit finding new toys to 'Try Out'.

 

[Nematocyst]

I hope to do some chopping with it next week and will put it up against 2 cold steal hawks and a Eastwing hatchets for a base line.

It will also be cutting against a older CS "bent knife" (Khukri) and a HI AK bowie. This will not be a scientific test as much as looking for FEEL, witch IMHO is #1 for the tools I chose to carry. (as long as they can get the job done.)

Cool. Would you please let us know your impressions?
We'll take them as subjective opinions as you wish, but I think your approach sounds great.

I expect (hope) to have my kit picked out by the end of the month, if I can stay off Blade Form so I quit finding new toys to 'Try Out'.

I can relate.

I just joined this one, and I'm already on a gun forum that I already spend a LOT of time on. Spending time on both putting together my "wilderness kit" (not only for my regional trips, but in prep for a move to Alaska in coming years...)

Some day soon, I hope to see more of the mountains than my computer screen.

 

[gsonnen]

Thanks, Gun Snob. (I'm assuming that's for a 14" Hays Hunter. If so, that's just about perfect for my needs.)

Gsonnen, thanks for the paracord knot/braid link. I suspect that's going to occupy some of my time this summer.

Paracord braiding is a very relaxing passtime. I have a very high stress job and one of my favorite things to do after a hard day is 'zone-out' for an hour or so braiding a lanyard. You will find yourself braiding lanyards for all sorts of things (I just braided a handle for the trap-door to my attic). This place has good prices if you find yourself addicted to paracord: Supply Captain paracord.

If you are a novice to knots, start out by mastering a cobra braid and a simple sinnet (both square and round sinnets are easy to master.) The only 'tools' you need are some sharp scissors and a torch style lighter to fuse the loose ends. Enjoy.

 

[Nematocyst]

Gsonnen, thanks for the advice. Will order some paracord.

Of the books about knots and braids listed on Stormdrane's blog, do you have a favorite one to recommend to newbies like me?

I like it here already.

Nem

PS: sorry for the momentary thread drift toward paracord stuff...

 

[gsonnen]

Gsonnen, thanks for the advice. Will order some paracord.

Of the books about knots and braids listed on Stormdrane's blog, do you have a favorite one to recommend to newbies like me?

I like it here already.

Nem

PS: sorry for the momentary thread drift toward paracord stuff...

I've never owned a book on knots. I do use this web site for hints on some of the more difficult knots: http://www.animatedknots.com/. Stormdrane's blog is pretty helpful too.

To keep this thread on track, why don't you PM me if you have any other questions on paracord.

 

[glamdring]

Thanks gun snob, looks like I will be adding the montana to my growing collection of hawks.:thumbup:

 

[GUN SNOB]

Thanks gun snob, looks like I will be adding the montana to my growing collection of hawks

I must admit unless this thing just won't cut (don't see that as a problem, the technology is pretty simple) I will be adding one of there spike hawks to my collection. Now I just have to decide between the Next gen. and the G-41.

I would like the option of a longer handle, say 19-22 inch. I know it works against the light weight easy carry, just seems it would be better once you got were you were going. Just a thought/preference, maybe I'll contact Hays about that.

 

[Nematocyst]

...I just have to decide between the Next gen. and the G-41.

I'd like to have a hunter first, assuming they are available when I'm ready to buy (+/- 1 month).

But I'm betting there's room in my kit for a next generation, also.

Da'um that's a wicked looking tool.

 

[RossA]

Nematocyst, I recently ordered a Fusion Tactical Hawk from A.G. Russell. It is wicked sharp out of the box. I haven't had a chance to do any work with it yet, but it looks and feels sweet, and for the price (right at $50.00 on an A.G. Russell special), it can't be beat.

 

[Nematocyst]

Ross, I was set to buy a Fusion. Then I came to BF and started reading reviews.

I've almost talked myself out of a Fusion now (or I should say reviews I've read have done that).

Here's a thread that gave me some concern.

Nem

 

[Nematocyst]

Thanks to this thread, and especially GSonnen's post with pics, I've become very interested in the Hays Montana Hunter 14". I've been to the Hays web site, but find that the hunter is out of stock. I've sent them a mail inquiring about time of availability.

Just minutes ago, I received a very cordial and informative email from Vic Hays about my query.

Their next run of Montana Hunters will be a few months from now.

I have no doubt that it would be well worth the wait for those seeking a hammer.

But based on what I'm reading in other threads, I think my focus is shifting to a spike.

And I'm pretty sure at this point it's going to be a Hays spike.

Most likely one of their (3) Ambassador models.

Nem

 

[Nematocyst]

I think my focus is shifting to a spike.

I mean, really:
just look at this
(Hays Next Generation)
and tell me what's not to love.

 

[RossA]

That is a great looking hawk. I'm still wondering for those of us who might want to re-handle a hawk, where we can get fiberglass or Ti handle material. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[PBJ]

Maybe Mr. Hays would be willing to offer his assistance or direct you to someone who could help rehandle your SOG hawk? Or maybe sell you a handle?

 

[Nematocyst]

PBJ, I wonder if a Hayes handle would fit? I doubt there's a way to carve it down like a wooden one ... though I guess a materials fabricator could do it. Could be an interesting experiment though.

Hayes company describes the handle of the next generation this way: "...a 16" handle made from practically unbreakable black Acetal...". I'm not even sure what "acetal" is. Is it carve-able? How would it attach to the head? (I have no idea; just curious.)

Ross, I think I might approach a wood worker type person and have a nice handle custom made out of some oak, hickory or birch (I'm not the one to suggest which wood would make the most durable handle, but just suggesting some hard woods.) Couldn't be to expensive, especially if you were willing to do some of the finishing work ...

I dunno, just thinking out loud.

Nem

 

[gsonnen]

PBJ,
Hayes company describes the handle of the next generation this way: "...a 16" handle made from practically unbreakable black Acetal...". I'm not even sure what "acetal" is.
Nem

Acetal is more commonly known as Delrin, made by Dupont. Here's a link to Delrin on wikipedia.

 

[knuckleduster]

I have a couple tomahawks with the acetal handles, they are excellent. Super strong and very grippy. Doing a custom handle for one head would be pricy, but suggesting a run of replacement handles for the Fusion is a great idea. I would love an acetal haft for my fusion!

 

[Nematocyst]

GS, thanks for that link about delrin. Very interesting.

K'duster, cool idea about an after-market replacement handle for SOG.
Even in the negative reviews of the Fusion, the owners claim the heads are well made.

Of course, if SOG is paying attention, they'll replace their handles with something better.

 

[RossA]

I guess in the meantime I'll try to find a source for some delrin that I can hopefully cut and shape to make a new handle for mine. If all else fails, I can get a good quality replacement hammer handle and fit it to shape.