Tomahawk Questions??

[Spydiefan04]

I was just curious because I've never used a tomahawk, I've used axes, bushaxes, hatchets, and chainsaws though. I'm impressed by some of the designs and especially the warranty I see on ATC's website, but know little about what a tomahawk can be used for. What are some uses for a tomahawk, please include any and all you can think of, bc the only thing I can think of that I think they may do better than an axe or hatchet is throwing. I'm especially interested in the VTAC model. I like things with military connections, my pistol is a M1911, all my rifles are of military descent/design, and my fav. fixed blade when not using a bk 7 is the old Ka-Bar, notice a trend It says on the site something about a tomahawk being able to do things you can't do as well with a knife, what???? Just curious fellas, convince me I can't live without one

 

[Dunner]

I like tomahawks for a lot of reasons. I think you are right about throwing prowess being one of the distinctions but it is the balance and geometry of a tomahawk that give them the qualities needed for a good thrower. ...


*** Edited. Didn't read whole post and was off topic ***

 

[Dunner]

I think we recently exchanged ideas on small to small/medium knives and a tomahawk like ATC's Rainier Scout would be an outstanding compliment to whatever knife you may have chosen in that size range. I just received my Rainier Scout today and I can't put it down . It is smaller than it looks in pics in the forum (search) IMO and that is to its advantage. It is a hefty little hawk with what looks like a highly functional hammer poll.

 

[Spydiefan04]

Yeah, you were a trying to sell me on a howling rat. I decided to stick with my BK 7 though, I just can't get away from a 7in blade. I do plan to eventually buy a Rattweiler though, it just looks so cool. I appreciate all the hawk info, but what I was especially interested in was the "tactical" uses claimed by others, what are they? Especially for the VTAC model.

 

[Dunner]

Sorry for running so long and not focussing on your specific question. I should have read a little further ...it was a slow Friday night around here .

I have a VTAC as well as I am really more inclined toward bombproof sythetics and modern manufacturing methods and materials as it soulds like you are.

The VTAC is EXTREMELY tough. The handle is near indestructable in any manner you might use a tomahawk. The hawk head is made of one of the preferred steels for making swords so it is incredibly tough against other hard objects which most knives don't stand up to very well. One current thread shows pics of a guy going after a lock on a door of some type. That is what the military is using it for I guess (It is classified as part of a breaching kit). The VTAC design also incorportates geometry that prevents it hanging up in the material being chopped. It is very small and light as well which makes it very packable for its considerable power.

I would look to my VTAC before my Ratweiler for a few things, but many of them so far are city oriented. If my house was on fire I feel I could bust my way out in ANY direction with the VTAC. I would go through lumber, conduit, wires, sheet rock, ply wood (that would be tough with any tool though ), glass and stucko. And as a "rescue" tool it is nice that it has a non-conducting handle to protect you from getting zapped.

I haven't used mine in the back country yet and apart from heavy chopping I am not sure where I would chose it over my Ratweiler yet. Maybe after tomorrow.

 

[rooikat]

I agree with Dunner on the heavy duty aspect of the VTAC, compared to the average blade. When you first handle and play with the VTAC, you get sense of how tough it is. It just will not break. As Dunner mentioned, if I had to get into or out of ANYTHING in a hurry, the VTAC would be my first choice. That would include cars, as demonstrated on the History Channel's tactical to practical special. I really like all 3 of my Kabars, but I cannot see myself safely cutting someone out of a locked SUV with them without breaking something.
A nice setup, which I am currently carrying, is the small size black serrated USMC Kabar, and a VTAC. My hawk can do all the heavy stuff, like chop wood, repel boarders, drag stuff, fly thru the air and hopefully kill a small mammel or three, etc. My little Kabar covers the fine cutting, the serrations rip through cord and vegetation with no problem, and my wife thinks it is cute as the dickens.
I first got the Rainier Scout, and fell in love with it. Within a few weeks, I got my VTAC. I am impressed enough with the hawks that I have gone nowhere without one, since then. They compliment, as opposed to replace, my other blades. The VTAC lives on the armrest of my couch. My Wife thinks highly enough of it, that it is allowed to remain there.