
Few tools are as handy, versatile and practical as an axe. Whether it is for chores around the house, self defense, or forced entry, axes can be used for many different purposes. People who are considering going camping or spending time in the outdoors may want to consider having one on hand.
Below, you will find a comprehensive list of available tomahawks, axes, and hatchets available online. Accompanied with each item is a description followed by pros and cons, giving you a well rounded view of what it has to offer.
Without further ado, keep reading below to determine which axe is right for you.
Product | Description | Price |
---|---|---|
Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife | ||
Contents
SOG Tomahawk Survival Hatchet | Benchmade 940 | |
Gerber Downrange Tomahawk | ||
Fiskars Super Splitting Axe | ||
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe |
Tomahawk List
Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife
First up on the list we have a tomahawk made by Browning that is perfectly sized for all ages and sizes. If you are looking for something that is comparable to a hatchet, you may want to look further down the list. Its size is small and compact, but it is a bit heavy for throwing purposes.
It has a hole in the bottom that allows you to attach a lanyard or hang it on the wall. The hooked spike at the opposite end of the blade is also fantastic for pulling things out or cutting deeply into a piece of wood. It doesn’t come with a sheath, which is kind of a bummer, but overall does what it is meant to do well.
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SOG Tomahawk Survival Hatchet
SOG is known for making high quality knives and tools and this hatchet lives up to that standard. Measuring 15.75 inch long with a 2.75 inch hardcased black steel blade, this 24 ounce lightweight hand axe is as sturdy as it is nimble. Throwable like a tomahawk but powerful like a hatchet, this lean cutting machine is great for sport or outdoor tasks.
The sheath that it comes in isn’t the sturdiest build, but it’s perfect until you can find a more suitable one. Some customers have complained about the bit not being sharp enough upon delivery, but that’s nothing a little bit of sharpening can’t fix. Its under $50 price tag makes this hand axe a safe purchase overall and SOG is flexible in helping customers repair or replace broken products.
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CRKT Chogan T-Hawk Tactical Axe
As far as hatchets is concerned, this tactical axe arguably fits that bill better than the other products on this list. Its curved, glass-reinforced nylon handle makes it comfortable to use and easy to insert force. This tactical axe is perfect for chopping wood and doing other outdoor chores, but be warned; there are multiple complaints of the toe chipping quickly when thrown or contacted by metal.
The form-fitting Kydex sheaths are a definite plus; simply slip it over the head and secure it with a buckled strap and you are all set. If what you want is an aesthetically pleasing hatchet that won’t wear out your hand so easily, this product is perfect for you. If what you want is a tomahawk for sport, you may want to keep looking through the list.
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Fiskars Super Splitting Axe
If what you are looking for is a reliable axe that can be used time and time again, this one from Fiskars is a solid choice. Smaller than a conventional axe but larger than a tomahawk, this sleek product can be thrown for sport or get down and dirty doing yard work.
The advanced bevel convex blade adds additional power to the swing and makes it easier to remove from wood. Its textured hand grip reduces the level of strain on your hands and improves control of the swing. There are a few complaints of the axe dulling quickly, but aside from that, this axe hits the mark on efficiency, control, power, and durability.
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Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
Forged in one steel piece, this sturdy hatchet is sure to get the job done while camping or out in the woods. Crafted in Rockford, Illinois, its design was made for chopping wood, small trees, branches, and firewood with the most comfort possible for the user.
For only $34.22, you can save lots of money without compromising quality in the process. Of course, no item is ever truly perfect. The stickers on the axe can be seen as a bit excessive, and if you take the time to carefully take it off it’s still going to leave a mark. There have also been reports of small chips within less than a month of use, so keep that in mind as well.
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Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
Next up we have a super killer 3-in-1 axe that is also a pry bar and hammer. It’s highly durable 420HC body with cerakote makes this axe almost impossible to bend or break. Unlike the Estwing that is available for less than $50, this high quality axe racks up the bill worse than a blind date at $179.99.
It’s high price tag is not for everyone, but if you can cough up the change, this axe will last you for years to come. It doesn’t come fully sharpened out of the box and the mobile case breaks fairly easily, but aside from that, this axe is as beautiful as it is handy.
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Voodoo Hawk Mini Tactical Axe
Like number two on our list, this tactical axe come from SOG. Its 12.5 inch stainless steel axe head has a 2.75 inch satin-polished blade that is sharper than a two-edged sword. Its glass reinforced nylon handle makes it so you can swing to your heart's content and it won’t slip off.
It’s a good thing this hatchet comes with a lifetime warranty because although it is fantastic, it has some flaws that can raise eyebrows. SOG is known for making high quality products, however, there are many complaints online of faulty lemons breaking easily when thrown or just after a couple of swings. Regardless, if you do happen to get a faulty axe, at least you can have some peace of mind with the warranty.
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Estwing Tomahawk Axe
The previous Estwing axe was more of a hatchet while this one is truly a killer tomahawk. Available in four different colors (black, blue, desert camo and leather), chances are you can find the perfect for one to give as a gift or keep for yourself. We don’t recommend throwing the previous Estwing axe too much, but this one was made for it.
On the downside, because it is forged in steel, it is prone to rusting. It’s poor balance and short handle make it hard to use effectively for doing chores like chopping wood and branches.
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Promithi Camping Hatchet Axe
If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing axe that will mostly be on display, this hatchet from Promithi is gorgeous. Its double ended blade is adorned with a beautiful picture of a wolf that covers most of the cheek of the axe.
Its sanded wood handle fits the beauty of the blade and has a hole in the bottom that allows you to attach a lanyard or easily hang it on the wall. Don’t let the pretty looks fool you though, this hatchet is definitely up for any tall task while you are out in the wilderness.
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USMC Elite Tactical Survival Tomahawk Axe
Given the green light by the United States Marine Corp. (USMC), this tactical axe was made with survival in mind. Given the Amazon’s Choice award by Amazon, the USMC Elite has a heavy head that is balanced almost perfectly. This allows the user to swing with precision and accuracy, something not every axe can boast.
It comes with a compartment in the handle that brings a compass and survival tool, yet they are a bit lackluster. Its rugged handle makes it awkward for combat (ironic, I know) but is constructed well enough to not break on you when doing some heavy duty chopping.
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United Cutlery M48 Apocalypse Axe
Coming up second to last we have a green tomahawk made by United Cutlery. Its blade has stark edges that give it an almost menacing look, with a spike that has an extremely sharp edge. Ready to cut away out of the box, be sure to keep this axe away from children if you don’t want them to lose a finger.
Its head piece can be changed out, which is nice, but we can’t help but feel like this compromises its sturdiness overall. A tomahawk usually tends to be a bit top heavy, but this axe doesn’t have the balance most competing brands have. At such a bargain price under $50 though, it's hard to complain about the quality of this axe.
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5.11 Operator Compact Tactical Axe
We’ve finally made it to the end! Although we didn’t necessarily leave the best for last, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t one of coolest axes on our list. Although this hatchet is small at 10 inch, this is a fine example of big things coming in small packages.
A waffle textured hammer that is ideal for a variety of tasks, this axe also has a flathead, #2 Phillips, pry bar, and ruler built into it. Its long beard sticks well when thrown, is lightweight, and was made to last for years. It is a bit expensive at $119.99, but sometimes quality demands a higher price tag.
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Conclusion
Whew...quite the list! As for as hatchets go, we recommend the CRKT Chogan T-Hawk Tactical Axe. As far as tomahawks go, we think the Estwing Tomahawk Axe and Gerber Downrange Tomahawk are perfect for camping or wilderness adventures. When it comes down to just having an axe to do projects around the yard, hands down we are going with the Fiskars Super Splitting Axe.
So whether you want a tomahawk to throw around, a hatchet to carry with you, or just an axe to chop up lots of wood, this list likely has an axe that is just right for you. Feel free to do more research once you’ve narrowed your choices down and enjoy your new purchase!