Cold Steel Tomahawks

[Tabasco]

Due to a recent fascination with non firearm historic edged type weapons, I bought a couple Cold Steele Tomahawks. For $20.00 each, why not. They are both diamonds in the rough, and came with "white" hickory handles and both heads (manufactured by American Tomahawk Company) had set screws and were loose out of the box. Tightening the screws really didn't keep the heads tight, so I cut a strip of chamois (sheep hide), glued it around the top of the handle with wood glue, and tapped the head back down around the chamois insert and the handle. Good to go now. Some people don't use the set screw and remove it. One of the set screws was 'frozen' in the head out of the box, so I drilled it out with a masonry bit and replaced it with a brass wood screw. Some people stain and refinish the handle, but I find it starts to darken and take on a patina on it's own from handling and use.

The first one I got was the Trail Tomahawk:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/118646/cold-steel-trail-tomahawk-2-1-4-blade-19-overall-length-hickory-handle

My favorite so far, super light and able to handle small chores like splitting 2x4 scrap into kindling. Probably better as a weapon than a tool.

The second one is the Pipe Tomahawk:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/657255/cold-steel-pipe-hawk-tomahawk-3-1055-carbon-steel-blade-22-overall-length-american-hickory-handle-brown

Definitely heavier, and a better 'tool' than the Trail version. Note that head and shaft are not hollowed out for use as an actual pipe.

[NEPAKevin]

I picked up a SOG Tactical Tomahawk (https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Tactical-Tomahawk-F01TN-CP-Hardcased/dp/B000PICTYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494692905&sr=8-1&keywords=sog+tactical+tomahawk) when LAPG had them on their sale page and I needed to add something to get the shipping deal. I keep it with the E-tool and other stuff I have but will probably never use in front of the Suburban's third row seat.

[SunTzu]

I've been eyeballing the CRKT Chogan but modifying it by cutting off the majority of the hammer as you can see in the picture below. It looks like everything a tomahawk should be in a $45 bundle with a bit of work.

http://i.imgur.com/lwpxS0W.jpg

Full video here.


https://youtu.be/WycBpyVhkpE

[smithjd]

Sometime, after watching The Patriot again, check out H&B Forge polled axes:

http://www.hbforge.com/polled-axes/large-camp-axe

I have one and bought them as gifts for a few brothers. Had a Kydex sheath made for mine.

[wsr]

I've been eyeballing the CRKT Chogan but modifying it by cutting off the majority of the hammer as you can see in the picture below. It looks like everything a tomahawk should be in a $45 bundle with a bit of work.

http://i.imgur.com/lwpxS0W.jpg

Full video here.


https://youtu.be/WycBpyVhkpE

They make a version without the hammer now... it's called the Nobo

[SunTzu]

They make a version without the hammer now... it's called the Nobo

Yes, but I don't want one without a hammer at all. I like the small flat face that is left on the modified Chogan.

[Drang]

I have several tomahawks, my favorite is probably the Cold Steel Rifleman's 'hawk, which has a full hammer poll. I've used it as a home improvement tool (https://thecluemeter.blogspot.com/2009/05/he-must-be-skinner.html)...

[Poconnor]

I have a few tomahawks I purchased from a local blackpowder shop. I also have a small firemans ax from harbor freight because it was cheap and it looks cool. I have two estwing camping axes. Good quality. My next small ax will be CRKT birler

[9mm_shooter]

I have a hand forged tomahawk made by Craig Barr at Deer Mountain Forge. He has an Etsy shop through with you can get one. Price is around $195

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[psalms144.1]

I have a half-dozen or so CS tomahawks - various models. All are decent for playing around, they'll do light work as designed, and generally they throw pretty well. The handles are soft, and the heads come loose almost immediately, requiring various levels of "fix" to make them serviceable, but, for $20, they're darn near disposable.

[Bigghoss]

I'm a little late to this party but I have a small bit of experience so I'll weight in for those interested.

The CS hawks are not bad for the money if you don't mind working on them. They usually have pretty shitty head to haft fit that they try to get around with a set screw. Ditch the screw and take the time to fit the handle to the head and the eye will need a bit of work too. Youtube has plenty of good vids on this.

The CRKT hawks are a little nicer but they could still use some fitting.

Condor has a couple models now. The one I got had a thick edge which is typical of Condor in general but it sharpened well enough without reprofiling. The head was pressed on and secured with a set screw but was tight enough that I don't plan to take it apart and fit it right away. Also came with a nice mask and leather belt loop for carrying.

I also have an H&B forge Shawnee, my favorite yet. These are forged by a blacksmith rather cast or however the other mass-produced ones are made. Doesn't necessarily make it better quality but it looks cooler. Mine still required dressing of the eye and fitting the handle but you can only expect so much for the price.

In summary, pretty much all of the "entry level" hawks are good if you want to tinker with them a bit. (And who doesn't? customizing and putting in the work is part of the fun) for one that's good to go straight away expect to pay $125-250 but you'll also get higher quality materials.

[voodoo_man]

The crkt kangee is the best designed cheap hawk on the market right now.

Unless you want to spring for an RnD hawk...

[Odin Bravo One]

I prefer a smaller Hawk for offensive work. I know most people don't usually weight it's offensive capabilities when choosing a hawk, but the Winkler hawks are great for those times when you're already carrying 60 lbs of gear, but still need a tool to split things open.

[willie]

Some states have antiquated laws and list tomahawks as prohibited weapons along with clubs etc. If you travel with a "hatchet", you might check laws. You might find yourself in a situation where you can legally carry your handgun but not have the tomahawk in your vehicle. You never know. It's a weird world sometimes.

[Sherman A. House DDS]

I have the CS, SOG, CRKT and Estwing hawks, that I use primarily as a camp tool or extrication device for MVA's, and I like the Estwing the best. They're just stupid tough and durable. Like enough to be easily hefted, but has enough weight to transfer energy.


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