KDSH SR101 vs. RMJ 4140 Chrome Molly

Snakebreaker

Snakebreaker

Joined
Feb 7, 2013
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Looking for any input from anyone who owns preferably both an RMJ and KDSH. I'm a huge tomahawk fan and own many different modern type (breaching, prying, CQC, etc..) hawks on the current market, but my "Holy Grail" of tomahawks still remains the KDSH and it has eluded me for quite some time now.

Im pretty up to speed on the performance of multiple steels currently being used and how they hold up to a variety of stresses, however I would like to know if anyone on this forum has any first hand experience involving RMJ's 4140 and the KDSH SR101. Edge retention, chipping, rolling and over all heavy use integrity.

Thank you.
 
The 52100 in the Kill Devil will holds its edge longer, if you push the two to there limits 4140 is a good bit tougher its actually tougher than S7.

You really cant go wrong either way both the Swamp and RMJ make amazing products.

I would however suggest a search as these two hawks have been compared in the hawk forum more than once.
 
Thanks for the replies. I've searched the KDSH quite extensively as I don't own any edged weapons in the SR101 and I've heard nothing but good things about it. Outside of the "stamped out" look the KDSH has, I think it's a fairly unique and functional design. Just wanted to see if anyone here has compared the two or had any experience themselves in the edges integrity in SR101.

Thanks again.
 
Honestly steel doesn't get much better than 52100 and few do it as well as the Swamp. Its a steel that can take massive abuse and it can hold an edge extremely well, these are two qualities rarely found in the same steel.
 
Do you realize that there are two KDSH designs? The military overrun is the one that looks "stamped-out" and usually has a cord wrapped handle. They were only available for a little while as a special "Ganzaa" item.

The ones currently available in the store have much fuller, more hand-filling canvas micarta handle scales.

While I do not own an RMJ, I have handled one, and have no doubt that either KDSH could hang with the RMJ.
 
SpyderPhreak said:
Do you realize that there are two KDSH designs? The military overrun is the one that looks "stamped-out" and usually has a cord wrapped handle. They were only available for a little while as a special "Ganzaa" item.

The ones currently available in the store have much fuller, more hand-filling canvas micarta handle scales.

While I do not own an RMJ, I have handled one, and have no doubt that either KDSH could hang with the RMJ.
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Yes I do. I actually like the cord wrapped version a little better. It dosent seem like it would feel good in the hand but I have a Kangee that I removed the scales on and wrapped it and it feels pretty good.

The cord wrap opposed to the micarta just seems more functional as well.
 
Have you chopped anything with it? The Kangee I mean, without gloves?

Cord wrapped hawks have a massive shock transfer from the steel to the hand on extended chopping. The handled KDSH feels alot better after a few hits!
 
Wilkes said:
Have you chopped anything with it? The Kangee I mean, without gloves?

Cord wrapped hawks have a massive shock transfer from the steel to the hand on extended chopping. The handled KDSH feels alot better after a few hits!
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Yes I have and there's certainly more shock in the hand but that tomahawk.....much like the KDSH wasn't really designed for extended chopping. It's a trade off for utility and overall functionality.
 
What functionality do you lose with a proper handle? Weight?

I think the modern hawk is designed for extended chopping. Or at least a large percentage of hawk owners will use them for this task and they are very capable at it.

I just wanted to make the point that the handled version is far more comfortable in use. If you don't chop with it or are weight concerned I guess it makes sense.
 
Wilkes said:
What functionality do you lose with a proper handle? Weight?

I think the modern hawk is designed for extended chopping. Or at least a large percentage of hawk owners will use them for this task and they are very capable at it.

I just wanted to make the point that the handled version is far more comfortable in use. If you don't chop with it or are weight concerned I guess it makes sense.
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Yes they are capable of chopping but they are not designed for it. They lack the weight and the grind lines and the geometry is designed for breaching/combat not wood use.

As far as losing functionality with the handle slabs.......your not going to be able to use the hawk for deep set prying using the handle with slabs on. Yes slabs will be more comfortable, but you will lose some function.

It's not good or bad, it just is what it is.
 
Love my KDSH, Love the cord wrapped version!! I dont use it as a chopper, its my "TOY"... I use it for all the fun stuff LMAO, It gets thrown more than anything and if i feel like just destroying something... the kill devil is the perfect tool!!!


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Really enjoy all the pics you have of it worldwood. Really looking forward to getting one as a very hard use toy!
 
You'll love it, It really is a grown ups toy and loads of fun!!! They are made to fly so if you get it dont be scared to throw it!! I fell in love with mine the first time I threw it.. Something came up and i had to sell it... then i regretted it instantly and the very next day i bought another, its one of the things I just cant do without now that i have enjoyed it!!

Look forward to your pics when you get it as well!!
 
I had been tossing these 2 steels around too for a while. Finally decided on buying a hawk made out of 4140. Its made by a bladesmith off this forum, named Storm crow. I also bought 2 rmj tactical hawks too. A jenny wren, and found a berserker on the exchange. Thats some really tought steel, im not easy on anything. I love swamps 52100, and i may buy one of their hawks eventually. Just because I love there products. But I dont think you can beat 4140 for heavy use, I have only experienced some denting and dulling. No chips, and I have thrown that jenny wren a lot, it bounced off some trees and into rocks, and it only dented a little. I cut through some mild automotive style metal with that storm crow, and it did nothing but dull it a bit, and scuff the paint.
 
Thanks rodriguez. Any pics of those edges after the heavy use? I'm the same way with my hawks......I beat them up pretty good. So far I haven't seen anything that will hold up to extreme use like the VTAC (to play devils advocate though.......it does have a very obtuse convex edge) will but I've just seen and read so much about KDSH that it seems hard to pass one up. I do really like the RMJs as well.

Thanks again
 
Sorry man, no pics right now, I might be able to get some up, when I get back, Im heading out elk hunting tomorrow morning. i'll be back in about a week. I'll be carrying my rmj jenny wren with me, for any bone splitting.
 
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