New older ATC Vtac tomahawk

Dirtbiker

Dirtbiker

Joined
Jul 2, 2010
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I pick up this Vtac off that auction site because it's unlike any other ATC Vtac I've seen. I know there are some Vtac experts here and I'm hoping someone could let me know if this is a very eary or later version before they changed to the smoother handle they have today. I included pictures with a new model Vtac for comparison.

Photo one shows the older model is about 1/2" longer than the new one
20141015_093345_zpsvmrdshmt.jpg


Photo two show that the handle is completely knurled and has both side machined flat.

20141015_093433_zpsq1qd702w.jpg


This last photo shows that the older model has a much larger cutting face. At least .25 to .30 larger
20141015_093530_zpsw7zgbtmd.jpg


The final note is the early model came with an excellent London Bridge Trading OD green sheath compared to the just ok sheath that came with the new one.

Any information you can share with me about the early history of the new ATC would be helpful.
 
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Good score Dirtbiker. I don't see DustyOne around much anymore and he would be a better source than I, as he has more of the vintage VTACs. My collection is mostly of the newer models. With that being said, I have indeed seen that model before and and know a little about it. I believe it was a fairly limited run when they were doing handle transitions from glass percentage content.

I spoke with Eric at Fehrman not too long ago and he made a comment about when they made the change over to the current handle. It was after extensive testing on the glass content in the nylon. The handle you have there I believe was one of the short runs that were used with a higher glass percentage. I don't think too many were made based off our conversation.

Again.....DustyOne may know more, but that's a nice find and I would probably make that a safe queen.....as much as VTACs love to get pounded on!!
 
Great addition to your collection Dirtbiker. These were made in 2002 and from what I understand were the second handle design with the screwed head. I am going to see what I can find out about quantities produced.
 
Awesome guys, thanks for your input.

Dusty, if you have a way to trace production numbers I'd love to hear them.
 
Here is a photo of one I have !
 

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No problem.....thanks for posting Dirtbiker and thanks for chiming in Dusty.....long time no talk. I was hoping you would see this post. Like I said, safe queen this bad boy......save the beat downs for the current models!!
 
nice find-I'll have to pick one up( a newer model not a collector). I really dont want to throw my RMJ's
 
WJC01 said:
nice find-I'll have to pick one up( a newer model not a collector). I really dont want to throw my RMJ's
Click to expand...

Never throw something that costs $600.

The smaller head on the modern VTAC is a little offputting now that it's in proper reference. But I doubt most people care that much about it. It's not like it's any less effective or anything.
 
How's the head grind compare? I like the look of the wider edge bevel on the newer one, wondering if it's indicative of a thicker blade on the front? Would be interesting to see a top down comparison of the two.
 
The bevels are fairly close but the older hawk was coated black before the final edge was applied. The newer Hawks are ground after coating.
 
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