Tactical Tomahawk novice... What's the point?

Great post. It's like you know me. I think it's fun, and OK, to acknowledge and feed your inner warrior, tribesman, pioneer and even ninja. I work at damn office in a job I don't particularly like and knives and related edged gear are a way for me to leave that behind. Do I ever really need a tactical hawk? No. Are there other tools that will do what I use my hawk for better? Yes. But it's just more fun to do the job with a hawk than those other tools. I'll admit it, I'm even thinking about getting a Cold Steel warhammer. It's OK to not have a "point". Just have fun.



Storm Crow said:
My opinion: There are a lot of "tactical" blades, tomahawks included, out there that are a form of fantasy blade. The fantasy is just modern military instead of wizard-slaying barbarian.

Then there are the ones that are actually built to serve military and law enforcement needs and might be specialized in a direction that doesn't necessarily make them the best woods tool. They may be great in the woods, but that's not their primary intended usage. Even fighting is not the primary intended use for many of them (although some, particularly the ones based on Filipino headhunter axes with the forward spike, are primarily weapons), though that is usually at least part of the design considerations.

As to why someone who is non-military or LEO might want one, why not? There are a lot of people who like to have a little bit of the trappings of warriors even if they themselves are not. Look at all the MOLLE gear and ARs at the next gun show you attend. Heck, I make no pretenses to badassery, but I have a mil-surp canteen that I take water out to my shop in, and I have a fondness for olive drab. Might be a little silly, but what harm does it do?

Separating out the fantasy from the tools carried into harm's way, a tactical 'hawk is a compact multitool that should increase the tasks a soldier can tackle. Shaw11b has given good examples of the tasks a good 'hawk might be called on to perform in a warzone. All of those are tasks that would be hard to perform with a rifle or bayonet. In the small chance that a solider is forced into using sharp steel to actually fight with (which does happen upon occasion, even in the age of drone airstrikes), a 'hawk affords advantages of reach, power, and hooking/trapping/smashing/blocking/redirecting abilities that a knife generally does not.

A lot of folks buying tactical 'hawks are civilians who may never press them into service the way a warfighter might. Does it matter? Any difference between that and carrying a MOLLE pack and a Kabar out into the woods? Plinking with an AR? They help support the tactical 'hawk market, meaning that there are a growing number of 'hawks out on the market that might serve a warfighter in a tight jam. It's just up to the warfighter to sort through what's available and pick out what will serve his needs, just like any other piece of non-issued equipment he carries.
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Storm Crow said:
My opinion: There are a lot of "tactical" blades, tomahawks included, out there that are a form of fantasy blade. The fantasy is just modern military instead of wizard-slaying barbarian.

Then there are the ones that are actually built to serve military and law enforcement needs and might be specialized in a direction that doesn't necessarily make them the best woods tool. They may be great in the woods, but that's not their primary intended usage. Even fighting is not the primary intended use for many of them (although some, particularly the ones based on Filipino headhunter axes with the forward spike, are primarily weapons), though that is usually at least part of the design considerations.

As to why someone who is non-military or LEO might want one, why not? There are a lot of people who like to have a little bit of the trappings of warriors even if they themselves are not. Look at all the MOLLE gear and ARs at the next gun show you attend. Heck, I make no pretenses to badassery, but I have a mil-surp canteen that I take water out to my shop in, and I have a fondness for olive drab. Might be a little silly, but what harm does it do?

Separating out the fantasy from the tools carried into harm's way, a tactical 'hawk is a compact multitool that should increase the tasks a soldier can tackle. Shaw11b has given good examples of the tasks a good 'hawk might be called on to perform in a warzone. All of those are tasks that would be hard to perform with a rifle or bayonet. In the small chance that a solider is forced into using sharp steel to actually fight with (which does happen upon occasion, even in the age of drone airstrikes), a 'hawk affords advantages of reach, power, and hooking/trapping/smashing/blocking/redirecting abilities that a knife generally does not.

A lot of folks buying tactical 'hawks are civilians who may never press them into service the way a warfighter might. Does it matter? Any difference between that and carrying a MOLLE pack and a Kabar out into the woods? Plinking with an AR? They help support the tactical 'hawk market, meaning that there are a growing number of 'hawks out on the market that might serve a warfighter in a tight jam. It's just up to the warfighter to sort through what's available and pick out what will serve his needs, just like any other piece of non-issued equipment he carries.
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Good post!

I'm not a hawk guy but I recognize that there is a place for them, both as working tools and as fun things to own and play with. And they are fun to throw.
 
olybears57 said:
Hey guys.. Just curious as to what the point of a "tactical" axe or tomahawk is.. Thanks. Not sure if I'm just curious... or trying to find a reason to buy one ;)
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Every man inherently lusts over toys. Some actually turn out to be useful but mostly they are not. How thick is your wallet, and what do you with your spare time outside of believing you can get everything you need at a hardware and grocery store?
In 50 years I have never suddenly had to poke a hole through the side of a car or a house or fend off an attacker but I do enjoy woodcraft, campfires and other outdoor activities. Opening the brisket of a moose/caribou/deer has always daunted my efforts with a good sharp knife and I can readily see a younger and enthusiastic fellow bringing forth a hawk of some sort rather than trust some non-descript inexpensive arborist folding saw to do the very same thing cleanly and twice as fast .
Hey man, whatever turns your crank. At least you are undecided about all this at the moment and, thankfully, curious enough to have asked on here for advice.
Have fun!
 
Storm Crow said:
As to why someone who is non-military or LEO might want one, why not? There are a lot of people who like to have a little bit of the trappings of warriors even if they themselves are not. .
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Many military and LEO are not warriors, Many non-military, vets, and non-LEO are warriors....
 
Cajun Kamikaze said:
Many military and LEO are not warriors, Many non-military, vets, and non-LEO are warriors....
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Gimme a break!
25 years ago my WWII Bomber Command vet neighbour made a big deal of attacking hanging wasp nests with a corn broom! Made him exuberant and 'feel like a warrior' but not at all so to bystanders like me. Vapona Strip hung on a pole (my way of dealing with wasps) was a heck of a lot easier, safer and faster but he persisted in his way of dealing with things! Lucky he was not allergic because the angry wasps really gave him a run for his money and let him have it every time.
Whatever turns your crank.
 
This thread should of closed after stormcrows' answer. But then error404 added a valid point. I own one for the same reason I own half my stuff, I really wanted one at some point.
 
Storm Crow said:
My opinion: There are a lot of "tactical" blades, tomahawks included, out there that are a form of fantasy blade. The fantasy is just modern military instead of wizard-slaying barbarian.

Then there are the ones that are actually built to serve military and law enforcement needs and might be specialized in a direction that doesn't necessarily make them the best woods tool. They may be great in the woods, but that's not their primary intended usage. Even fighting is not the primary intended use for many of them (although some, particularly the ones based on Filipino headhunter axes with the forward spike, are primarily weapons), though that is usually at least part of the design considerations.

As to why someone who is non-military or LEO might want one, why not? There are a lot of people who like to have a little bit of the trappings of warriors even if they themselves are not. Look at all the MOLLE gear and ARs at the next gun show you attend. Heck, I make no pretenses to badassery, but I have a mil-surp canteen that I take water out to my shop in, and I have a fondness for olive drab. Might be a little silly, but what harm does it do?

Separating out the fantasy from the tools carried into harm's way, a tactical 'hawk is a compact multitool that should increase the tasks a soldier can tackle. Shaw11b has given good examples of the tasks a good 'hawk might be called on to perform in a warzone. All of those are tasks that would be hard to perform with a rifle or bayonet. In the small chance that a solider is forced into using sharp steel to actually fight with (which does happen upon occasion, even in the age of drone airstrikes), a 'hawk affords advantages of reach, power, and hooking/trapping/smashing/blocking/redirecting abilities that a knife generally does not.

A lot of folks buying tactical 'hawks are civilians who may never press them into service the way a warfighter might. Does it matter? Any difference between that and carrying a MOLLE pack and a Kabar out into the woods? Plinking with an AR? They help support the tactical 'hawk market, meaning that there are a growing number of 'hawks out on the market that might serve a warfighter in a tight jam. It's just up to the warfighter to sort through what's available and pick out what will serve his needs, just like any other piece of non-issued equipment he carries.
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StormCrow,
Sums it up well, and it should put this thread to rest.
CC
 
300Six said:
Gimme a break!
25 years ago my WWII Bomber Command vet neighbour made a big deal of attacking hanging wasp nests with a corn broom! Made him exuberant and 'feel like a warrior' but not at all so to bystanders like me. Vapona Strip hung on a pole (my way of dealing with wasps) was a heck of a lot easier, safer and faster but he persisted in his way of dealing with things! Lucky he was not allergic because the angry wasps really gave him a run for his money and let him have it every time.
Whatever turns your crank.
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So your point is the same as mine....

Captainclemmy, I'll decide when I'm finished with this thread.
 
There's always someone to ask the question of "why". Spend some time on some gun forums or car forums and ask those folks "why" they have certain items or bother spend money on certain things........

It's an individuals choice to buy what ever he or she feels like and really is it any business or concern or yours what we do or don't buy build or collect? Mind you're own business and if you don't like or care for something then move along, no one is pushing or pressuring you to buy, accept or every product on the market. I don't like everything I see, I have my interests but I don't go poking around asking "why" to those that do like said items themes or styles. I have a little more respect than to just question people.
 
sr15match said:
There's always someone to ask the question of "why". Spend some time on some gun forums or car forums and ask those folks "why" they have certain items or bother spend money on certain things........

It's an individuals choice to buy what ever he or she feels like and really is it any business or concern or yours what we do or don't buy build or collect? Mind you're own business and if you don't like or care for something then move along, no one is pushing or pressuring you to buy, accept or every product on the market. I don't like everything I see, I have my interests but I don't go poking around asking "why" to those that do like said items themes or styles. I have a little more respect than to just question people.
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He stated why he's asking and I'm not really sure why anyone would consider it a disrespectful question.

PANZY's EVERYWHERE...

"Thanks. Not sure if I'm just curious... or trying to find a reason to buy one"
 
Cajun Kamikaze said:
He stated why he's asking and I'm not really sure why anyone would consider it a disrespectful question.

PANZY's EVERYWHERE...

"Thanks. Not sure if I'm just curious... or trying to find a reason to buy one"
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Not necessary pointed directly at the OP but others here also. We all have our preferences with styles and that's perfectly fine, it's how the world is. But it's just that, we have choices. I'd posted previously in the thread and most of the time I am a fairly positive supportive person and when I can I will steer who ever in a general direction that makes sense, now just how I feel.

I'll admit I get a bit caught up at times but it's frustrating for some people to just automatically assume something that is labeled as "tactical" is only for war fighters or mall ninjas. I work hard for my money, I spend months away at a time from my family and use what I buy whether it be at home or at work down range.
 
I get your point and have the same problems getting caught up. Completely agree with you about the mall ninja and war fighters...

Point being, this place is here to ask questions, find answers, poke and prod with friends, and learn from each other, but most of all, entertainment and we all have subjects that we will and won't entertain...

The Internets :p
 
sr15match said:
I'll admit I get a bit caught up at times but it's frustrating for some people to just automatically assume something that is labeled as "tactical" is only for war fighters or mall ninjas. I work hard for my money, I spend months away at a time from my family and use what I buy whether it be at home or at work down range.
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I'll admit I'm that way. It's because for every genuine "tactical" piece of gear out there, there's gotta be a thousand pieces of goofy junk that's labeled "tactical" for marketing to the Mall Ninja crowd. It's got to the point where anything with the "tactical" label on it automatically makes me disinterested in it, even if it is the real deal.

I wish they'd just stop using the term.
 
Tomahawks are useful pieces of equipment and can be wielded effectively.

That said I do not like the current trend in "tactical tomahawks". I am absolutely not comfortable with the pointy end on my side.

'Hawk? Yes
Pointy on both ends, oh hell no.
 
bgenlvtex said:
Tomahawks are useful pieces of equipment and can be wielded effectively.

That said I do not like the current trend in "tactical tomahawks". I am absolutely not comfortable with the pointy end on my side.

'Hawk? Yes
Pointy on both ends, oh hell no.
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I'm good with whatever someone else wants, just so long as the industry doesn't forget about us traditionalists and I'm not being bashed because I don't have the newest and latest fashionable piece of gear.
 
When I was a Scout/Sniper in the Marine Corps in the late 80's and early 90's, I toted a Cold Steel Vietnam Tomahawk. Not fancy or particularly nice, but there weren't as many choices back then and it fit the budget of an enlisted Jarhead.

It was quite handy, used it a lot. Mostly used it as an all-purpose tool.......honestly, I would have preferred a hammer poll to the spike. The spike did come in handy once in a while.......I used it a couple of times to punch holes in 55 gallon drums to make burn barrels.

In Mogadishu, we were dealing with a recalcitrant gent who didn't want to talk to us. M16's and Berettas pointed at him didn't faze him at all. He was tough and had seen it all before. I handed off my rifle and pulled out my tomahawk. You should have seen his eyes open wide when she came out of the sheath. He was most cooperative at that point......the threat was all it took.

I had a bit of training here and there in knife fighting, but I was by no means any kind of knifefighter. I had been using hammers, hatchets and axes all my life. I figured if it came down to it I had a better chance of doing damage with a tomahawk than I did with a knife.

I still have that tomahawk, hangs in the shop over my workbench.
 
Whatever your reason for buying one, it's a valid reason. You wanted it. But it's healthy to understand ourselves and understand why we buy things. If we don't do that then we'll end up wasting money on stuff we really won't enjoy beyond the day of purchase.
 
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