I was considering getting one of Cold Steel's tomahawks and was wondering how effective a tomahawk is. I don't really care if I can throw it, that wouldn't be its main use. Just "knife fight range" effective, for a lack of a better term I could grasp at.
Hatchets...
- Thread starter Wanderer
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There was a good thread here on Tomohawks. Great short range all out offensive weapon, like the bearded axe of the vikings.
I used to be pretty good at throwing one.
I always preferred the hammer back style, as its a more effective tool than a spike backed one.
I used to be pretty good at throwing one.
I always preferred the hammer back style, as its a more effective tool than a spike backed one.
FSCJedi
Member
You know, I'm glad I'm not the only person who thinks the tomahawk is an awesome CQB weapon. I have one now, designed primarily as a thrower, that I have used to fell trees with, prune back limbs, and even practiced some self-defense stuff with it. There is no doubt in my mind that I would grab it as a self-defense tool if I ever knew I would have to defend myself at close range.
It does also have some very good defensive techniques you can do with it, such as blocks, trips, and disarms, but you normally have to be able to use your other hand/arm to assist. I love the 'hawk, I just wish there was somewhere that I could learn more about it.
By the way, if you are interested, try checking here under the Axe, Tomahawk, & Hatchet forum for some good info. A quick search function will yield a lot of stuff. It doesn't get posted on frequently, but if you don't mind going through the archives, you can find an answer to pretty much any question you might have.
It does also have some very good defensive techniques you can do with it, such as blocks, trips, and disarms, but you normally have to be able to use your other hand/arm to assist. I love the 'hawk, I just wish there was somewhere that I could learn more about it.
By the way, if you are interested, try checking here under the Axe, Tomahawk, & Hatchet forum for some good info. A quick search function will yield a lot of stuff. It doesn't get posted on frequently, but if you don't mind going through the archives, you can find an answer to pretty much any question you might have.
Frohickey
Member
post urls for more about tomahawks/hatchets
I got one from http://www.hbforge.com
It's the spiked axe version. I personally like the spike versions. I think it's more of a weapon, plus it's great for punching holes in things you need to punch holes in, and makes a great digging spike. Digging a quick hole to plant a sapling in is a breeze with a spiked-backed tomahawk, for example.
Get one with a hammer, one with a spike, one without anything at all on the back.
I throw it, trim limbs with it, chop up wood for the grill with it, practice slashes and chops and stabs, etc, on a big chunk of telephone pole with it.
I love tomahawks.
Now I just need to get a Bowie knife to go with my hawk.
hillbilly
It's the spiked axe version. I personally like the spike versions. I think it's more of a weapon, plus it's great for punching holes in things you need to punch holes in, and makes a great digging spike. Digging a quick hole to plant a sapling in is a breeze with a spiked-backed tomahawk, for example.
Get one with a hammer, one with a spike, one without anything at all on the back.
I throw it, trim limbs with it, chop up wood for the grill with it, practice slashes and chops and stabs, etc, on a big chunk of telephone pole with it.
I love tomahawks.
Now I just need to get a Bowie knife to go with my hawk.
hillbilly
Skofnung
Member
I grew up going to Mountain Man Rendezvous with my family. I learned to throw a hawk when I was YOUNG.
To this day, I love hawks. I don't throw them much anymore, but every now and then, I will pick one up and give it a whirl.
Back when I was in highschool, I practiced ALOT with one for close quarters. I would use the hawk by itself, with two hawks, or hawk and knife. With practice, it is a bad arsed weapon. In fact, before I turned 21, it was the weapon that I chose to keep in the Jeep with me (along with an old Ka-bar) to defend myself with.
I prefer the standard hawk. That is, no hammer poll, spike, or pipe bowl. Here's why:
1)Light is fast. Stuff on the back adds weight. Weight adds some striking power, but not enough to justify sacrificing speed.
2)The way I use a hawk for CQ, the poll of the head is used as a bludgeon, and the edge is used for either the coup de grace or for hooking/slicing. A spike backed hawk can't be used for this. It has the same problem that the edge has, that is, it gets stuck in the target. This is bad if your target is still mobile or can hit you back.
3)In my experience, the addition of a hammer poll does not help that much when it comes to hammering. At least it is not worth the extra weight to me.
Now, if I were punching through mail or heavy leather armor, I would choose a spike hawk. Cold Steel's claim of punching through a steel helmet with the spike is probably true, but I will never have the need to do that. If for some unforseen reason I need to take out a sentry with a hawk, (what are the chances?) I can GARRONTEEE that I will not hit him in the helmet with it.
If you decide to get a "traditional" hawk, (HB forge, ect...) or for those of you that have one already, may I make a suggestion? The tapered wood handles are not CQB (or work) friendly. When you sweat, the smooth wood with a gradual taper wants to slide out of your hand. To overcome this, carve a shallow but wide groove all the way around, just below where your little finger would be. The groove should be half the thickness of your cord in depth and twice it's thickness in width.
In this groove, tie a constrictor knot, or some other binding knot (a turk's head knot would look good, but I can't tie one worth a flip) with para-cord or some other line of similar thicknes. Tie it very tight and trim the ends.
You now have a "stop" at the end, and your hand will not slip off.
I hope this helps
Take care
To this day, I love hawks. I don't throw them much anymore, but every now and then, I will pick one up and give it a whirl.
Back when I was in highschool, I practiced ALOT with one for close quarters. I would use the hawk by itself, with two hawks, or hawk and knife. With practice, it is a bad arsed weapon. In fact, before I turned 21, it was the weapon that I chose to keep in the Jeep with me (along with an old Ka-bar) to defend myself with.
I prefer the standard hawk. That is, no hammer poll, spike, or pipe bowl. Here's why:
1)Light is fast. Stuff on the back adds weight. Weight adds some striking power, but not enough to justify sacrificing speed.
2)The way I use a hawk for CQ, the poll of the head is used as a bludgeon, and the edge is used for either the coup de grace or for hooking/slicing. A spike backed hawk can't be used for this. It has the same problem that the edge has, that is, it gets stuck in the target. This is bad if your target is still mobile or can hit you back.
3)In my experience, the addition of a hammer poll does not help that much when it comes to hammering. At least it is not worth the extra weight to me.
Now, if I were punching through mail or heavy leather armor, I would choose a spike hawk. Cold Steel's claim of punching through a steel helmet with the spike is probably true, but I will never have the need to do that. If for some unforseen reason I need to take out a sentry with a hawk, (what are the chances?) I can GARRONTEEE that I will not hit him in the helmet with it.
If you decide to get a "traditional" hawk, (HB forge, ect...) or for those of you that have one already, may I make a suggestion? The tapered wood handles are not CQB (or work) friendly. When you sweat, the smooth wood with a gradual taper wants to slide out of your hand. To overcome this, carve a shallow but wide groove all the way around, just below where your little finger would be. The groove should be half the thickness of your cord in depth and twice it's thickness in width.
In this groove, tie a constrictor knot, or some other binding knot (a turk's head knot would look good, but I can't tie one worth a flip) with para-cord or some other line of similar thicknes. Tie it very tight and trim the ends.
You now have a "stop" at the end, and your hand will not slip off.
I hope this helps
Take care
SapperLeader
Member
Im involved in a pass around on blade forums for a ...
American tomahawk vietnam style hawk. Im last on the rotion list, but ill post a review after I get a chance to play and test one out.
American tomahawk vietnam style hawk. Im last on the rotion list, but ill post a review after I get a chance to play and test one out.
I don't have a helmet to stab through, but the spike on my hawk has punched through sheet metal, 55 gallon steel drums, and even the side of an old wood-burning stove.
In sheet metal and steel drums, it leaves big, square one-inch holes. In the stove, it leaves smaller holes, as the steel is much tougher, but does get penetrated with a good, hard swing.
I even tried it out against gallon milk jugs full of water. The edge splits the jug wide open. The spike rips a wicked slash that tears the jug almost in half.
Against the water-filled jugs, the impact on the edge side really jolts my arm and shoulder. With the spike end, I hardly feel any resistance at all, but get even more damage to the jug
The "More Proof" DVD (FREE from Cold Steel) shows some good tomahawk action--tomahawks going through a car hood, a free hanging rack of ribs, being thrown etc. etc.
Hawks good............
hillbilly
In sheet metal and steel drums, it leaves big, square one-inch holes. In the stove, it leaves smaller holes, as the steel is much tougher, but does get penetrated with a good, hard swing.
I even tried it out against gallon milk jugs full of water. The edge splits the jug wide open. The spike rips a wicked slash that tears the jug almost in half.
Against the water-filled jugs, the impact on the edge side really jolts my arm and shoulder. With the spike end, I hardly feel any resistance at all, but get even more damage to the jug
The "More Proof" DVD (FREE from Cold Steel) shows some good tomahawk action--tomahawks going through a car hood, a free hanging rack of ribs, being thrown etc. etc.
Hawks good............
hillbilly
Elmer Snerd
Member
carpettbaggerr
Member
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- Nov 13, 2003
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- 1,676
Darn, I was sure you liked this one --
Thats the one I like anyway
Thats the one I like anyway
VaughnT
Member
For my uses, a Gransfor hatchet is the best choice. Made in the old tradition, it's very useful around the homestead.
The haft on Mr. Snerd's prefered hatchet, a deer's foot design, will chip off very quickly as you can see the grain is cut though on both ends of the curve.
The best way to learn to use a hatchet/axe defensively? Clear some brush. No lie, clearing land, whether it's chopping down a larger tree or cleaning out underbrush, will teach you reams on how to move smoothly and efficiently with this ancient longarm. You can read books all day, but that doesn't program the body.
The haft on Mr. Snerd's prefered hatchet, a deer's foot design, will chip off very quickly as you can see the grain is cut though on both ends of the curve.
The best way to learn to use a hatchet/axe defensively? Clear some brush. No lie, clearing land, whether it's chopping down a larger tree or cleaning out underbrush, will teach you reams on how to move smoothly and efficiently with this ancient longarm. You can read books all day, but that doesn't program the body.
Thanks for the input! I was leaning towards one of Cold Steel's Vietnam style 'hawks, but now I'm considering getting one of their Norse 'hawks. If I do I'd probably shorten the handle to 15 inches, and then make a sheath for it.
Does anyone know of Cold Steel's quality. I know they make good knives, but what about tomahawks?
Does anyone know of Cold Steel's quality. I know they make good knives, but what about tomahawks?
Tomahawks are outstanding, versatile, and effective CQB weapons.
American Tomahawk Company has some of the best 'hawks I've ever coon-fingered.
LawDog
American Tomahawk Company has some of the best 'hawks I've ever coon-fingered.
LawDog
carpettbaggerr
Member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2003
- Messages
- 1,676
At those prices they'd better be!
I think I'd rather buy 11 of these:
For the price of 1 of these
I bought the ATC Vietnam Tactical Tomahawk and love it. It's light, virtually indestructable, and throws great. It hasn't failed in any task so far. Yes, it's expensive at $165 but it's top notch quality and you get what you pay for. Not to mention, the people at ATC are extremely friendly and have AWESOME customer service.
Mark
Mark
Skofnung
Member
I shall second Mr. VaughnT's statement about clearing brush and chopping limbs as good training. It allows you to develop the cutting form that best suits you and it strengthens your arms and shoulders. Plus, if you live in a place like me, the trees and bushes need to be cut back anyway.
Man, those axes over at AG Russell look very cool, as do those American Tomahawk Co. pieces. Truth be told though, I doubt I will ever drop the kind of money either company wants for their wares. I have no doubts that both offer top notch products, but for what I use a hawk for, the HB Forge hawks suit me fine.
This is just my opinion, but I think a tomahawk, by it's very nature, should lack refinement. Now a hand axe (like those fine looking Gransfor axes) that is to be used strictly as a tool should be very refined. I use a similar hand axe for carving that was made by a local smith friend, and it is a precision tool. But in keeping with the rough, trade axe tradition of the tomahawk, crudity is beauty, at least to me.
Regarding your question about Cold Steel axes, I handled one at a gunshow once, and it looked ok, but the balance of the piece did nothing for me. So, I put it down and moved on. Will it hold up? I would imagine so, but as I have never put one through its paces, I can't really comment.
Take care.
Man, those axes over at AG Russell look very cool, as do those American Tomahawk Co. pieces. Truth be told though, I doubt I will ever drop the kind of money either company wants for their wares. I have no doubts that both offer top notch products, but for what I use a hawk for, the HB Forge hawks suit me fine.
This is just my opinion, but I think a tomahawk, by it's very nature, should lack refinement. Now a hand axe (like those fine looking Gransfor axes) that is to be used strictly as a tool should be very refined. I use a similar hand axe for carving that was made by a local smith friend, and it is a precision tool. But in keeping with the rough, trade axe tradition of the tomahawk, crudity is beauty, at least to me.
Regarding your question about Cold Steel axes, I handled one at a gunshow once, and it looked ok, but the balance of the piece did nothing for me. So, I put it down and moved on. Will it hold up? I would imagine so, but as I have never put one through its paces, I can't really comment.
Take care.
Remington Employee
Member
The hawk is a wonderful CQB tool, thousands of DEAD British, Americans and Indians can't be wrong! LOL
I bought mine locally about 12-14 years ago from a local smith who hand makes them. He uses the old fashioned method of welding a harder piece of steel for the face of the hawk to softer steel for the body.
Nothing fancy, but it makes the hawk soak up the shock a hell of a lot better thank a cast piece, and you can actuallyUSE this hawk for chores, rather than the standard hawks you see for sale made for throwing.
If anybody is interested I can sontact the smith and see if he would make up a THR group buy. (His hawks are reasonably priced.)
I bought mine locally about 12-14 years ago from a local smith who hand makes them. He uses the old fashioned method of welding a harder piece of steel for the face of the hawk to softer steel for the body.
Nothing fancy, but it makes the hawk soak up the shock a hell of a lot better thank a cast piece, and you can actuallyUSE this hawk for chores, rather than the standard hawks you see for sale made for throwing.
If anybody is interested I can sontact the smith and see if he would make up a THR group buy. (His hawks are reasonably priced.)
Oh don't tempt me.
Someplace I swear I have a Cold Steel Rifleman's hawk... not a full on hammer back, more of a thicker backside I used for hammering tent stakes etc. Can't find the damn thing.
I threw my first tomahawk as a boy scout... did the rendezvous thing too.
Someplace I swear I have a Cold Steel Rifleman's hawk... not a full on hammer back, more of a thicker backside I used for hammering tent stakes etc. Can't find the damn thing.
I threw my first tomahawk as a boy scout... did the rendezvous thing too.
Prodigalshooter
Member
I've been haunting the Mineral Mtn site, drooling over a couple of axes there. One I like is their "cleaver", sort of a cleaver/axe, I think it looks to have the best of both and very sturdy too.
I may well be getting one once I get my mad money fund built back up.
The thing is, I have a well used Estwing hatchet that I've had for 15 years that works like a champ and only costs about $35 at Home Depot, but it's just not the "same", if ya know what I mean.
I may well be getting one once I get my mad money fund built back up.
The thing is, I have a well used Estwing hatchet that I've had for 15 years that works like a champ and only costs about $35 at Home Depot, but it's just not the "same", if ya know what I mean.
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