which tomahawk

J

jamaljahda

Joined
Mar 4, 2009
Messages
616
I have been searching for a tomahawk for some time now and I would really love an RMJ Loggerhead or Shrike but funds will not permit plus I don't like the idea of giving someone almost 500 dollars and then having to wait 3 to 4 months to receive my purchase. So uses being a BOB tomahawk and it will get used during camping. I have narrowed it to 3.

1. Two Hawks Voyager- I like the hammer poll plus designed for wood work and I like the idea of being able to replace the handle in the field if I had to.

2. Lagana VTAC - I like the history of durability and reviews that says its the most functional as a multi use tool blending tactical with utility use.

3. CRKT Kangee - I just like the looks of this one and so far reviews seem fine. I do have a concern regarding the scales being damaged and the short length.

I see number one uses of this as a defensive tool, breaching chores secondary and wood splitting and camp chores are tertiary. My number one factor is being tough something I can rely on or if the handle is a weak point as in a traditional hawk at least I can find another piece of wood and replace it. Out of these three which one is the best and please give reasoning.
 
I've got the VTAC and Kangee.....can't go wrong with either one. I have one VTAC in particular that I have put through more destructive testing that one would ever expect to do in any real life situation and the abuse it can take without any kind of failure is unreal.. Like WJCO1 said......hit the tomahawk and ax forum. That's were us hawk guys hang out.
 
Have you thought of a Swamp Rat Rattle Hawk? I really like mine.

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'I would really love an RMJ Loggerhead or Shrike but funds will not permit plus I don't like the idea of giving someone almost 500 dollars and then having to wait 3 to 4 months to receive my purchase."
Click to expand...

I waited 3 months for my RMJ Jenny Wren and was without question absolutely worth the wait, the "wait" goes by quickly.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/997995-What-RMJ-hawk-fits-YOU-best?p=11713706#post11713706

Additionally... there are RMJ Hawks every week on Dweebay that because of this economy folks need to sell.
I see them under 500 and no "waiting".

Btw, there's a dedicated forum for Tomahawks:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/768-Axe-Tomahawk-amp-Hatchet-Forum
 
Moses_3 said:
Have you thought of a Swamp Rat Rattle Hawk? I really like mine.

Jan20-27%2520025.JPG
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I did not look at the rattle hawk but I did look at the swamp devil and I determined that it seems functional but something about the looks just turns me off. the flat look doesn't appeal to me. It looks like it was just cut out of a press. Tell me how durable has the rattle hawk been. have you tested it and on what media and how has it held up.
 
I honestly haven't put mine to the test, just lots of wood and one cinder block :D It held up great. But, there is a LOT of evidence of SR101 holding up to some serious abuse over in the Busse sub-forum. One member cut a car in half with his Kill Devil hawk, there is thread complete with pictures and videos if you want to check it out.
 
The reality is that having the hawk for camping means that camp chores will be it's actual primary task, and tactical would be least likely. Having it in the car on the way to the trail head would be it's biggest tactical use.

One piece hawks have the advantage of simply not breaking to begin with - deliberately choosing a weak handle design just for the option of being forced to make another means it could happen at exactly the wrong time. Very few woodsmen deliberately choose a weak fixed blade design so they can repair it. Same for some poll head hawks, the makers are supplying fiberglass handles now to avoid the hassle.

Another issue with replaceable handles is that they stick out of the top, and it adversely affects using the spike as a rolling head pry bar. The reason spike hawks are being issued in the military is for use as a rescue tool. Prying with them to release metal panels or lift heavy objects doesn't work well with a high fulcrum impeding the lift. It forces the handle much closer to one side, and in some circumstances, there isn't as much room. That is why you see tactical hawks with one piece construction, to eliminate both flaws in the design.

Since a hawk is really a woodcraft and camp tool first and foremost, it's chopping ability is important. Thinner cheeks bite more deeply if the handle length is sufficient, a short handle hawk is at best a hatchet that is too light. Length adds back the power that the loss of mass in the head took away - but overall, you can carry a light hawk longer in the field than a heavy short hatchet. The longer handle also gives more leverage in prying.

The butt of the handle is sometimes equipped with a pryhead, the more urban designs include a nail puller. Whether you need a sharpen end on the handle of your hawk is another matter, a butt cap might be needed.

That handle seems to historically work out better on a hawk when it is straight, and the beard of the hawk slants toward the end. It's a finesse point, but I think it allows more power to the stroke. It certainly gives the look of a hawk rather than being a tiny axe.

For the models that have applied handles on them, there is a concern they could separate or crack. It could be said about them and the wood handled hawks that the user was likely abusing the tool more than just chopping with it to make it happen.

As for a hammer poll, I'd rather have the spike. It really goes to where the camping is being done - if on packed ground where stakes need to be pounded in, then it's not really that primitive and off the grid. And if it is, you need the spike to clear rocks and roots from under your bedroll, not a hammer. A hammer can't penetrate in depth, either, and getting under something to pry and lift with it is very limited.

A spike is for primitive campground use, and has the superior tactical edge. Most fire and rescue tools have spikes, and ground working tools, too. If you are carrying your tools to the campsite on your pack, then a spike hawk meets more of the needs. Plenty of them around - from edged tool suppliers, not hardware stores supplying building trades. That should be the first clue what tools are offered.
 
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