Thinking about purchasing one, but you don’t know exactly which one of the best tactical tomahawk that matches your specific needs? Read on!
People have been using tomahawks and axes for thousands of years, and they’re still using them. Why? Because they were, and still are, effective. Modern tactical tomahawks bring something extra to the ancient weapon and become reliable tools in many situations. They can be used as hammers, spikes, or nail removers. They can be used one-handed or two-handed. You can use them to breach doors, remove obstacles, or to split firewood. Some can even help you light the fire. Most of them can make a good self-defense weapon if the situation arises.
Read our tactical tomahawk reviews and as well as our buying guide to make the right decision!
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | SOG Survival Hawk SK1001-Cp |
| View On Amazon |
 | Gerber Downrange Tomahawk |
| View On Amazon |
 | Kangee T-Hawk Tomahawk with Spike |
| View On Amazon |
 | Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife |
| View On Amazon |
 | RMJ Woods Chogan T-Hawk Carbon Steel Axe |
| View On Amazon |
 | F12-N Double Headed Tactical Tomahawk |
| View On Amazon |
Best Tactical Tomahawk Reviews
1. SOG Survival Hawk SK1001-Cp
The SOG SK1001-CP is a multipurpose tomahawk which measures 6.4 x 0.8 x 12.1 inches and weighs 3 pounds. The head comes with an ax and spike combination and it’s made from 420 stainless steel. On the head’s sides, you can find a hammer option, as well. The handle is made out of fiberglass reinforced nylon and has a steel ferrule for stability. The handle is wrapped with paracord to make gripping safer.
This is a versatile tool you can use for survival and tactical situations both. Before you start using it, keep in mind you have to sharpen it. It isn’t a dull blade when it arrives, but it isn’t razor-sharp, either. The ax is great for cutting things, no matter what. You can use it to cut and split wood in a survival situation, or you can use it for breaching or for obstacle removal in a tactical situation.
But the ax is just one-third of the head’s tools. Another useful tool is the spiked back. Not only can you use it to smash through things and to put holes in them, but it comes with a nail removal tool that actually works. The spiked head it’s split in the middle, so you can grab different types of nails and pull them. The lateral hammer has a checkered surface so you can accurately hit the target in the same spot without any troubles. You will also find a fire starter hidden on the inside of the handle. You only need to take it out, pull it on the blade and you will have a fire built in no time whatsoever.
2. Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is a multipurpose modern version of the ancient instrument of war. It measures 22 x 19 x 1.5 inches and weighs 1.9 pounds. The Downrange Tomahawk comes as 3 tools in one: a pry bar, a hammerhead, and of course, an ax. It has a steel body that is supposed to be extremely durable.
The ax head is tough, but it doesn’t come very sharp. You can use it to cut through rope, wood, plaster or even bricks. The hammerhead is pretty big and you can use it to smash your way through various obstacles such as a door handle, hinges, fences, or other objects in front of you. The pry at the end of the steel body can be easily used with the cutaway handle in the ax head. This way, you can maximize the strength of the leverage you apply. The grip, an essential part of every tomahawk, is scaled and has a gun coat finish to provide an excellent grip and throw.
If you want to employ this tomahawk as a survival tool, the first thing we recommend is to have it sharpened. You can do that yourself, or you can have it sharpened for you for under 10 $. After that, you’re set. Using this model as a survival tool will prove useful, as you can cut the wood you need to build your shelter, as well as the one you need to build a fire. The hammerhead will also prove helpful. The sheath is very nice and sturdy.
3. Kangee T-Hawk Tomahawk with Spike
The Columbia River Knife Tomahawk comes with an ax and spike head configuration. The Tomahawk measures 13.75 inches in length and weighs 1.8 pounds without the sheath. This model is made out of a single carbon steel blade, so it’s very well balanced. You can use the ax head to destroy any obstacles that might come in your paths, such as doors, or fences. The aggressive spike head can be relied on to put holes in anything in front of you. The handle is slightly curved and has a finger grip choil in the front, providing you enhanced control. The whole handle is covered in checkered scales to ensure a secure grip. The scales can be removed when you want to clean the tool. The sheath is Molle compatible, so you can attach it to all your Molle gear components.
A great feature of this model is the incredible balance it has. If you like throwing your tomahawks, this is the right tool for you. It doesn’t take long to get used to its weight and after that, throwing it accurately will become a regular occurrence.
The sheath gives you a lot of carrying options. You can carry it on your belt, on your pack, or under your arm. Another great feature of this model is the spiked head. If you find yourself in a self-defense situation, you don’t want the assailant to have a grabbing point on your weapon. The presence of the spike head on the back of your ax makes sure of that.
4. Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife
The Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk measures 13.2 x 9.2 x 2.3 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds. It’s made out of high carbon tool steel. It comes with a polymer sheath that Molle compatible. This model comes with an ax head and spike configuration. You can the Tomahawk in any kind of survival situation. Not only can you use the ax to cut wood for your fire and your shelter, but you can also use it in order to make shavings to start the fire as well. It’s that sharpened. You can use the spike head to splinter various objects or put holes in tougher materials. The handle is nylon-wrapped but has nice and easy to grip finger grooves. At the end of the handle, there is a choil in front, which will make your grip more secure. The end of the handle is also pointed, so you can use it to smash small objects.
A nice small model, the Browning Shock N’ Awe still has the weight to make serious damage. You can use it to smash through door handles, hinges, or actual doors. It has a great balance. You can use it for throwing. A cool feature of this little Tomahawk is that the balance of the ax head is so good, you can actually throw it with the spiked end forward, and it will still be very accurate. The size allows it to be carried around at all times. The sheath comes with a belt accessory, so you can put it on your belt and take it with you as a defensive weapon.
5. RMJ Woods Chogan T-Hawk Carbon Steel Axe
The Columbia River T-Hawk is a wooden handle tomahawk that measures 19.1 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches and weighs 2.1 pounds. This model comes with an ax and hammerhead combination. The blade is made out of hot forged 1055 carbon steel. The wood handle is thick and it’s made out of Tennessee hickory. The handle is sealed with a lacquer coat that adds durability and allows you to wield it in any environment, no matter the weather.
This design is a large one. Unless you’re huge, as well as tall, you will only be able to wield it two-handed. In spite of its large dimensions, the weight and balance of this tool make it easy to use. The edge of the ax is pretty dull when you receive it, so you’ll have to sharpen it to use it to the full of its capabilities.
A disadvantage of this model is the fact that it does not come with a sheath. Because it is rather large, carrying around can be troublesome, so a sheath would’ve helped. Another reason why a sheath would’ve made a great addition is the fact that the ax head will rust.
Another disadvantage is the fact that the wooden handle doesn’t really fit perfectly with the head. The head is maintained in place by friction alone, so if you want it to fit better, you have to hammer it into place. The main advantage is that you have a long handle, so your swings will be fast and powerful.
6. F12-N Double Headed Tactical Tomahawk
The SOG F12 Double Headed Tactical Tomahawk measures 18.5 x 9 x 1.2 inches and weighs 2.6 pounds. The unusual stainless steel head has two 3.25-inch edges and it’s coated with a black scratch-resistant hard-case, so you won’t have any troubles with reflective light. The handle is made out of ballistic polymer and it attaches to the head with heavy-duty bolts. The handle has a steel ferrule that prevents splitting, and it’s textured to be slip-resistant.
This model has a slightly longer handle, but because it is made out of polymer, it’s not that heavy. You can wield it with one hand without a problem. The long handle allows your swings to be faster and more powerful.
The F12 is well balanced, so working with it for a long period of time won’t be exhausting, it will actually be a pleasure. You can use the F12 for survival and tactical situations. The double-edged head will chop and split wood in no time. Because you have a long handle and you can use the tool two-handed, you can chop larger chunks. In a tactical situation, this tool is perfect for breaching and entering situations.
Another good feature of the F12 is that it comes with a sheath. For a tool of this length, carrying without one can be a nuisance. The sheath snaps on the lower edge and provides a belt loop, so you can attach it to your pack. Another great feature we discovered only after going through many tactical tomahawks reviews is that you can actually throw it with great accuracy. This is fun to do with a tool this long.
Tactical Tomahawks Buying Guide
If you intend to buy a tomahawk for yourself or as a present, you need to make an informed decision. Read the following buying guide before you decide which model to purchase. We will point out some things you need to look for when you decide to buy one.
1. Wood Or Polymer Handle
Tactical tomahawks come with two types of handle, the classical wooden one, and the modern polymer one. Both types can contribute to the overall level of the tool.
- Wooden Handles – Wooden handles are more common with the cheaper models, but you can find them in medium-priced models as well. They are usually made out of hardwood, like hickory. They follow the lines of the classic, ancient tomahawk design. They usually have a coating that protects the wood and improves the grip. Some models have the handle attached to the head with the help of thick screws, while others use gravity to make the head fit onto them. The problem is that some of the models that use gravity to fix the head in place might be a little wobbly when you first get them, so you have to make some adjustments before you start using them. You can fix this problem by beating the handle with a hammer. The handles can be straight or curved, depending on the models. Another disadvantage of the wooden handles is that they can splinter when they get trapped in the wood you’re splitting.
- Polymer Handles – Manufacturers nowadays use all kinds of polymers for the handles. Some of them might be straight and some curved, depending on the model. The main advantage of the polymer handles is that they come with custom made grips. The grips can either be molded in their form from the beginning, or they can be added later as plastic or rubber scales, or as nylon. Most of the polymer handles are highly durable and have a steel ferrule for additional strength. Another advantage of these models is that they are very well balanced. Having a balanced tool means that you’re not going to tire easily and you can use it with more precision.
2. Cost
The tactical tomahawk market is large and has a large variety of prices, as well. It means that you have to look for an appropriate tool, not jump at the first offer you stumble upon.
- Cheap Models – Cheap models usually have a wooden handle. That could not be a problem if they used hardwood and if the wood was treated before you bought it. It needs to have a protective coating, otherwise, you’re spending your money on firewood. They also come with a steelhead. The problem is that sometimes they don’t use stainless steel, so it will rust if you don’t use and store them in proper conditions.
- Medium Priced Models – Medium priced models can be good, amazing even, but some of them can be really bad. You have to be very careful when you buy such a model. These models come with wood or polymer handles. They usually use stainless steel heads or polymer ones. The steelheads come with a protective coating. The handles have easy-to-grip features. Some of them can offer more uses.
- High priced Models – High priced models usually use polymer for their handles and heads. There are few models in this category that use wooden ones, and those are faithful replicas of medieval designs. If steel is used for the head, it will have some kind of protective coating. They are usually able to complete more tasks than the medium-priced ones. They usually come with a sheath that’s compatible with other gear components. The handles are covered with easy to grip materials. They are extremely well balanced and you can use them with great precision. The balance also makes them great as throwing weapons.
3. Long Handle Or Short Handle Tomahawk
The handle of your tactical tomahawk can be either long or short. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
- Short Handle – The short handle tomahawk can be easily handled one-handed. It doesn’t matter if the handle is made out of wood or polymer, you will be able to lift it and use it with only one hand. You can strap them on your belt for everyday use, you can put them in your backpack or fix them on it with straps, or you can hold them in your hand while moving. The short handle models are perfectly suited to precision tasks, such as cutting rope, shaving branches, splitting firewood, or breaking small objects. In a survival situation, they can be used similarly to a hatchet. In a tactical situation, they can be used for breaching and entering, obstacle removal, or object smashing. If the situation arises, they can be used as a self-defense weapon you can wield one-handed with great precision and speed. You can use them to defend yourself in close quarters situations.
- Long Handle – Long-handled tomahawks can usually be used two-handed, but there are some models you can wield one-handed, as well. Many of them have the handle made out of wood, which will make it too heavy for one-handed use. Some of them have polymer handles that are surprisingly light, so you will be able to use those one-handed. The good thing is that they usually come with a sheath you can use to carry them. They are too heavy and long to be carried in your hand for a long time while you move around. In a survival situation, you can use them as you would a regular aax In a tactical situation, you can use them to breach and enter, for obstacle removal, for smashing big objects. As a self-defense weapon, their weight will give the power and speed of your swing. They might be difficult to use in close-quarters situations.
4. Accessories
Every tactical tomahawk manufacturer wants to surprise you with their designs. Tomahawks nowadays come with a large variety of accessories. Here’s a list of the best and most common of them, and their uses.
- The Ax – Every model, no matter the manufacturer has this. You can use the ax for cutting or splitting. Some models even come with double edges. Double the edges, double the fun, that’s what we think.
- The Hammer – Some models come with a hammerhead opposite the ax, but some come with a hammer on the sides of the head. No matter where it is positioned, the hammer will definitely help you many times. For everyday use, you can use the hammerhead as you use the regular hammer, for nails and construction work. In a survival situation, a hammer can come in handy when you’re preparing your shelter. You can also use it to smash nuts and eat them. In a tactical situation, you can use it to break down a locked door or a fence.
- The Spike – Some manufacturers put a spike on the opposite side of the ax. This is a useful tool you can employ in both tactical and survival situations. In tactical situations, you can use it to put holes through various objects. In addition to that, in a survival situation, you can use it for digging. In a defense situation, the spike end ensures your assailant can’t catch your blade. It also provides another sharp edge for your attacks.
- The Pry Bar – Some models come with a pry bar at the end of the handle. You can use this bar and a handle on the ax head to maximize your leverage. This is excellent for tactical situations that require breach and enter operations and you have to open locked doors.
5. Grips
It might not seem so, but having a good grip can make the difference between a good and a bad tomahawk, and between a positive and a negative experience.
- No Grip – This is common for wooden handles. They don’t offer any kind of grips. You hold the wooden shaft and go on from there. That might be a problem in humid conditions, where the water might loosen your grip, or in high-temperature conditions when your palms begin to sweat. The best and easiest way to deal with this problem is to buy a pair of gloves to help with handling your tomahawk.
- Cord Grips – It really doesn’t matter if the grip is made out of nylon or paracord. These grip models allow you to hold onto the shaft of the tool and swing it confidently. The cords can be spiraled around the end of the handle, or they can be arranged as a webbing. The webbing also provides finger holders to make the grip even more secure.
- Scale Styled Grips – Scale style grips have a rubbery texture you can easily hold on to. That texture is created once a gun coating is applied to them. After the coating, they will feel as good as a handgun handle in your palm. These grips can be removed from your tomahawk when you need to clean it.
- Checkered Grips – This kind of grips is used by many manufacturers. The reason many models have it is that they can cover the whole surface of the handle, from the steelhead to the end. This facilitates your grip all over the handle and makes the tool easier to use. You don’t need to look for a specific part of the handle to put your hands on. You just grip it where it feels natural for the purpose you have in mind and go for it.
What Are Tactical Tomahawks For?
Tactical tomahawks are multipurpose tools you can rely on when you’re in a survival situation or in a tactical one. They can get a lot of things done well, but you need to use the proper tool for the job. If you plan on falling trees, even the best tactical tomahawks won’t help you. You need to buy a chopping ax, not a tomahawk. Even if some models might fell a tree, you will curse yourself for the decision. It will be a slow-going process and one you could’ve done better with the right tool. If you want to have a decent tool you can use for breaching doors, removing obstacles and defending yourself in a tactical situation, then this is the right tool for you. Most tomahawks have been designed for two purposes: survival and tactics. Sometimes these purposes become one, so you can use it as a defense weapon, as well.
All tomahawks have an ax blade. You can use it in various ways, from splitting wood to breaking down doors and plaster. Some of them have a spiked end. The spiked end is excellent at putting holes in objects and it’s decent at smashing things. Some have a hammerhead. The hammerhead is excellent at smashing things into oblivion. You can also use it as a plain hammer for your nails.
Long Handles
Some tomahawks have a long shaft or handle, while others come with a short one. Each one of these has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of a long handle is that you can grab them two-handed and put more power and speed in your swings. That will come in handy when you intend to break through a door or a fence. The main disadvantage is that you usually can’t handle it one-handed with great precision because it’s heavy. A short handle tomahawk can be handled precisely and quickly with only one hand. While you won’t be able to swing it as powerful as a two-handed one, you will be able to swing it quicker. These might suit you more in a self-defense situation.
If you want to use your tomahawk in a survival situation, remember that if you have a long handle model, you can use it as a chopping ax, while if you have a short handle one, you will be able to use it as a hatchet. Now you have to think about what you would rather rely upon in this type of situation.
Tools
Most tomahawks come with at least one more tool you can use to your advantage. Most of them come with a spike or a hammer, but some come with other things as well. You can find models that come with spikes and hammers, paracords, fire starters, nail removers or ply bars. You have to think about what you expect to get out of your tomahawk before buying one. Some models, short handles and long, can be great throwing weapons. Just remember that if you only have your tomahawk with you and you decide to throw it and miss, you have just wasted your only advantage.
Best Tactical Tomahawk Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | PRICE | DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GERBER DOWNRANGE TOMAHAWK | $$$$ | 22 x 19 x 1.5 inches | 1.9 pounds | Steel body MOLLE-compatible sheath Hammer head and pry bar |
| KANGEE T-HAWK TOMAHAWK WITH SPIKE | $$$ | 16.1 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches | 2 pounds | Axe and spike head configuration Single-piece steel construction |
| BROWNING SHOCK N† AWE TOMAHAWK KNIFE | $$ | 13.2 x 9.2 x 2.3 inches | 2.4 pounds | High tensile and durability |
| RMJ WOODS CHOGAN T-HAWK CARBON STEEL AXE | $ | 19.1 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches | 8 ounces | Solid 1055 Carbon Steel Axe Handle made of USA |
| F12-N DOUBLE HEADED TACTICAL TOMAHAWK | $$ | 18.5 x 9 x 1.2 inches | 2.6 pounds | A 420 stainless steel head Designed with tough ballistic polymer handle and nylon carry sheath |
| SOG SURVIVAL HAWK SK1001-CP | $ | 6.4 x 0.8 x 12.1 inches | 3 pounds | Full-length stainless steel construction Hardcased Black Axe Head |
Wrapping Up!
Now that you went through our tactical tomahawk reviews and the buying guide. They come in different shapes and sizes, and all of them have multiple uses. You need to figure out how you’re going to use your tomahawk the most in order to buy one of the best tactical tomahawks for your specific needs. If you don’t intend to start a fire in the wilds anytime soon, don’t go around spending money on a tomahawk that can do that just because it looks nice. While reading other tactical gear reviews, just keep in mind that everything a tool can do is reflected in its price!