tactical, outdoor survival tomahawk

[LSkylizard]

Tactical and outdoor survival are two radically different concepts...

...you want two tomahawks, or better yet an entry tool and a small axe...

The defination of tactical has changed, tactical tomahawks now cross over into entry tool uses...

Found a definition

1. Of, relating to, or using tactics.
2.
a. Of, relating to, used in, or involving military or naval operations that are smaller, closer to base, and of less long-term
significance than strategic operations.
b. Carried out in support of military or naval operations: tactical bombing.
3. Characterized by adroitness, ingenuity, or skill.

I don't think tactical and outdoor survival are mutually exclusive or radically different concepts. My take is that tactical implies a military if not a military like application and much of the military aspects are in fact based on "outdoor survival" or at least survival in hostile and less ideal conditions. I dare say that "Roger's Rangers" were not using their THawks predominantly as "entry tools".

...I agree with your comments on the spike on a hawk getting stuck in a human target.

I am going to be working my K5 for awhile. After I have the opportunity to work with it I will likely buy an RMJ Forge Eagle Talon Tomahawk . I am curious to see if the "sticking problem" will be less on the straight K5 "Americanized Tanto" spike vs the curved spike on the Eagle Talon.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Tactical now military wise is less of person vs person and more utility based, for knives this has come up on the forums many times usually in regards to what a tactical knife means, which now generally means obtuse edges and point and centered strongly on prying strength. A Strider WB for example is a tactical knife, vs something like the Applegate Dagger which is a focused fighting knife vs a Leuko which is mainly an outdoor survival knife. They share little in common. Similar with tomahawks, the full metal "tactical" tomahawks vs a GB small forest axe on wood work isn't even comparing objects of the same class.

-Cliff

 

[LSkylizard]

Tactical now military wise is less of person vs person and more utility based...which now generally means obtuse edges and point and centered strongly on prying strength...

I am certain you have your interpretation of what tactical is or should be.
Tactical may often be related to entry. However, a great deal of "highspeed" military (dare I say "tactical") survival is not just on entry but survival in the "austere wilderness". I do not believe tactical and wilderness survival are radically different. Though some items made strictly for wilderness camping excursions may be quite different from an item designed for combined wilderness survival and military applications. And, yes, an item made strictly for entry is not as useful in the wilderness.

...I don't think tactical and outdoor survival are mutually exclusive or radically different concepts. My take is that tactical implies a military if not a military like application and much of the military aspects are in fact based on "outdoor survival" or at least survival in hostile and less ideal conditions. I dare say that "Roger's Rangers" were not using their THawks predominantly as "entry tools"...

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I am certain you have your interpretation of what tactical is or should be.

It isn't mine, the above descriptions were from the manufacturers so take up your objections with them, that is how they are promoted, you can see this in the multitude of threads on the subject. I have used tactical tomahawks, yes you can use them on woods, they are however very inefficient compared to axes made for wood craft.

-Cliff

 

[LSkylizard]

It isn't mine, the above descriptions were from the manufacturers so take up your objections with them, that is how they are promoted, you can see this in the multitude of threads on the subject...

Sure Cliff, I will get right to it. The multitude of threads guides my understanding. I will ensure I have an assortment of THawks for my "tactical, outdoor survival tomahawk" needs. I clearly can not get by with less then three. Have a nice day.


At this point, I think the best thing for me and this thread/forum is to just add you to ignore. I actually see no benefit in the continued bickering.

 

[JWBirch]

For the "Tactical/Outdoor Survival" definition I'd say the Ranger Knives 12" RD Hawk is my favorite in this category, of the hawks that I own. I like it's 3.5" cutting edge, light weight, 1/4" stock for cutting ability, saber grind to retain cutting ability, and old-school Busse design micarta handle... but it's too short to really stand at the top of these cross-category needs. (But that's no problem, I just called him up and revised the design, and in a few months and a few hundred dollars I'll be set!)

Until K-5 introduces their lightweight linup you may indeed be looking at a wood hafted traditional hawk to suit your categorical needs. The current K-5 gives too much tactical bang and not enough outdoors bang to make that buck well spent in this compromising category, IMHO.

Here's my opinion on the two "big guns" that get a lot of attention:
My RMJ Talon has only 2.75" of cutting edge, and a very convex hard-use edge bevel, making it ill-suited in the woods. But it's a great Tactical...
My K-5 Spike Hawk is a bit better suited with 3.25" of thinner edge, but is heavy compared to 1/4" stock 1 piece hawks and wood hafted tools. But it's great to keep in the back of a truck...

With current availability that leaves the many, many traditional hawks being made, and a few custom pieces that may take you some time and money to acquire. Any hawk made with respectable materials and heat treated into the mid-50's should do very well. So that leaves head design and edge geometry. Most good makers will know exactly how to forge your hawk if you simply give them the "tactical/outdoors survival" description, but know that they are forging a compromise there.

And consider if you really need a spike. They're great in urban environments where you can break stuff up without ruining your primary edge, but mostly just dangerous in the woods.

 

[hatchetjack]

Have you thought of making your own? I used a Cold Steel Trail Hawk to go with my Ranger RD9.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b185/t_reyes/1_7_06001.jpg

 

[Mongo-man]

American Tomahawk Lagana Tactical
American Tomahawk CQC-T
K5 tactical Hawk (my favourite )

These are tools you can depend your life on if you ever end up in an urban emergency situation where you need an unbreakable tool to chop/fight your way out or in a building inhabited with or without human intruders

It can also double as an outdoor axe but there are better axes out there for that purpose.