Spike Or No Spike

D

Dr. Thor

Joined
Mar 30, 2004
Messages
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I want to get a tomahawk, but am torn between a spike hawk and a non-spiked hawk. I am looking at the ones from H&B Forge. What are the advantages of a spikes hawk? Which style throws better? Which is better for utility work? Thanks everyone.

Thor
 
I think spikes are ok if used for defence.
But for throwing and gen/use I would prefere a hammer poll, or plain as in two hawks type.
He makes one just for throwing for gen/utility work I would go for a hammer poll as it's got more uses, and a smack round the head with a hammer would deter most.
 
I like a tomahawk without a spike. Looks more frontiersman like.
The spiked tomahawks looks like a firemans axe. And as Norca said, a blow to the head with the poll would do the job. And if that isn`t enough you have the edge.

Tor
 
I was thinking that a 'Hawk with a spike (Vietnam Tomahawk, ATC Roger's Rangers, etc.) was the only way to go, but one with a hammer (poll) on the other end of the cutting/chopping head might not be a bad way to go, as it does seems to be pretty usefull, even on a "combat" 'Hawk.
 
Like the Glockman I always thought a war/combat Hawk needed a spike but the more I play with'em the more I wonder. In training I've had Hawks rebound/glance off a striking post and come back at me. Course pressure treated southern yellow pine is pretty hard stuff compared to flesh. Maybe a good hammer poll on the backside would be the way to go.
Stay Safe,
Clyde
 
For a field/utility tomahawk, the spike mainly lets you dig without damaging the plain edge. A hammer poll is useful for hammering on and with, though outside of splitting wood, you can hammer with the side of the eye, assuming it is hardened. Watch on some hawks as the eye is left annealed.

-Cliff
 
That is a good point Cliff Stamp. I like the idea of digging with the sipke. Keep it coming folks! I havent decided yet!

Thor
 
For a pure fighting hawk, a pike is almost mandatory, even if I know i will probably live my whole life without using them for their intended purpose. A hammer poll will probably be used more often (more reason to carry it with you, then).

Still, unlikely as it may be, if the bad guys in your neck of the woods wear kevlar helmets, the spike will come in handy...

Andew Lim
 
redvenom said:
...Still, unlikely as it may be, if the bad guys in your neck of the woods wear kevlar helmets, the spike will come in handy...

Andew Lim
Click to expand...
But, with a "hammer" (poll?) on the other end of the cutting-edge of the head of my 'hawk, I can knock the kevlar hat off of his head, and knock him out at the same time.:D.
 
I would not use the side if any hawk as a hammer unless you want to naff it up

wrong shape some are soft at the eye and even if it were hardend it's not made for that kind of abuse. The eye of your hawk should be nicely taperd for a good fit on the haft use it as a hammer it won't be for long
as for digging with the spike:D why? get a spade :rolleyes:
I DIG HAWKS BUT WOULD NOT DIG WITH ONE
 
I have the Shawnee Hawk from H&B. You won't be disappointed with the quality and service. I didn't opt for the spike more for carry reasons than anything. You can alway make a digging stick too.

Anybody know where to get a Skatchet?
 
Anybody know where to get a Skatchet?

Are you talking about those damn useless threaded heads that you could carry around in a pouch?
I think I have one gathering rust somewhere.
 
It is also much heavier. A hammer poll has more than enough weight to split something open when power is applied.
 
A spike is much more efficient than the cutting edge for dispatching wild hogs, when used on the skull.
 
As far as throwing, you don't want a hammer pole, you would be surprised how many times your muscle memory will throw two hawks in almost exactly the same spot, throwing another hawk into a hammer pole is not good at all for the edge. allso, i feel like the shawnee hawk is the best way to go and the most traditional as far as it's design and forging. H&B is very fine quality and you cant get anything near it for the money.
 
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