Tomahawk or large fixed blade (or both).

[wpc37203]

Does a carrying a tomahawk on the trail, in the bush, hunting, camping, etc. replace the need for a large fixed blade knife. A large knife being six to nine inches. I know a smaller folder or fb knife (four inches or less) is needed for some chores, food prep, etc. Does this debate all depend on how much one is willing to carry on their person. When I received my Next Generation Ranger Tomahawk, I said I was going to take it elk hunting in Montana and he laughed and said "you are going to lug that up the side of mountain" and I said, "yes." I said it is only twenty-five ounces or so and he said it makes a difference. Any thoughts on this topic would be appreciated.

 

[Patte Gauche]

I have done, and do a lot of historical reenactment from the 1700's period, so let me comment on what I have learned (historically) from my studies on the subject:

Most natives and pioneers who travelled extensively either hunting, exploring, or fighting, packed very, very light. Three to five days of food, ammunition if carrying firearms, bedroll, firemaking equipment and some other small necessities usually made up the pack. If you carried firearms, a small patch knife was essential. A smaller belt axe was the preferred first blade to carry. It could handle firewood chores, shelter chores, butchering chores, shaving, combat, and just about anything else a knife could be used for and was much sturdier in use during these chores. A belt knife of 4 to 5 inches for blade length was a common additional item but I suspect the axe/tomahawk seen much more activity.

If you get an occasion to read the journals of Lewis and Clark you will find several instances where tomahawk theft by natives was recorded. Apparently, Lewis almost came to the point of corrying out a summary execution for one of the thefts. No one ever mentioned a stolen knife incident. If a practiced native survivalist chose to steal a tomahawk over a knife or rifle, I can only sumize the importance of the axe in the wilds.

 

[Big-Target]

I carry both the NGR hawk and a newt Livesay RTAK in one of "Humble Bob's shoulder rigs!!!!

There is no such thing as too many sharp objects!!!!!:footinmou