LaGana Tomahawk Question

UffDa

UffDa

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I have this. It's all black and has a wood handle and a nylon cover. The handle appears to be cemented into the head with epoxy. There are no marks or labels anywhere. I had an early American Tomahawk version and it was stamped with the name. The Cold Steel versions were stamped TAIWAN.

What do I have? China?IMG_2542.jpgIMG_2548.jpgIMG_2547.jpgIMG_2541.jpg
 
United Cutlery used to sell a version maybe it is one of them. Does it seem well built/solid?
 
On a side note ,a local knifemaker I am friends with has some prototypes made for cold steel of the Vietnam tomahawk. He sent them to Paul Bos to be heat treated not knowing for sure what steel it was. After a few attempted heat treats they would only harden in small spots the steel was extremely poorly smelted. Weird but interesting.
 
It seems to be well made. I haven’t tried a file on the edge.
 
thebrain said:
After a few attempted heat treats they would only harden in small spots the steel was extremely poorly smelted.
Click to expand...

It's not uncommon to find steel products made with recycled material that hasn't even been homogenized, supposing the homogenized steel might be hardenable. I've been supplied with Chinese rebar where you could actually see the recycled nuts and bolts in the steel bar. Any corner they can cut they will. Only diligent QC by the importer has a chance of delivering a semi-quality piece. Buyer beware.

FWIW, Taiwanese products tend to be pretty good these days. On par, or almost, with Japanese goods.
 
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At one time I think BudK was selling one like it. Or possibly the Sportsman's Guide
 
I recall seeing those ones with the somewhat contoured handle.
It's not an genuine American Tomahawk :)

Most likely one of the many imitators at the time... either United Cutlery (they tended to be more like Cold Steel but with a black sheath) or Bud K, as mentioned above.
 
I found some pictures of the United Cutlery tomahawk. They are rather poor, just like mine. :( The pictures show a fake leather sheath marked United Cutlery. I haven't found any pictures with that nylon sheath.


EDIT: I just watched a video on youtube about the United 'hawk. I think that's what mine is with a different sheath.
 
That might be a Taylor Cutlery brand, I don't know who owns them now. I had a full tang tac axe of theirs and it was decent, not great but decent.
 
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