Planning on taking a camping trip in the great outdoors? An essential too that you should think about bringing along is the tactical tomahawk. At first glance, this intimidating Native American type small axe seems for fit for the battlefield but there is a reason it stayed relevant up to this day for campers, hunters and hikers. Getting your hands on the best tactical tomahawk can make a huge difference when you are in the wild.
Choosing a Tactical Tomahawk
If you are a beginner you might want to first get a handle on the aspects and factors of what to look for in a tomahawk. Not all tomahawks are made equal; some are designed specifically for a given task.
Fortunately, the tactical tomahawk is able to incorporate more than one use thanks to its modern design. In order for you to ensure that you will have the best tactical tomahawks for any given job here are some simple guidelines on how to pick one.
Length of the Handles
There are varying lengths of Tomahawk handles which will be a huge factor to its primary use. Longer length handles are designed to deliver powerful blows making it ideal for chopping down trees and logs. It can also be used for rescue to break down locks and as a self defense weapon as swinging it hard enough can also pierce through layers of Kevlar body armor. On the other hand, short handled tomahawks are lightweight and easy to carry making it a great tool to have when hiking. It can also be used to chop smaller game and is also a great self defense tool for close quarter combat and can be thrown (with practice).
Back End of the Tomahawk
Tomahawks usually has a flat or broad back end but modern ones will incorporate a spiked design. What you will primarily use it for will also be the basis for how to choose between the two. The flat end can be used as a makeshift hammer and can also be used to break locks. It is also easier to carry around. The spike end can be used for prying open compartments and doors and is also a great self defense addition to the tomahawk’s design as both front and back end equally dangerous.
The Cutting Edge, Spine and Beard
This part is quite simple. The spine and bear are the upper and lower parts of the axe blade. Try to pick one that has both ends sharpened as it will enhance the overall use of the tomahawk. With the cutting edge, look for one with a narrow edge as it will be sharper. You can also look for tomahawks that have circular holes around the cutting edge which helps make it lighter.
Now that we have covered all the basics of a tomahawk we will now move on to our list of top 5 best tactical tomahawks to give you a shortlist of the finest ones in the market today.
The Best Tactical Tomahawk — Top 5
SOG F01TN-CP Tactical Tomahawk
This highly versatile survival tool can be used for hiking, breaking in locks in breaching operations and numerous other applications in the field. It features a nylon handle that is reinforced with glass and is equipped with a 2.75” stainless steel axe head.
The overall design might be familiar with some and they are right as this uses an updated design of the Vietnam Tomahawk. It features a sturdy ballistic polymer handle that is designed to absorb all types of impacts and a nylon sheath carry.
The SOG F01TN-CP Tomahawk measures in at 15.7 inches and weighs in at only 24 ounces. It also has a lifetime warranty when purchased from SOG’s official store or accredited retailers.
Buy SOG F01TN-CP Tactical Tomahawk here!
Smith and Wesson SW671 Tomahawk with Kraton Overlay and Sheath
The Smith and Wesson SW671 Tomahawk is a highly reliable extraction tool. The first thing you will notice about this tactical tomahawk is it rather heavy weight. It weighs in at 2 pounds and 11 ounces making it one of the heavy hitters in tactical tomahawk.
The handles utilize a secure grip that prevents and slippage from using this tactical tomahawk. This is great for when you need to break something as each swing has enough power to crack open most locks. This is a heavy duty tactical tomahawk that has amazing quality, as expected from any product from the popular Smith and Wesson brand.
However, we did find the belt loop to be impractical as the weight and length of the tomahawk makes it swing around dangerously from your hip.
Buy Smith and Wesson SW671 Tomahawk with Kraton Overlay and Sheath here!
Kershaw 1073X Siege Tomahawk Knife
The Kershaw 1073X Siege Tomahawk is a sleek and lightweight survival tool that is designed for convenience and reliability. It has a black oxide coated handle with riveted glass infused nylon scales which helps keep your grip even under moisture.
It has a 4 inch blade length and has an overall length of 16 inches. It is designed to be a multipurpose tool and incorporates various features to make this more than just a simple chopping tool. It can be used for rescues and self defense as well.
If you are looking for a perfect example of a modern tactical tomahawk then the Kershaw offers it in spades with the 1073X Siege.
Buy Kershaw 1073X Siege Tomahawk Knife here!
United Cutlery UC2836 M48 Ranger Hawk Axe with Compass
The United Cutlery M48 Tomahawk has an 8” blade and measures at 15.5” overall along with the handle. The steel blade cast uses 2Cr13 stainless steel axe head and is quite durable and can withstand chipping from impacts on hard objects.
The handles utilize reinforced nylon with 30% fiberglass which helps increase durability while keeping the weight in check. This product also comes with its own compass and is an ideal companion during hiking and camping due to its easy to carry design. This is easily one of the best tactical tomahawk choices available today.
Buy United Cutlery UC2836 M48 Ranger Hawk Axe with Compass here!
Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife
The Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk is one of the smallest tactical tomahawks around. Its size will not make it an ideal tool for heavy duty work but it is here due to its effectiveness in self defense and to some degree it is also a great extra gear to have when you are in the outdoors.
Simple, easy to carry and extremely sharp, the Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk makes up for its lack of multifunction with its sheer performance as simple chopping, cutting and self defense tool.
Buy Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife here!
These are the best tactical tomahawks that you can get your hands on right now. They are not merely weapons but are all purpose survival tools that have been used for centuries. If you are planning on a camping trip then be sure to bring a tactical tomahawk along with you. Remeber know the old adage, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.