Spyderco Tomahawk?

V-1

V-1

Joined
Apr 14, 1999
Messages
1,490
Would any of you guys and gals be interested in a Spyderco Tomahawk? I'd love to see Spyderco's take on this classic tool.

It'd be a perfect match for the 6"-7.5" MBC fixed blade that Mr. Glesser has been inquiring about. Heck, it'd be a perfect complement for any of their folders.

Joseph Szilaski would be the perfect gentlemen for Spyderco to collaborate with on this project in my opinion. You can see examples of his incredible craftsmanship here:
http://www.szilaski.com/tomahawks/

The man is truly an artist.
 
I think it should be more modern than the ones pictured in that link. Something that would be so unique that you would know that it would be a spyderco. I would love to see one either one from spyderco.

Maybe with a Carbon fiber handle and an S30v blade?
 
Those are some beautiful 'hawks there. However, if Spyderco was to produce one, I'd like it to be a more "modern" design. Something a little more tactical....:o :D That said, I would love a Spyderco tomahawk, especially if it is a "user" piece and they can keep the price relatively low like they do with all their great knives.


**edit: looks like RedEdge beat me to the modern thing
 
Yeah, I can see both your point of views about using more modern materials. I meant more in collaborating with Mr. Szilaski for his sense of balance, proportion and blade shapes. Not necessarily fine engraved wooden handles and heads. Though I wouldn't be against a wooden handle or a man made material handle. I think between Mr. Szilaski and Spyderco they could come up with an incredibly modern Tomahawk that would be an awesome user but still retain some historical elements.

A Pipehawk version would just be so over the top. Too cool. :D
 
Hi V-1.

We've thought about it. I have saved a design from Dennis Werner that I've had for 25 years. Its a good format for a modern design. His was forged as a throwing hawk (which it does well), but also works well for chopping.

It's certainly worth discussing.

I would say that it would be important to consider our "niche". Performance would have to be paramount, materials right for the purpose.

I think our approach to design is well put by an old Colin Chapman line;

"Simplicate and add lightness"

sal
 
Veeeeerrrrrrry interesting! FWIW, if you make one, I have a strong preference for a hammer poll on the back end of a hawk, instead of a spike, despite the latter being apparently all the rage now. I used to have one, and found I very seldom used the spike, whereas I have need to pound things fairly often.
I live on a farm, have a wood stove, and also use hatchets, hawks, machetes, axes, etc. when hiking, hunting, camping, clearing brush, etc. When planning on several hours of wood cutting, I bring out the chainsaw, of course. But a chainsaw is a bit cumbersome to carry along on your belt for spur of the moment jobs.
As to MBC, I claim no expertise. However, I can't help but think a hammer/hawk would be a pretty good expedient weapon if you ever needed one...I already know it's an extremely versatile tool.
 
I'd like to really see the Gunting improved. And I really hope the TUSOK can be revived, somehow....
 
I'd prefer a hammer poll as well.

What are thoughts on the shaft material? Metal, wood, synthetic? I've only handled a synthetic (ATC VTAC) so I'm not sure how the other types would handle.

This would be really cool if an actual Spydie tomahawk gets developed. :D :D
 
I would opt for a hammer more than a 2nd "penetrating" shape. The hatchet blade will work well for "High-performance-matter-separating".

Hi Spyken,

All of the intellectual property and rights to build the Gunting or any related designs has been given to Bram. Spyderco no longer has any involvement with the Gunting project. I did hear somewhere that Bram has a new improved version in the works. If anyone can improve it, I'm sure Bram would be best.

sal
 
Of course since it's a Spyderco I'd expect performance over "form". I'd hope for a tool steel blade, no stainless. Definitely no spike, a hammer end would be much more appropriate. Maybe something similar to a medieval war hammer for the back piece.

I can't wait to see how this will eventually turn out. As always with Spyderco, I'd expect something practical but cutting edge in design and materials.
 
I would like to add my voice to the chorus, spyderco a tomahawk would be excellent. A light strong hammerpole hawk maximized for utility should offer enough appeal tottacttical hawk users as well. Maybe one piece of 3v coated and with a japanese style wrapped handle.
 
Well you should ask the folks on the Himilayan Imports forum, but a spyderco Khukri would be pretty sweet. Admittedly a seriously involving project with concerns about zone tempering, shape, length etc... but an amusing thought none the less. I like the tomahawk Idea also but I dont personally see people buy many tomahawks, dont often hear them talk about them, and have only once seen someone carry one. I will take my khukri for cutting, chopping, or battle over a tomahawk any day. As you can tell I like Spyderco a lot so I would rather see a successful product than a pet fascination come to life.
 
I would love a Spyderco Tomahawk or hatchet as well!

if I may add some suggestions, Wally hayes way up here in Canada may be great to talk with on such a project as well. I like him for hsi experience in design and craftsmanship, he already is familair with the collaboration process, and works closely with the kinds of modern warrior folks who provide great input into such designs.

www.hayesknives.com

My second suggestion (in order, not in quality) is Lonnie hansen. To me, his hawks are tomahawk PERFECTION. The lines scream USE ME. The looks scream DROOL OVER ME!


OOPS! I forgot to add a link for him: www.lchansen.com

Keep us posted Sal!
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi V-1.

We've thought about it. I have saved a design from Dennis Werner that I've had for 25 years. Its a good format for a modern design. His was forged as a throwing hawk (which it does well), but also works well for chopping.

It's certainly worth discussing.

I would say that it would be important to consider our "niche". Performance would have to be paramount, materials right for the purpose.

I think our approach to design is well put by an old Colin Chapman line;

"Simplicate and add lightness"

sal
Click to expand...
Sal,
You decide what this one needs to be and I will buy it. I really like the concept.

Razz
 
I think the Tomohawk concept has taken off to some extent over the past few years, with the proliferation of both custom and production offerings.

A spyderco design would be welcome, I would expect something lightweight, elegant and offering the usual good value for money. A neutral design appealing to fieldcraft people, MBC people and emergency services alike would probably be best, although this would be a difficult balance to get right.

On another forum, you commented that Spyderco had enjoyed limited success with its various fixed-blade projects, Sal. I can appreciate how baffling it must be when a knife as universally well-received and seemingly versatile as the Sypderco Perrin Bowie has to be dropped from the line-up.

Do you think that going with neutral designs which appear to appeal to lots of people (Spyderco Perrin, Spyderco Temperance FB) have a greater chance of succeeding than items which are more obviously aimed at niches in the market or particular groups (Gunting, Karambit, new Pikal folder, and hypothetically ... a Spyderco Tomohawk)?
 
I would be interested in such a product.

I think there is a Gerber hatchet (and probably other companies make one) that has a knife in the butt of the handle. That would be a useful thing for a versatile tool like a tomahawk.
 
I can't for the life of me see why not :confused: . With Cold Steel and other companies who don't hold a candle to the Great Spyder Factory doing well with them>> I just don't see a reason why # 1: It wouldn't be a success # 2: Why don't they just go ahead and do it.

Actually I'd like to see them come up with 2 new tools of that ilk instead of just one. You could have one with a very practical design to be a nice camp ax/hatchet and then you could have another more or less on the lines of the "Viet Nam Tomahawk" which is more self defense oriented.

Actually I going to go as far as to say>> What's the hold up? We're behind you 1000% Mr. Glesser :) PUT me down for the first 2.
 
I agree with JD Spydo's 2 model idea. I think that a Spyderco take on a hatchet/hawk would be very interesting. :D

What are people's preferences on the shaft material? 1-piece steel head/shaft design, synthetic, wood, something else?
 
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