VTAC vs. Swamp Rat Crash Axe

reconseed

reconseed

Joined
Sep 23, 2006
Messages
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I was surfing the forum this afternoon and was browsing through the Swamp Rat room and saw a few Crash Axe threads. All things considered, which hawk would be better in YOUR opinion for camp chores, hikes in the woods, etc. Personally, after looking and doing some reading on both, I would say that they are about the same in regards to the tasks listed above. I am getting ready to order my first ATC hawk, the VTAC or Sibert Comanche (still fighting myself on which one to get!), however, after seeing these swamp rat crash axes, i am wanting one of these more and more.. I spoke with Mary Beth up the road at NGK and she told me that they can get the VTAC so I might just go up there and buy it when they come in. But I am interested in hearing the main differences and pros/cons to the SR crash axes in comparison to the VTAC. Hope everyone is having a good holiday!
 
I just received 2 of the Crash Rats. Wow. It is stout. I can't imagine anything that it would not be up to the job of doing, whether it be cutting wood or extricating someone from a car. It is heavy tho'. I really like the finger grooves close to the head. THey are nice and comfortable for my hand (my hands are a bit on the large side). Being able to choke up on it with such control makes it a bit more diverse of a tool IMO. I think it has more control than other hatchets I have used. I am very pleased with it.
 
shooter, thank you for answering my question I failed to ask... The weight factor. I was wondering how heavy the SR axes were. I guess that would be one uppper hand that the VTAC would hold over the sr crash axe, the fact that it weighs in at 1 pound. I think it would be very interesting for someone with alot of money ;) to test the VTAC, or any ATC hawk against the new SR crash axes. I would be all eyes and ears for this test! Thanks for your comment though shooter! Have fun with your new toys my friend!:)
 
Only one answer..Get the VTAC and the Comanche... You would need no others...
 
DUSTY ONE said:
Only one answer..Get the VTAC and the Comanche... You would need no others...
Click to expand...

Roger. However, I am still wanting to check out the swamp rat crash axe. Some fella stated that it was much heavier than the VTAC or the Comanche. That, to me, is a huge downer. I like something light that i can throw in my rucksack. But then again, Dusty, I think you are partial to ATC like me :rolleyes: :D ;)
 
I haven't held or used the other one mentioned, but have used my Crash Axe. I like the feel and the heft of it. It does not appear heavy at all to me. The micarta slabs have good grip and I also like the finger grooves near the head. To me it is weighted just right.
 
How do you like the crash axe overall cstorr?? How are you carrying it? Do you have a sheath for it? Do they come shipped with one?? SR doesnt ship sheaths with their other blades, i know that much. I was just wondering if the hawk was an exception.
 
I like it alot Recon. I have never personally owned a "higher end" hawk/hatchet - just the stuff you can get at home depot, etc., so I can't compare it to a VTAC or any of those, but I can say that I like it much more than any I have used. I like the wedge at base of handle (although haven't needed it yet), and the choked up grip grooves are nice. I think I'll sharpen the point on the back edge. It doesn't come with a cover, but I am going to have one made for it (probably Dave Brown) and will probably carry it on my camp pack.
 
cstorr, that rig you got in mind sounds nice man. I will be interested to see pictures when you get it all ready to head out for the woods.

Swamp Rat is notorious for making EXTREMELY TOUGH cutlery, as far as knives go. I dont know why their hawk would be any different! Enjoy. Sharp Sharp Sharp looking tomahawk my friend!
 
geeze, reconseed, just buy the damn VTAC and be done with it. It's only $130 bucks or so. If you hate it, sell it. You've been looking at it forever.
 
tedwca said:
geeze, reconseed, just buy the damn VTAC and be done with it. It's only $130 bucks or so. If you hate it, sell it. You've been looking at it forever.
Click to expand...

:( True..... I am going to after the new Year when my funds start rolling in again.
 
Got mine on Flebay, brand new, for a buy it now price of $99.

Look around, the good prices are out there.
 
i am just going to order it straight from ATC. Andy and i have already been in correspondence about the purchase.
 
Personal I prefer a wood handle on a large axe. Full tang is ok on a small one but a big one needs the flex of good hickory.
 
Recon, it is here....under 100 bucks! Come on up and get it.
md
 
Thanks Mike, I got a few on order from ATC today. Turns out, I have some extra $ to spend so I am going to come up there and get that one too. Thanks for working with Mary Beth on this for me. See ya soon!!!
 
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