Swamp Rat Knife Works - Rattle Hawk and Kill Devil Sniper Hawk ---Your Thoughts ?

B

BillyJoeBobJim

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Jun 14, 2007
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I have posted something about this/these hawks in a few other threads here. foxx recommended that I start a new thread.

I ordered a few of the KDSH without the micarta handles before they became available for order this week at the company's website.

I'll use these for sure. The fit and finish on everything I've ever seen from Busse-related products has been excellent, and I like their products that I own.
However, I wanted to ask for opinions from this sub-forum. I expect I'll enjoy these, but I wonder how you would compare them to other tomahawks.

I received some thoughts from foxx here -

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/869653-Compact-tacticaL-hawk/page3 .

Rattle Hawk Specs (from company website) $298.95
Cutting Edge Length: 14 1/4"
Head Width: 3 1/2"
Spike Length: 3 1/2"
Thickness: 1/4"
Overall Length: 17"
Steel: SR101 58-60Rc

KDSH Specs (from company website) $228.95
Cutting Edge Length: 3 1/8"
Head Width: 7"
Spike Length: 3 1/8"
Thickness: 3/16"
Overall Length: 15 1/2"
Steel: SR101 58-60Rc

The first two pictures are from the Swamp Rat Knife Works website. The third picture is from this thread -

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...dering-Procedures-amp-Cool-Pics-Of-The-Knives

where it was offered in a different variation for $188.95.

Rattle Hawk.jpgKDSH.jpgKDSH 2.jpg
 
I'd be worried about the handling. Swamp Rat's are great, and tough as nails. However, I'd worry they are more for demo-work than to handle as an actual tomahawk.
 
Maybe you should start a new thread and ask that question, you will get more answers that way.
I don't like them, without holding them in hand. They just look like hawk shaped objects to me, no detail in the handles at all.
I just don't see the value in the Sniper Hawk, it's just a cut out shape of a hawk, where's the craftsmanship, where's the details, no bevels or grinds to speak of? I don't see almost $300 worth of tomahawk in either one.
Click to expand...

Sorry foxx, this is where im going to have to disagree with you. I could care less about all the bells and whistles. I dont need my hawk to be all dolled up and looking pretty. I want a mean fighting/ breaching machine and it appears that the kdsh is all of that and more. What you get for $230 is the amazing sr-101 steel with the swamp rat heat treat and some micarta in what looks like a very well balance hawk (why should I care about "beauty grinds" and logos that pop out). I have not held one in my hand but i have seen youtube flicks of one being thrown at a tree and i was impressed (you can get a good sense for the balance of a hawk by the way it flys through the air). Dont get me wrong the rmj and winkler hawks are top notch but for $230 you cant go wrong with the KDSH. I think it is going to become a big contender in the tactical/breaching hawk world.


To the op, i like the KDSH way more than the rattle hawk. It is just a way more practical design imo. It is lighter, a bit smaller, and cheaper as well.
 
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I broke down and ordered the Rattlehawk to play with. I once owned the RJM Eagle Talon and hated it on a stand point of balance and feel. It had none imo and was an unbreakable smashing tool rather than what I consider a true tomahawk.

I bought the Rattlehawk to see if it has better handling qualities for a full tang design. If it doesn't impress me I know the Busse Kin sells pretty fast on the exchange so I won't be out much.
 
crossada said:
I broke down and ordered the Rattlehawk to play with. I once owned the RJM Eagle Talon and hated it on a stand point of balance and feel. It had none imo and was an unbreakable smashing tool rather than what I consider a true tomahawk.

I bought the Rattlehawk to see if it has better handling qualities for a full tang design. If it doesn't impress me I know the Busse Kin sells pretty fast on the exchange so I won't be out much.
Click to expand...

Well, Cross, if you ever decide it aint worth your time, keep me in mind. The Rattle Hawk looks awesome. I'd take it over the KDSH anyday.
 
Over Kill said:
Sorry foxx, this is where im going to have to disagree with you. I could care less about all the bells and whistles. I dont need my hawk to be all dolled up and looking pretty. I want a mean fighting/ breaching machine and it appears that the kdsh is all of that and more. What you get for $230 is the amazing sr-101 steel with the swamp rat heat treat and some micarta in what looks like a very well balance hawk (why should I care about "beauty grinds" and logos that pop out). I have not held one in my hand but i have seen youtube flicks of one being thrown at a tree and i was impressed (you can get a good sense for the balance of a hawk by the way it flys through the air). Dont get me wrong the rmj and winkler hawks are top notch but for $230 you cant go wrong with the KDSH. I think it is going to become a big contender in the tactical/breaching hawk world.


To the op, i like the KDSH way more than the rattle hawk. It is just a way more practical design imo. It is lighter, a bit smaller, and cheaper as well.
Click to expand...

I wasn't really speaking about beauty details. I was pointing out that these look to be cut from a sheet of SR101, an edge and some micarta thrown on. By "details" I'm refering to a better handle design, it's just so straight, no contours. I'm not talking about beauty grinds either, the Sniper hawk looks like it has an edge, and that's it It's so thin(3/16") that there's no other grind, seems easy to produce. The Rattle Hawk has more details, a sort of I-Beam cut out on the upper tang, and more bevels on the beard, and under the spike. I'd still want a sheath with 14" of cutting edge.
The spike looks very sharp, but not for breaching. I'd worry about using it too hard with a RC of 58-60, at least on a car or concrete wall. I know that SR101 is tough, but for breaching, maybe the spike should be thicker? They don't list the weight of either hawk. At 3/16" thick, the SH must be pretty light, but it's 15.5" long, so maybe it swings fast and hard?

IMO, they just don't look "finished", as in the research and development is not complete. I'd spend a little bit more and get an Omnivore Bladeworks Jackal, it even comes with a functional sheath, an ergonomic handle that goes almost all the way up, a very wicked pommel, and the handle is skeletonized. Just seems like more thought, experience, and effort has gone into Omnivore's design and execution.
 
I wasn't really speaking about beauty details. I was pointing out that these look to be cut from a sheet of SR101, an edge and some micarta thrown on. By "details" I'm refering to a better handle design, it's just so straight, no contours. I'm not talking about beauty grinds either, the Sniper hawk looks like it has an edge, and that's it It's so thin(3/16") that there's no other grind, seems easy to produce. The Rattle Hawk has more details, a sort of I-Beam cut out on the upper tang, and more bevels on the beard, and under the spike. I'd still want a sheath with 14" of cutting edge.
The spike looks very sharp, but not for breaching. I'd worry about using it too hard with a RC of 58-60, at least on a car or concrete wall. I know that SR101 is tough, but for breaching, maybe the spike should be thicker? They don't list the weight of either hawk. At 3/16" thick, the SH must be pretty light, but it's 15.5" long, so maybe it swings fast and hard?

IMO, they just don't look "finished", as in the research and development is not complete. I'd spend a little bit more and get an Omnivore Bladeworks Jackal, it even comes with a functional sheath, an ergonomic handle that goes almost all the way up, a very wicked pommel, and the handle is skeletonized. Just seems like more thought, experience, and effort has gone into Omnivore's design and execution.
Click to expand...

Ok, yes I see what you mean. You have some good points. The KD does leave you wanting a little more.
 
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