Howdy,
Notes for reference:
-I am not a professional reviewer, i happen to have all 3 of these hawks sitting in front of me while i drink a Guinness and watch MNF. Take it for what it is worth
-I really don't know much, I can only tell you what I personally think. I have never used any of these in the field so keep that in mind.
-All 3 of these serve basically the same purpose and are very similar. There is honestly not all that much difference between them
-My needs for an ax are about 70% general backpacking (think 3-4 days in the wood with one pack hiking) 30% for my BOB for breaching and general purpose in my own personal SHTF fantasy suite.
-I apologize in advance for the then length of this I hope you can get through it. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Origin of this post:
I have slowly been getting in to knives. I ended up buying a TAD version Winkler Belt Knife with black rubber handle maybe 6 months ago and was super impressed. About a month ago I saw a TAD Edition Winkler Combat Axe LT with black rubber handle for sale on another forum (not this one). They have been out of stock at TAD for quite a few months at this point. So I grabbed it thinking it would be a good companion/match to my winkler belt knife.
A few weeks later after doing some further study of hawks in general, the TAD Winkler Combat HD came back in stock at TAD. I said screw it; I ordered that one and said i would see which one i liked better and sell the other. A few weeks after that, and after silently lusting after the RMJ jenny Wren to compare to the Winklers' the TAD RMJ Jenny Wren came in stock. So I said super screw it; lets drop like $1600 dollars on hawks in 1 month and then feel them up and decide which one you like best and sell the other two.
I legitimately received the RMJ this morning and have been super excited ever since I ordered it for this moment of TAD Hawk greatness to arrive. I am 100% honest as I start this post, I have no idea which on I will keep but will try and go through some basic comparisons and personal thoughts on these awesome hawls. Hopefully by the time I get to the end, I have a answer to which one I keep:
First up.....
TAD Winkler Combat Axe LT.
LT stands for Light (i am assuming) it has a very tapered tang. This make the hawk, lighter weight, and more ergonomic in my opinion.
The Specs
Weight: 20 ounces
Handle Length: 13"
Blade steel: 52-100
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Winkler-Combat-Axe-LT-TAD-Edition-Midnight-Camo
Note, this version on the website was the last version they came out with with midnight camo. Mine is the prior version which is the same but standard caswell finish.
Pros:
-Feels like sex in the hand.
-In my hand it feels like the lightest most balanced.
-The way the tapered tang balances the weight make it feel the best for a basic swing. It just flows in your hand.
-I rate this as the most "ergonomic of the 3 axes". The rounded rubber feels great with the thinner handle. And the palm swell in the middle is just perfect.
Cons:
-The LT tapered tang is very tapered. This is the only ax of the 3 I would be very slightly concerned about beating the absolute hell out of. And really it is only one specific concept that worries me which is using the small metal pry feature on the bottom on the handle. That is where the tang is thinnest as it is a continuous taper. I could see that as a point of failure if you were ever truly trying to pry something with lateral leverage on the handle. i could envision that bending if you were legitimately trying to use it as a hard core pry bar.(never tried so take that for my unscientific gut feeling)
General impressions: It is so svelte. It is the sexiest and best feeling axe in my hands. If i had to pick one to use around camp for general task (including but not limited to: light wood working, kitchen work, general site set up, package opening, rope cutting, cigar slicing etc..) it would be this. The more curved blade compared to the RMJ would be usful for finer tasks like rope cutting, food prep, wood copping etc (Again my assumption since I have not used it). I also think it would be a great CQB combat axe, but I know nothing about that and honestly while i like the appeal a "combat axe" for its coolness, I just don't see my self using one in that function ever.
Tad Winkler Combat Axe HD.
The Specs
Weight: 22 ounces
Handle Length: 13"
Blade steel: 52-100
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Winkler-Combat-Axe-HD-TAD-Edition
It is the same exact thing as the LT but it has a full untapered tang. While the LT feels the lightest, the HD combat ax feels the heaviest with RMJ JW in between.
Pros:
-It is a beast. If you asked me to pick one of these axes to take a car apart with or break through a solid oak door, it would be this one
-The full tang rubber handle combo feels great for taking heavy power strokes
-Sill feel great in the hand, palm swell is again very nice
-Still just as capable as the LT at smaller basic camp tasks
Cons:
-Not much
-It dosen't feel quite as balanced and svelte as the LT. I still stand by the comment that the general feel of the LT is slightly Superior. The LT swung so easily with The weight in the head and it is never bad to shave ounces while backpacking.
General Impressions: I think I am going to keep this one. Again it is a nice pair with my matching Winkler Belt Knife. It feels like the "most powerful tool" in my hand. As stated if I had to pick one Axe to generally F some stuff up it would be this ONE. I dont feel it gives anything up necessarily to the other two axes as a camp tool.
RMJ Jenny Wren.
The Specs
Weight: 21 ounces
Handle Length: 11.5"
Blade steel: 4140
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/RMJ-Jenny-Wren-TAD-Edition
First let me say I think the TAD version of this hawk is so kick ass. My two favorite parts of the axe are 1) the pinky swell makes your swing feel so secure, 2) the shorter beard is perfect for using as a choke up point. I really like choking up so my finger rest against the bottom of the axe head. These are both TAD specific enhancements. i have never held the none-tad version to compare to.
Pros:
-Cheapet axe. You could argue its might be alot of people favorites and still be 20% cheaper
-It so handy. Its 1"5 shorter. and feels the most handy in the hand (that's right, I said that)
-I like the idea of the abiltiy to wear the sheath over the sholuder around camp etc. Seems very handy, note the TAD version did NOT come with the shoulder straps.
-I love the large pinky swell. Feels very secure.
-I could see the beard being useful for certain tasks
-If you wanted an AXE for concealed carry defense type tasks the shoulder strap and slightly smaller foot print would give this an edge i believe (does any one actually CC a hawk? i don't see my self ever doing this)
Cons:
-None really
-I will say I can feel the 1" of less handle length while making it feel even handier makes it feel like it will get slightly less power on the strokes.
-The blade has less curve/belly so if til be slightly less effective for certain cutting task (I am assuming)
General Impressions: This thing is so awesome. Its going to be very very hard to sell. I love the TAD version. If I had to pick one of these to wear daily as either as tool around the farm/shop or as daily carry for personal protection it would be this one. It slightly smaller footprint is really great. I feel like it packs so much goodness is such a small package. I would probably never carry an Axe daily. Only about 4 times a year while doing serious hikinh/camping.
A few other notes:
1) Blade steel: How do we feel about 52-100 vs 4140? I am not really sure. WInkler formerly used 5160 for axes and 52-100 for knives. Only these tad versions are 52-100 axes....not sure why. I guess it has slightly less impact resistance but slightly better edge retention. For the TAD daily utility (vs combat/breeching) purpose that makes sense. Winkler now uses 80crv2 for both blades and axes.
2) Sheathes. The winkler ax is slightly smoother in and out, but I like how the RMJ really snaps in there and i think the shoulder carry option would be awesome. I also prefer the bunge system for retention of the winkler vs the clip of the RMJ, its easy on and off, although perhaps less secure.
3) Two interesting difference in the new vs old winkler TAD's. (I am guessing the LT is from a close to 2 years old now, he HD is brand new production).
A. The new HD has the TAD symbol "engraved" in it. The LT is more just on the surface it does not actual looked "carved in the steel"
B. The new HD has a slightly different geometry to the top of head, it has angled cuts where as the LT is flat across the top. I dont think these matter in the slightest except perhaps some small weight reduction. Just found it interesting.
And...Crappy pics:
Notes for reference:
-I am not a professional reviewer, i happen to have all 3 of these hawks sitting in front of me while i drink a Guinness and watch MNF. Take it for what it is worth
-I really don't know much, I can only tell you what I personally think. I have never used any of these in the field so keep that in mind.
-All 3 of these serve basically the same purpose and are very similar. There is honestly not all that much difference between them
-My needs for an ax are about 70% general backpacking (think 3-4 days in the wood with one pack hiking) 30% for my BOB for breaching and general purpose in my own personal SHTF fantasy suite.
-I apologize in advance for the then length of this I hope you can get through it. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Origin of this post:
I have slowly been getting in to knives. I ended up buying a TAD version Winkler Belt Knife with black rubber handle maybe 6 months ago and was super impressed. About a month ago I saw a TAD Edition Winkler Combat Axe LT with black rubber handle for sale on another forum (not this one). They have been out of stock at TAD for quite a few months at this point. So I grabbed it thinking it would be a good companion/match to my winkler belt knife.
A few weeks later after doing some further study of hawks in general, the TAD Winkler Combat HD came back in stock at TAD. I said screw it; I ordered that one and said i would see which one i liked better and sell the other. A few weeks after that, and after silently lusting after the RMJ jenny Wren to compare to the Winklers' the TAD RMJ Jenny Wren came in stock. So I said super screw it; lets drop like $1600 dollars on hawks in 1 month and then feel them up and decide which one you like best and sell the other two.
I legitimately received the RMJ this morning and have been super excited ever since I ordered it for this moment of TAD Hawk greatness to arrive. I am 100% honest as I start this post, I have no idea which on I will keep but will try and go through some basic comparisons and personal thoughts on these awesome hawls. Hopefully by the time I get to the end, I have a answer to which one I keep:
First up.....
TAD Winkler Combat Axe LT.
LT stands for Light (i am assuming) it has a very tapered tang. This make the hawk, lighter weight, and more ergonomic in my opinion.
The Specs
Weight: 20 ounces
Handle Length: 13"
Blade steel: 52-100
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Winkler-Combat-Axe-LT-TAD-Edition-Midnight-Camo
Note, this version on the website was the last version they came out with with midnight camo. Mine is the prior version which is the same but standard caswell finish.
Pros:
-Feels like sex in the hand.
-In my hand it feels like the lightest most balanced.
-The way the tapered tang balances the weight make it feel the best for a basic swing. It just flows in your hand.
-I rate this as the most "ergonomic of the 3 axes". The rounded rubber feels great with the thinner handle. And the palm swell in the middle is just perfect.
Cons:
-The LT tapered tang is very tapered. This is the only ax of the 3 I would be very slightly concerned about beating the absolute hell out of. And really it is only one specific concept that worries me which is using the small metal pry feature on the bottom on the handle. That is where the tang is thinnest as it is a continuous taper. I could see that as a point of failure if you were ever truly trying to pry something with lateral leverage on the handle. i could envision that bending if you were legitimately trying to use it as a hard core pry bar.(never tried so take that for my unscientific gut feeling)
General impressions: It is so svelte. It is the sexiest and best feeling axe in my hands. If i had to pick one to use around camp for general task (including but not limited to: light wood working, kitchen work, general site set up, package opening, rope cutting, cigar slicing etc..) it would be this. The more curved blade compared to the RMJ would be usful for finer tasks like rope cutting, food prep, wood copping etc (Again my assumption since I have not used it). I also think it would be a great CQB combat axe, but I know nothing about that and honestly while i like the appeal a "combat axe" for its coolness, I just don't see my self using one in that function ever.
Tad Winkler Combat Axe HD.
The Specs
Weight: 22 ounces
Handle Length: 13"
Blade steel: 52-100
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Winkler-Combat-Axe-HD-TAD-Edition
It is the same exact thing as the LT but it has a full untapered tang. While the LT feels the lightest, the HD combat ax feels the heaviest with RMJ JW in between.
Pros:
-It is a beast. If you asked me to pick one of these axes to take a car apart with or break through a solid oak door, it would be this one
-The full tang rubber handle combo feels great for taking heavy power strokes
-Sill feel great in the hand, palm swell is again very nice
-Still just as capable as the LT at smaller basic camp tasks
Cons:
-Not much
-It dosen't feel quite as balanced and svelte as the LT. I still stand by the comment that the general feel of the LT is slightly Superior. The LT swung so easily with The weight in the head and it is never bad to shave ounces while backpacking.
General Impressions: I think I am going to keep this one. Again it is a nice pair with my matching Winkler Belt Knife. It feels like the "most powerful tool" in my hand. As stated if I had to pick one Axe to generally F some stuff up it would be this ONE. I dont feel it gives anything up necessarily to the other two axes as a camp tool.
RMJ Jenny Wren.
The Specs
Weight: 21 ounces
Handle Length: 11.5"
Blade steel: 4140
http://store.tripleaughtdesign.com/RMJ-Jenny-Wren-TAD-Edition
First let me say I think the TAD version of this hawk is so kick ass. My two favorite parts of the axe are 1) the pinky swell makes your swing feel so secure, 2) the shorter beard is perfect for using as a choke up point. I really like choking up so my finger rest against the bottom of the axe head. These are both TAD specific enhancements. i have never held the none-tad version to compare to.
Pros:
-Cheapet axe. You could argue its might be alot of people favorites and still be 20% cheaper
-It so handy. Its 1"5 shorter. and feels the most handy in the hand (that's right, I said that)
-I like the idea of the abiltiy to wear the sheath over the sholuder around camp etc. Seems very handy, note the TAD version did NOT come with the shoulder straps.
-I love the large pinky swell. Feels very secure.
-I could see the beard being useful for certain tasks
-If you wanted an AXE for concealed carry defense type tasks the shoulder strap and slightly smaller foot print would give this an edge i believe (does any one actually CC a hawk? i don't see my self ever doing this)
Cons:
-None really
-I will say I can feel the 1" of less handle length while making it feel even handier makes it feel like it will get slightly less power on the strokes.
-The blade has less curve/belly so if til be slightly less effective for certain cutting task (I am assuming)
General Impressions: This thing is so awesome. Its going to be very very hard to sell. I love the TAD version. If I had to pick one of these to wear daily as either as tool around the farm/shop or as daily carry for personal protection it would be this one. It slightly smaller footprint is really great. I feel like it packs so much goodness is such a small package. I would probably never carry an Axe daily. Only about 4 times a year while doing serious hikinh/camping.
A few other notes:
1) Blade steel: How do we feel about 52-100 vs 4140? I am not really sure. WInkler formerly used 5160 for axes and 52-100 for knives. Only these tad versions are 52-100 axes....not sure why. I guess it has slightly less impact resistance but slightly better edge retention. For the TAD daily utility (vs combat/breeching) purpose that makes sense. Winkler now uses 80crv2 for both blades and axes.
2) Sheathes. The winkler ax is slightly smoother in and out, but I like how the RMJ really snaps in there and i think the shoulder carry option would be awesome. I also prefer the bunge system for retention of the winkler vs the clip of the RMJ, its easy on and off, although perhaps less secure.
3) Two interesting difference in the new vs old winkler TAD's. (I am guessing the LT is from a close to 2 years old now, he HD is brand new production).
A. The new HD has the TAD symbol "engraved" in it. The LT is more just on the surface it does not actual looked "carved in the steel"
B. The new HD has a slightly different geometry to the top of head, it has angled cuts where as the LT is flat across the top. I dont think these matter in the slightest except perhaps some small weight reduction. Just found it interesting.
And...Crappy pics:
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