Tomahawk

[Rob69]

I am retired Army with a son in the Q Course. If things go as planned he will graduate this summer. I would like to get your feedback on the following questions:

1. Would you consider a small tomahawk (13" length, 21 oz) to be a practical tool for things like breaching, extractions, CQB, E&E, etc?

2. Would it permissible or advisable to have the SF crest or a quote engraved on it?

I have read the previous threads on tomahawks and noted that most negative answers were addressing large, heavy tomahawks but favored smaller, lighter hatchets. Would the smaller lighter tomahawk described above have any bearing on your answers.

Any guidance you can give on on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[TOMAHAWK9521]

Originally Posted by Rob69

I am retired Army with a son in the Q Course. If things go as planned he will graduate this summer. I would like to get your feedback on the following questions:

1. Would you consider a small tomahawk (13" length, 21 oz) to be a practical tool for things like breaching, extractions, CQB, E&E, etc?

2. Would it permissible or advisable to have the SF crest or a quote engraved on it?

I have read the previous threads on tomahawks and noted that most negative answers were addressing large, heavy tomahawks but favored smaller, lighter hatchets. Would the smaller lighter tomahawk described above have any bearing on your answers.

Any guidance you can give on on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I carried an Eagle Talon from RMJ Forge over in Iraq on my last trip. http://www.rmjtactical.com/ I don't think the Talon is too heavy or awkward downrange. Others may disagree. I liked it because I can't consistently throw a tomahawk accurately if the handle is less than 18". Hey, you never know.

RMJ makes several tactical hawks but each of them has a steep price tag. The price has increased considerably since I purchased mine.

They also make a modular kydex carrier for some of their models to be worn on the leg, assault vest or ruck.

Personally, I made my own carrier out of heavy gauge leather with 500 Denier ACU camo pattern stitched on the outside. I used heavy pull-the-dot snaps to secure the cover. I wore it on my belt so I would always have something on me if I dropped my armor. However, not everyone has the capabilities to design their own kit so you might have to look around if RMJ doesn't have the accessories you are looking for.

Another nice hawk out there is made by 2Hawks. http://www.2hawks.net/ They are very well made but their durability isn't anywhere close to something like what RMJ puts out. Something like that could be used as a presentation piece. Although there are folks who supposedly carry theirs overseas, I don't want to muck mine up so I keep my "Warbeast" up on the wall.

As for having the SF crest engraved on it, take a look at the hawks made my American Tomahawk Company http://www.americantomahawk.com/products/index.htm

[Rob69]

Thanks, Tomahawk.

I found it very cool and interesting that you made your own sheath to keep the hawk with you if you became separated from the rest of your kit. That said, would you consider the hawk to be essential as an E&E survival tool?

If you don't mind, could you tell me how often and under what circumstances you used your hawk or any stories you may have heard?

I checked out RMJ; unfortunately, the Talon is back ordered, but they can get the Shrike model to me in 1-2 months. They will also engrave the crest and quote for free.

I'll wait a few days and if no one has any reason not to have the SF crest on it, I'll buy it.

Thanks again,
Rob

[NurseTim]

I really want one of these. http://www.winklerknives.com/knives.asp?id=160
It would be more appropriate for your son though.

I have heard that a federale in Mexico carries one and it has saved his Bacon one one occasion. It tasted blood.

[Rob69]

Thanks to all who provided information on this topic. I purchased the tomahawk and believe it will make a great gift. Rob

[Debo]

http://www.eliteknives.com/hawkgallery.htm

I carried a Horrigan Tomahawk in Robin Sage and all but two of my trips to South America and Asia. Anytime I hit the woods it was vital. I am not Mel Gibson so I can't imagine using it as a CQB transition but it is hands down the most critical tool I have when I am in the woodline. It gets strapped to my ruck anytime I go hiking stateside as well.


Here is mine in Uhwarrie a few years ago and a thread about when I was out a John's shop and he made it -

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...light=horrigan