Question about the utility of tomahawks.

[Walking Man]

As I've said already, I'm kind of new at this, so don't bite my head off at this question, please. If it's been asked before, and someone can point me to another thread about this topic, please feel free.
So, I have this tomahawk, made by John Horrigan, and one of the things he told me to do was to use it. But I am a little baffled. Aren't tomahawks primarily designed as weapons? If you need something of this length, you usuallly get an axe, or if you need some thing smaller, you can get a hatchet which has about the same size head, but a shorter shaft.
Is a tomahawk designed for utility? Or would I be better off sawing the handle down a little and using it as a hatchet, or do you guys just choke up when you use it that way? I know with a longer handle you can get more power, but it doesn't seem like you could get your cuts as accurate as you might want them.
Please help. Thanks.

 

[bladefan]

I would say, chop away! Use it for anything you can think of, except hammering since I don't think its a hammer pole hawk.. other than that, I would not cut the handle..

 

[Bladewolf]

While most hawks have a slightly shorter cutting face than a hatchet, the trade is potentially better penetration, for equal energy expended. When I first began playing with hawks, all my prior experience was with hatchets and axes. I was amazed at the hawks ability to penetrate, including once, a pine board, a place mat, and my kitchen table top. Still hear about that one...

When going for more precision, choke up. I wouldn't ruin the greater leverage opportunities by shortening the haft.

 

[Gadsten]

Use what you got, My expirence is that with a little practice you will get pretty good with what you got and will learn to like it. I think that my dad has cut a lot of kindling with a splitting maul. I like a 3/4 axe but I think that anything in between a hachet and a regual axe can be pretty handy.

 

[deserthawk]

i've often used my TrailHawk for woodworking, using it to shave down projects. possibilities are endless...
and as a weapon? take out a terrorist!

dhawk

 

[NorthStarXO]

I wouldn't cut down the handle either. When we come out with a new model we determine the handle length with the head weight so that you get a good balance for throwing. Defintely learn to throw it - it's a blast and then you'll need more tomahawks so that you don't have to walk to the target so often.

 

[Kevin the grey]

I use my hawk for splitting kindling and hammering in stakes or similar tasks . Some hawks are designed to do more . Without knowing the design and quality of your particular hawk light camp duty is best . Whatever you do learn to throw it and have fun .

 

[hicomp2]

I bought an HB forge throwing tomahawk last year. It is an awesome tool, lots of fun for throwing. If I'm going for a stroll in the woods I either take a Bowie or a hatchet for confidence, just in case a wild animal comes out, and they are handy for chopping away brush, etc. Anyhow, with the 19 inch handle it was a great tool, lots of leverage and power. But it didn't throw well, at least for me. I cut it down to 12", and I get it to stick much easier. It also tucks into my belt much easier for my Sunday afternoon jaunts. Just remember, don't stick live trees, just pick on the dead ones. These things cut deep!