RD Hawk II ???

R

reconranger

Joined
Sep 23, 2007
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I am looking for something in a compact axe/hatchet/tomahawk to carry on the ATV's. Doesn't have to be "backpacking" weight, but I don't want the bulk of a full size axe either.

Thinking about the Ontario RD Hawk II. Would need to also decide between w/ or w/o pick. I can see how the pick could be useful (especially as a weapon), but can also imagine some safety issues. On the other hand, it would also be nice to be able to use the backside as a hammer. In a pinch, looks like it might also make a passable shovel.

http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog/item/231

http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog/item/232

Review: http://www.canadianwildernesssurvival.com/reviews/Reviews/Ontario Ranger Knives RD Hawk Review.html
 
I'd look at the Condor "throwing" hawk. Its pretty spartan and well made. Moose
 
Look at the cold steel line of hawks, several styles to choose from and all great quality tools for the price. They have wooden handles, though, other then the trench hawk which may suit your needs.
 
14 Bucks will get a nice little Collins camp axe at most True Value Hardware Stores...

They sharpen up really nice from what I hear.
 
What are some of the uses? Justin Gingrich, the designer had a piece up somewhere about the purpose of the RD Hawk, and it stated it was more utilitarian in design, for entry and demo type work, self defense, etc. It will chop wood, but not as well as an axe for that purpose. I think a collins axe or a decent CS Hawk will do most woods chores for a fraction of the cost. I am also a fan of the carpenter's hatchet - or Estwing.
 
I just want something that could be used to construct an emergency shelter, clear reasonable size trail obstacles, and other light applications. If it can also be used as an effective weapon...all the better!

One issue you face in a vehicle is downed trees/limbs blocking the trail. I'm and axe guy, so if I am in a Jeep or truck you can bet I will be packing a full size axe, saw, or even a chainsaw. I'm however primarily a fast and light sport ATV/dual-sport dirt bike rider, but I do also have serveral 4X4 utility ATV's (which allow one to travel heavier if you wish....I usually don't!). So, I don't want to be loaded down with anything large or to heavy. In the past, I have been able to take care of limbs and small trees with a small/medium size hatchet, and for any huge trees I have always been able to find a route around them....though I wouldn't ever take that for granted, especially in the snow.

I'm just looking for something a little more multi-purpose than a classic hatchet, but not necessarily a "classic" hawk either....the RD Hawk seems to split the difference. My one reservation, is that at ~2 lbs it is a little heavy seeing it will have to lash onto the outside of a medium size pack.
 
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Well, I picked up one of these, and here are my impressions:

Very nice, very versatile tool! Cuts like crazy (!), but being a hawk it is thin so don't expect to use it to split logs or anything like that. At first, I was afraid the spike would be in the way or even dangerous, but it's not obtrusive at all.

As I feared....for my desired application, it is about twice as heavy as I would like. It will be fine on the utility ATV's where you have racks and weight isn't so much of an issue, but carried on a backpack riding a dirt bike/sport quad, or on a dayhike....NO. When not on the ATV it will be in the Suburban, where it will serve as a camp hatcet, or may serve well some day as an entry tool.

As a weapon, here again weight is a disadvantage. Compared to a classic hawk it feels slow! Also, it is very "balanced", which gives it a rather heavy feel on the handle end. While some might like that, I am use to the head heavy feel of an axe or classic hawk, so for now I really prefer that.

So, not quite sure what the perfect application is or this tool. In the end, a classic Trail Hawk might be the answer for my immediate needs??? http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=781730
 
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