Question about a hawk

Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
68
Hello, new to this section but I have always been interested in a tomahawk and I recently saw a American Tomahawk Company Emerson tactical hawk. It was very interesting and I trust the Emerson name. I figured I would ask you guys about it before I purchased it though. Any opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
I think that Dwight McLemore recently purchased one of these and loves it. If he likes it, it can't be all that bad! If you don't know who Dwight is, go to Amazon and search for his name. ;)
 
I have there earlier model and glad I bought it. Very well made piece.
The newer model doesnt have the rings at the top of the handle.
 
I'm a big fan of just about everything that Ernie Emerson does. I indeed, love my CQC-T (although I'm not a back-spike fan). That said, if you are just getting started on hawks I would recommend you get one of the cheaper ones that are available today such has the Cold Steel Trail Hawk ( there are really a lot more that are good too, it's just that the price is right for most of these.. Why? Because the CQC-T is a hawk for the advanced player who has good control and understands how to work with a back-sike. The CQC-T is "Sharpe" it really has a back-knife more than a spike and is shape on the down side...bottom line, it will cut the hell out of you. It is not very forgiving . If you are one of those guys with extensive eskirma background, who thinks he can just jump right in and use the same techniques with that tomahawk your in for a shock. I've got the scars to prove that. I recommend starting out with a hammer poll and note that every time you bump youself (which you can with a stick) the CQC-T will get you. This hawk is expensive so you want to make sure it is THE ONE for you. Look around, go to shows and handle many, many types. When it's all said and done find one that you are comfortable and 'Feels' right to you and is not too heavy to put too much stress on the wrist. Bottom-Line, take all you hear from people like us on this forum as just advice and with a big box of salt, go find out what works
for you. :o

Best
Dwight
 
I thought the name Dwight McLemore sounded very familiar. I was going to purchase your book the fighting tomahawk. Thats one of the reasons I like this site, is because alot of the bigger names in the general bladed community are on here offering expert advice. Back to the topic though, thanks for the advice. I flip balisongs and I know what its like to handle/try something your not ready for and be bitten. I have a feeling being bitten by a balisong is worlds apart from being bitten by a hawk. So I think I'll take the advice and try something at more of the novice level, and save myself a trip to the ER.
 
AutoRockG:
I got ya, then you will probably be o.k. but again watch that spike. The head is just a bit longer than the traditional ones in relation to the handle so just be careful. Again it's an expensive hawk but well worth the investment if your into this sort of thing.
Please don't include me in the group of 'Bigger Names' I'm just one of you guys who tries really hard and is trying to draw some happiness out this stuff. Just an ole wolf trying to have fun. If you have any real in-depth questions concerning the CQC-T drop Ernie Emerson a line off his website, He is a great person and will be glad to explain the functionality of that hawk. If there is a draw-back some have said that the CQC-T needs a longer handle and that may indeed a factor for some. There are a whole bunch of guys on here that will give you a lot of different insites into the hawk. What I like about this site is the absence of 'Trolls' most of the time. Here you can talk to a hawk maker, sheath maker, martial artist, LEW and a whole bunch of people that seem to have thier heads screwed-on right. There is also a group of people on here who really add a lot of flavor to an aspect often missed. I like to call them the 'Big Axe' Cutters and if you want a different perspective into what axe-like weapons/tools can do talk to one who can cut a 12 inch log into in record time. I am always impressed with what they have to say.

Good Luck with your training
All My Best
Dwight
 
Dwight,

I like a hawk with a 14 inch handle for 'fighting' (think VTAC)...
19 inch for throwing (think CS Frontier Hawk)...

That is just me, though... others may have other opinions for sure...
 
Glock: Yep, me too.....however, messing around preparing for this video has got me using all sorts of sizes, so like the back spike, I'm learning to appreciate a broader spectrum.

Best
Dwight
 
Dwight and the guys are right. ATC's stuff is top of the line for tactical work...but a lot of "liking" a hawk is in "feel". go to a few shows or outdoor shops and pick up a few..lenght and weight-vs-your size and strenght are very personal issues. Buy quality..ATC's are worth every penny IMHO. Oh Yea..Be CAREFUL when training!!!..I've got a scar from the top of the knuckle ALL the way around to past that line in the middle of your finger on the first finger of my right hand. Proof that these tools will open you to the bone if you let flesh get in the way of the steel!!!! Note to Dwight: I did that while "working the swinging pell" using the hawk on left/knife on right techinque!!! suffering for my art!!!!!! LOL!!!! Best 2 all. Ankrst6973
 
go to a few shows or outdoor shops and pick up a few..lenght and weight-vs-your size and strenght are very personal issues.
Anrkst6973, your dead-on that......and when that happens I usually find a whole bunch of them that are just begging to come home with me. Then again, I'm a weak man.

Best
Dwight
 
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