Question about tactical tomahawks (LaGana)

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Sixgun_Symphony

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Feb 27, 2009
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American Tomahawk - LaGana VTAC

Cold Steel - Vietnam Tomahawk


Peter LaGana started the American Tomahawk Company and it was his design the became the "Vietnam Tomahawk". The American Tomahawk Company is still in business, but their updated "tactical" LaGana Tomahawk has a synthetic handle and the ax head is said to be slightly smaller than the original.

The Cold Steel Knife Company produces a copy of LaGana's Vietam era Tomahawk, but it's cheaper than the one produced by American Tomahawk Company. I am wondering if they are using inferior steel.

Anyone here know about the metallurgy of the tomahawks sold by both companies? :confused:
 
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I have an older CS "Vietnam Tomahawk" and I have been dissappointed since the time I opened the package.

1.The handle is too slippery out of the box to do anything. Your hands get tired trying to hold onto it while swinging once they get a little bit sweaty.

2. You have A LOT of profiling to do to thin it out to get it to where it is more than a prybar with a wood handle.

3. Out of the box the grinds on mine were off. Way off on the spike.

Is it decent steel? Yes it is, cause it eats my files and once it is thinned out, several files and a angle grinder later, it holds a good edge. But the handle is still tiny.
I expect the fit and finish of the American Tomahawk company to be much better, and the handle be heads and shoulders above what comes with the CS.
I think it is a case of you get what you pay for. I think I picked up my CS hawk for 20 bucks in High School, my father ordered it with my money or something. (It is even stamped "taiwan".)
 
The ATC is 1070 and the CS is 1055. They're both good steels for an impact tool. The ATC is a much better tool. I like the grip in the haft of the ATC better, but it really only excels because the haft on the CS is too weak where it meets the head. The heads are probably comparable.
 
I have one of the ATC Next Generation Vietnam-style Ranger hawks with the forged 01 head and synthetic haft. Don't know whether they make it anymore. In any event, it is really nicely made, very sharp, and extremely strong (but was expensive as hell).

I have had a different experience than SamuraiDave with the CS version (mine is quite old). A file went through the steel on my CS's head like it was nothing. Took no time at all to thoroughly reprofile. I also added sharp (somewhat) leading and trailing edges. Wrapped the handle with friction tape. I've used it on some brush in a relative's backyard. Although it sort of works on smaller branches, it doesn't cut well and it dulls quickly. If the new ones from CS have substantially harder steel, that's a big improvement.

DancesWithKnives
 
If your seriously thinking about getting one. Get the ATC , VTAC. Well worth the extra money.
 
Don't buy one new. From what I have read, ATC (Andy Prisco) is a real douche dragon and it seems he has caused Justin Gingrich of Ranger Knives, someone I consider to be an outstanding person and maker, a great deal of unnecessary trouble.

http://andy-prisco.com/
 
It's sad to hear about a situation like that. I experienced a few issues getting my hawk as part of a trade with someone who said they had friendly relations with the company. However, once I finally received the hawk, I really liked it.

DancesWithKnives
 
Hey fellas, can the VTAC be disassembled? It's illegal in my country but I could ship over a 'wood carving tool' (Axe head) and a Polymer Drum Stick (Axe Handle) :)
 
Dusty One said:
Good luck ! Let us know how it goes....
Click to expand...

Not that easy, first I need to find willing seller who is willing to

1) disassemble it for me and
2) label the package as tools (Sneaky isn't it :))

I managed to welcome my SOG axe this way but I haven't met a seller (I normally use EBAY, yeah I know but beggars can't be choosers ya know) who is willing to do this.

Also in my radar is a Strider Crash Axe and a DETA or L-Max nemesis axe. Nice taste ya think :)

I shall not be stopped..........:cool:
 
The Cold Steel version has a thinner handle, and if you throw it you will break it...

The ATC VTAC is nearly indestructible... it is made to be thrown...

Customer service??? Cold Steel is superior!!!

The actual tomahawk??? The ATC VTAC is far better!!!

I have owned both, and still have the ATC VTAC... I would NEVER get rid of my VTAC!!!
 
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