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When people think of tomahawks, they often picture an old weapon used by Native American tribes. But today's tomahawks are something else entirely. In recent years, these one-of-a-kind multitools have become very popular.
A tomahawk is neither a tool nor a weapon. It lies somewhere in between. Every clutch construction project or camping trip demands its own unique kind of gear. But in a pinch, one could get by with just a tomahawk. That's why this item is so often compared to the Swiss Army knife – when it comes to usefulness, it's hard to beat. But what exactly makes some tomahawks better or worse than others? Read on to learn about the important details when selecting a tomahawk.
There are many varieties of these tools in today's world. Each is made for a different purpose, making them more effective than ever. A few examples include:
Hunting tomahawks
People often swing these like hammers when in the field. Hunters find it handy for skinning or chopping game with its sharp blade.
Camping tomahawks
These small tomahawks are widely used by campers and backpackers because they are light yet strong. A firewood splitter or tent pole banger, this tool can help with basic camp building needs. Its pick or rear spikes are sometimes handy in excavating ground to anchor a tent.
Throwing tomahawks
As the name implies, the throwing hawk is made to be reliably tossed at a target and hit straight. Unlike battle tomahawks which must withstand furious close-quarters combat, throwing toms are more delicate and require precise weighing and perfect balance between head, handle and eye – not too tough, not too tight.
Battle tomahawks
Of all tomahawk types, the battle or war tomahawk has the most stringent engineering requirements. Adding toughness across multiple axes of use renders a tomahawk handy for not just combat, but utility lopped off in pure weaponry designs. Whatever may be the matter, don't ever go against these – these are made for hard reuse even under rather stressful circumstances. It's easy to understand why today's indestructible multitools have descended from this family of implements.
Material Composition
For factory parts, steel grade always determines its slicing and splitting capability. Higher carbon steel takes and holds a sharper edge than regular stainless. However, stainless steel won't rust in wet or rainy environments where blade hygiene is crucial. Titans and alloys form super strong alloys for the handle that do not break under stress. But welding fabricated joints might fail where one solid piece endures. Tri-fold lock designs also scrutinize hinge play and back wear like a folding knife.
Hawk Head Shape
This Japanese-style tomahawk focuses all chopping power into a thin spine for cleaving. Blunt tomahawks won't bite as deep but can wedge better than sharp. Double-bit toms track wear away since both sides see use. Conversely, single-bit opponents wear faster through one face giving it their all. Broadside hawks grind and polish smoother along the bite for less drag.
Tight Lockup
Tabbed eyes that fit tightly together do not rock or rattle the dangerous sharp steel. Slack locks degrade performance and create unsafe situations. Rivet peened eyes fortify smarter than wedge or pin styles. Key pins deserve inspection – thin spins snap too easily mid act. If shockproofing fails, security becomes compromised under hefty strikes. No movements mean toms behave like one whole under workload.
Balance Point Location
Swing speed stems from how far front or back center sits. The closer the pole to even, the easier it feels. More bite toward the sky requires less muscle yet sweats more. Competitions prefer front-focused axes harnessing all power within one foot. Pack critters seek evenals presenting less fatigue as hands stay steady hours on end.
Multifunctionality
Today's tomahawks have many possible uses. They serve as hatchets for chopping, hammers for striking, picks for digging, and even weapons if needed.
Portability
Taking tools along on journeys is often a necessity, but space and weight constraints can make this difficult. A multisided tool that folds away compactly and fits into a day pack or auto can prove its worth around camping and emergencies because of its low weight despite being heavyweight inside for tough tasks.
Simplicity
Some contraptions are difficult to understand, but the tomahawk's few functions are obvious and easy for anyone to master. This brings utility without complexity.
Finest Strength
Warriors in ancient times and more recent battles relied on the compact power of axes and other edge tools in close combat. The resurrection of this improving weapon as a tool occurs inside the present age.
Cost efficiency
Though there are cheaper options, freshly crafted tomahawks boasting proven construction may be worthy investments performing reliably generation after generation with proper care as heirlooms passed down from gramp to grandson.
A1: Toms are made very hard using stronger steels and compact power to withstand anything in battle and utilitarian tasks without breaking.
A2: The tomahawk's two purposes today are chopping like a hatchet and throwing as a competition weapon where balance and form matter.
A3: Relatives of the axe have been used both thoughtfully for constructing shelter and igniting fire and destructively in warfare throughout history.
A4: The origin of the tomahawk is believed to have been as far back as the Stone Age when people first started using metal tools.
A5: The tomahawk holds great significance to many tribes as a symbol of peace, friendship, and cooperation in their rich cultural narratives.