RMJ tomahawk for outdoor/survival?

[JJR512]

Hello... I've been a long-time occasional reader, now am a new member and this is my first post here.

I've read the thread here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...J-Tactical-Shrike-Out-Of-Its-Element-or-is-it regarding the RMJ Shrike being used as an outdoors/survival axe, not something that particular model was originally intended for, but which it could still be adapted to if necessary.

That thread was a few years ago, and since then, RMJ has a few new models and has made some updates to their older models.

Now I have two questions: 1. For outdoor hiking, camping, survival, etc., in other words not battle or combat, what is the best product from RMJ? 2. Basically the same question, but without limiting to just RMJ, what's the best axe/hatchet/tomahawk for this purpose?

 

[WJC01]

I suggest you check the tomahawk section-tons of info. I have the S-13 Shrike which is my constant woods companion

I've cleared trails, cleaned fish, dispatched a copperhead, cut wood, dug, use spike to pick up, assist on rough terrain-used like a climbing axe etc

Storm Crow makes some nice hawks as well, heavy duty full tang hawks at a decent price. Again check the Tomahawk section.

 

[JJR512]

Thank you...I guess I haven't looked around long enough to realize there was a separate tomahawk section here! I just posted in the same forum that other thread I linked to was found.

I also neglected to add that I've recently ordered an RMJ Eagle Talon. I've wanted one for a long time and knew they made a batch a couple months ago, and I just found out they still have a few left in stock for near-immediate delivery. By "near-immediate", what I mean is that I found out they don't assemble the handles onto the body of the tomahawk until it's ordered. That way they can assemble yours with whatever color handle you want, since they have no idea ahead of time how many of each color handle will be ordered, so they just apparently keep lots of the scales in different colors on hand to fulfill whatever orders they get.

So anyway, I've got the Eagle Talon coming in a week or two. But I suspect it is even less well-suited to pure outdoors than the Shrike is.

 

[WJC01]

That post by Mistwalker is what made me decide on my Hawk as well. I justified my "needing"to get it as an emergency breach tool at work.
Your hawk is about 4 inches longer and 1/2 a pound heavier than mine. While not intended as a pure outdoors woods tool it will do the trick. If you check my previous post I posted quite a few pic's of it being used in the "treeline". It goes on all my outdoor excursions- which vary from 3 to 7 days each week .

 

[lazy otter]

I'm a huge fan of hawks but for wood processing a good saw would be good to have too that being said hawks have their place from Chopin to processing game to being a weapon and just an all around great tool but I have some issues with some of the newer hawks. I've seen several people injure themselves and others with the back spike and in 1 situation I didn't see it but we all heard about 1 of team havering the back spike used against him and other stories but unless I see it I don't be leave it and do you really need that back spike? I've seen every major brand fail in the field and then your left with nothing( I will say I've never seen a winkler fail I'd buy 1 if I had that kinda cash) but wooden hawks can be removed from the handle and easily be replaced or if the lower beard is sharpened it could be come a make shift karambits or used as a ula... Please don't take this as all rmj or other companies went good companies these are just my opinions. In my opinion there made for 2 different applications and once again a large fixed blade may work even better and a saw is a must and I believe it saves energy

 

[Hammer67]

I'd suggest either a knife/saw combo or a good axe.

Hawks are great weapons, in the right hands. Not a fan of them for general outdoors use/wood processing/etc.

 

[WJC01]

Ignore Smithhammer (you dont want to hike with an AXE), and Lazey otters thoughts on the spike-you need one-plus the RMJ is nearly indestructible. . . .

 

[Hammer67]

Ignore Smithhammer (you dont want to hike with an AXE). . . .

#1 - Hiking with a smaller axe (1.5 - 2lb. head) is not that big of a deal, if your situation places an efficient chopping tool as a priority. Without getting into the tired "Axe vs. Hawk" debate, the OP asked about other options in addition to hawks, and so I stated what my preference would be. If I'm going to chop wood, then I want an efficient chopping tool.

#2 - I can understand if someone doesn't want to hike with an axe, which is why I made a point of also saying a "knife/saw combo."

I recognize that some people absolutely love their hawks, and more power to 'em. I won't bother debating with them.

 

[crossada]

As a former owner of the RMJ Eagle Talon I will say this. The Cold Steel Trail Hawk will greatly outperform it in the woods. The RMJ is not designed for wood but for breaching. Yes it will chop but it will not come close in a chop off. The RMJ is also very heavy in comparison. The RMJ however as stated is indestructible.