Awesome new custom hawk. Best tomahawk?

This is a first look video of a custom made tomahawk I purchased from Walk By Faith 777. This Hawk is made of very well treated 4140 Steel and weighs in at 14oz (head only). A fairly light hawk that packs quite a punch. Paired with a folding saw and an edc knife this would make a perfect companion when fishing, hunting, camping or bushcraft type trips.
I don't normally feature a product until I have had time to use it, sometimes I wait years ha ha. In this case after watching and waiting to purchase one of these, I am extremely happy with the performance. After a few test sessions I feel confident in this hawk enough to give it two big thumbs up.
I have had several "sharp" axes/hawks fail to stand up to my simple test that I use and need to be slightly re profiled. This hawk held up to those same tests and was still very sharp when done needing only a simple strop to bring it back to razor sharp. No rolling, No chipping. I hope to do a more in depth review when the weather cools and we can have campfires again.
You can learn more about how they are made and why they use 4140 from the videos posted by the maker : / @wbf7773
Here is a link to their website if you want to see what they can make: www.walkbyfaith777.com/index....
Timecodes
0:00-Intro
3:38-Carving Spoon Blank
5:42-Carving With Head Only
6:30-Design Help or Hinder Usability
7:27-I only Chop Pine Rebuttal
8:33-Chopping Downed Trees
9:42-Chopping Green Wood
10:16-Final Thoughts
11:46-Closer Look
12:12-Coyote?
#tomahawk @WBF777 #useanaxe

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

This channel is registered with the Brave Browser Rewards program and able to receive BAT tips for any who feel so inclined to leave one! I am also Posting my content on Odysee . com as well for those who want a Google free viewing experience or if this content is ever deemed too "risky" It can be found there, more info can be found in the video description tab.

[@thomaschainey3230]

Seen and heard good things about walk by faith tomahawks. Great to see someone who has the skill and experience to show us what that hawk is capable of doing & how to use a hawk effectively in the woods. That Hawks is more than just a weapon but a great all around tool for in the woods.

[@capnpicard6146]

I never see people use a hawk like this on youtube bushcraft videos which is a dang shame. Such a versatile tool and your videos exemplify the craft you can accomplish with one.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thank you for the kind words. I think the hawk, with removable head is probably the most versatile tool you could carry into the field.

[@johnmutton799]

He cuts the shape out of a block of 4140 steel, then grinds the shape. Wicked steel. No bull about being hand forged. He shows how he makes them. And they are awesome! I am buying two, the one with hammer poll and the small viking axe. That is a very nice axe! Thanks for showing!

[@brianmccann666]

Nice. Frontier Hawk blade with Trailhawk hammer. Awesome combo. Yeah you have to work with the trees around you. Usually either Pine or Oaks in my area. Sometimes sweetgum.

[@SliceyMcChop]

Very humble and down to earth no bull shittin son ‘ ova gun. Nice to find a channel with good character to go along with the good content. Respect

[@vegabaker]

I see why you like this design, great day that thing chops well. Think I’ve got to try this! - Thanks Zeuki!

[@simpletheorygear]

Hello my friend!! I hope that all is well. As you know, I am a huge fan of WalkbyFaith, so I am really glad to hear how happy you are with your purchase. I absolutely echo your sentiments and find that they are the best hawks on the market. I hope your video inspires more people to give them a look. Thanks for sharing, and I am genuinely excited for your follow up video. Be well- Mac

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Mac! Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for showcasing their work! I am extremely happy with this hawk, the temper is spot on and the hand filing gives just enough character. I am considering one of his knives and a hawk with the adze. I hope you and your family are doing well, take care! Derrick

[@bradk4114]

Great video. I've been eyeing his tomahawks for a while. Your demo was excellent.

[@redsorgum]

That’s a cool hawk, it definitely is a beast. Yep, there’s always a critic, can’t just relax and enjoy the video.

[@Crusty_Otter]

To be fair, he could've planted a few oaks and maple to demo the hawk on lol.

[@stonewallpi1]

Very good "first impressions" review my friend. I checked out their wide selection pf Tomahawks via the link you provided and they have an extremely nice look about them and from what I watched you do, it appears very sturdy and robust as well. It's out of my budget range but if I ran into a pocket of money I would certainly entertain buying one. Well done and I'm looking forward to see you do more testing in the future!

[@cmoore7780]

That is one sweet hawk my friend! Got my kydex for the Hudson hawk btw. OUTSTANDING WORK AND CRAFTSMANSHIP!! Hoping to see your channel take off brother

[@leekellettjr441]

Thanks, I had no idea a tomahawk had so many uses.

[@stephenbeard9882]

Nice closing shot with the lever action in the background.

[@snellaltal]

Very nice review and demonstration. Picked one up myself and have been very happy with it.

[@favoritehope7148]

You asked for comments and said you'll go somewhere when invited... I don't know if you're in Georgia or Florida, but I'll come get you if you want to camp in NC! Maybe a week in Uwharrie NF and a week on a private farm, then get you back home? Just keep in mind, in North Carolina hunting season comes early when you consider Youth Week, urban nuisance week, then bow season, black powder season, then regular rifle season starts in November. I think you might agree how fall and winter is camping season and lots of fun, but you do have to be aware and respectful of hunters. With that said, someone like you who is respectful and accomplished with outdoorsmanship is welcome here in NC, we need people like you here!

[@sms042]

Sweet looking tomahawk. Thanks for sharing.

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Two to three hundred depending on what you choose. Looks worth it to me.

[@jasonkelley4949]

Man, after watching this i dropped 800 bucks on there website lol. Going to be getting a pretty sweet tomahawk (m version with the arrowhead spike) and a langet axe (d with the shorter hammer) in all honesty i am glad i ran across this vid of yours

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Awesome, In my opinion they are worth every penny!

[@juliansontheimer6635]

The Last Scene is so cool😂😂

[@jasonmashburn1280]

Nice video! My wife was chopping a maple with the one I had, she broke the blade in half. After watching so much forged in fire I looked at the blade and I'm surprised it lasted at long as it did. You have me looking at getting over of these, thanks! As far what you have, great way to put it. And the person's skill with that tool matter just as much if not more.

[@kanhdahar2]

you had a 'walk by faith' tomahawk? that broke?

[@jasonmashburn1280]

@@kanhdahar2 no it was a off brand no name.

[@thomaschainey3230]

Great video thanks. Like that tomahawk and have seen a few videos now on the

[@Setnja92]

It looks great and i am sure, you know tomahawks very well. But the quality has its price, as always does. Around 220 for this beauty. Certainly nothing for greenhorns, but for someone, who knows what, he is looking for.

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

awesome hawk

[@johnmutton799]

They are the best!

[@pufpaf7375]

This thing is a beast

[@johnmutton799]

You haven't mentioned the gap around the top of the eye! Nice amount of handle showing at the top of eye. Like to see it fitted! Ha! Ha! Looks like a nice bit of kit. Like to see how the edge holds up.

[@wingardwearables]

Thanks for sharing this video and really liked the techniques you showed that were unique to this design. I have a customer who told me about his WBF hawk-it came with an Osage orange handle! It’s extremely difficult to get a good source of straight grain Osage orange in any quantity, and I thought that was really cool. I couldn’t tell if that was the wood used on yours or not-definitely had a yellow tinge but hickory can get like that depending on stain/treatment. Best regards.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thanks, Yes the handle on this one is Osage orange. I have not found many using this wood either, this one is a little twisted grain wise. I have a slightly longer hickory handle I put on it for daily use.

[@Crusty_Otter]

Another great review, looks like a nice hawk too. I've got 2 H&B hawks now, largely due to your video of their medium camp hawk, they're nice, lightweight choppers for sure. I recently started getting into vintage double bits - having a blast with Plumb and Kelly Cruisers, they're awesome axes. Also hanging a 3.5 lb Collins DB, can't wait to get it out in the woods. So many great choppers to choose from. Beautiful lever gun BTW, Winchester or Henry?

[@dane6349]

as soon as i win the lottery i'll come pick you up an we'll do a world tour of all the wood to cut

[@stankrieger3137]

Great Job I WILL BE BACK TO YOUR SITE FOR MORE GREAT INFO, AND YES MY FRIEND i LIVE IN A HEAVY PINE AREA ALSO. mAKE DO WITH WITH WHAT THE lord HAS GIVEN US

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Friggin AWESOME! #22aday

[@michalurbanful]

Great stuff you're showing here! Thank you! PS: After watching your channel I bagan to believe you prefer hawks to hatchets, is that right?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thank you. For the most part, I prefer hawks for general purpose utility. Being able to change the handle length and use the head without the handle has advantage. I generally will carry a tomahawk rather than a larger belt knife. I also enjoy using hatchets, and they have advantage in certain uses. Normally I try and pick the tool that suits the work to be done etc. In the warmer months I carry lighter gear and a hawk fits nicely. In the winter a heavier hatchet or axe works better for processing firewood for larger fires or feeding a wood stove.

[@siredc4182]

I have one of their custom hawks and i love it. I do however believe that hawks are not made for chopping hard wood. I have tried mine on some hard oak and it does not work well. You need a hatchet or big axe if you want to make your life easier

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

We do not have much hardwood where I live but I agree with you. Tomahawks to me are more of a multi tool or utility tool, not the best at a lot of things but still useable for their weight. I normally carry one for general purpose work when I am wanting to travel light. I carry a saw for most cutting chores, and an axe for splitting or chopping larger stuff.

[@8thsinner]

Yeah, that thing looks considerably more impressive than the chogan which I just ordered. Beautiful workmanship too. Is that concave behind the edge? it looks like a v edge on a v grind on a concave grind on a convex grind...or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Hmm I though I answered this already, sorry! I think the finish filing work and temper line gives a bit of an illusion, The blade, cheeks edge are all flat/v ground no convex or concave.

[@8thsinner]

@@Scablands_Scavenger No problem. It definitely does, at least to my eyes. WOuld you be able to tell me the angle roughly of the cutting edge and how thick behind that it is. I have been thinning down the chogan, and admitedly I am going convex but feather sticks are still hard to cut clean and controlled and I am still experiencing bounces where I know it should be cutting. I am wondering how thin I should be going before it gets too weak to hold up in soft to medium woods. I wouldn't often be working anything hard like oak. Thanks

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

@@8thsinner I can't help with the angle, I don't own a gauge and kind of eyeball everything I sharpen. From the looks of it though the chogan I have came with a rather blunt convex edge just under 5/16" wide. The CRKT blade/bit is 1/8" thicker near the eye... but they are fairly matched in width nearer the cutting edge at about 5/32" wide (where the bevel starts). The WBF hawk has a 3/8" edge (total) with a 1/16" secondary bevel. I have found this double or compound bevel to work fairly well with a flat grind, they bite in well when chopping at an appropriate angle, carving may suffer some. The secondary bevel can be flat or convex and adjusted for intended use. My Council Tool axes are sharpened similar. Hope this helps!

[@8thsinner]

@@Scablands_Scavenger I think I followed that, thank you.

[@impermanenthuman8427]

Also, if all the available wood around you were hard old dry twisted knotty wood species…what tomahawk would you want to be able to handle constant chopping into it? Obviously edge geometry plays a bit part, so maybe it isn’t the ‘best chopper’ like this one by walkbyfaith, but out of the box it can both take ‘abuse’ without constantly chipping out or rolling, but perhaps to compensate for a less ‘slicey’ blade extra weight is needed so a thicker convex edge can ‘explode’ wood apart on impact rather than slice as deep into it? I have very little experience with choppers so I am really just asking what axe or preferably tomahawk would you want to take/carry on regular solo hikes with full confidence that the blade edge will last a long time but also effectively process wood but doing your best to avoid lugging a full size felling or splitting axe? Would appreciate your suggestions as I want to ‘buy once cry once’. All the dead wood around me is pretty much all the hardest wood species you can get Thanks

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Hmm, I don't have much "hard wood" as defined by most so I will not pretend to know what will work best. I can try and answer some of the questions though. I think chopping performance is very subjective, and relative to your actual intended use. First question for me would be: where is the saw? For most chopping type tasks it is lighter, faster, safer and cheaper than most axes and hawks. The better the saw, the less axe I tend to need. If you are processing a large pile of wood for a big ol fire in winter that is totally different that a small handfull of twigs for a firebox stove or just processing a little wood for a few tent stakes etc. You sound like you have narrowed down the technical specs/considerations quite well, there is no single answer in my opinion. I will add, most of the Cold Steel stuff has performed well for me, my use with edge profiling. CRKT is in my opinion about the same. Either works quite well after a little custom tuning. And that is where you have to take into account what wood your working with, how hard you swing, how often you want to dress the edge and how much damage you are willing to repair when you have a ground strike. More weight, more work the blade can achieve but cost more energy, less weight can be easier to work with (and pack) but you might have to work harder if the tool can't. I don't really have a favorite because of performance, but I do like some better than others. My custom hawks (H&B forge, 777 WBF) are very well made and a cut above the stamped stuff... but I do quite well carrying my CS Hudson or CRKT Hammer Chogan. Other than pride of ownership do not feel lacking when carrying them... sure the customs do hold an edge better but I consider field sharpeners essential kit. Could honestly write a book going back and forth on the intricacy of certain designs, they all have their quirks.

[@impermanenthuman8427]

@@Scablands_Scavenger thanks for the awesome answer 👍🏻

[@UABFWSS]

Sorry if I missed it, is that a Style D? and what hammer option #?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Style D blade, hammer #2.... I should have clarified that in the video, sorry!

[@nicorando3788]

The eye as the same thickness of the cold steel ones?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Not quite, this is slightly smaller.

[@guaporeturns9472]

Nice tomahawk. How’s the Rossi R 92 holding up? Still liking it? How about a follow up video? Thanks

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

The Rossi is holding up great. Probably one of my favorite purchases in the last 20 years. I am considering a video on it and discussing loading economical rounds if I can find time.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@Scablands_Scavenger thanks

[@cmoore7780]

How is the cutting compared with the Hudson Hawk being they both have similarities in a thin bit?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

They are very similar, the Hudson has a slight weight advantage at 17oz vs this one at 14oz. The 777 hawk has the advantage in edge retention from what I have seen so far.

[@cmoore7780]

@@Scablands_Scavenger I see. Well that is one awesome hawk for sure. Definitely an heirloom quality to be passed down. Maybe if I save up I can get him to make me one in a few years. 😂🤣

[@brycejacobhansen]

Do you have the 3 1/4” or 4 1/4” head? Thanks

[@impermanenthuman8427]

What is the total weight? Trying to get some idea of how much weight needs to be carried for that chopping performance vs other tomahawks and large batoning blades etc Thanks

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

As it sits right now, 24.6oz. Head is 14.2 oz, sheath is 3oz, handle is about 8oz. I am running a hand made 21.5" hickory, not the one shown in this video. Handle weight can vary from 4-16 oz depending on wood density and length.

[@impermanenthuman8427]

@@Scablands_Scavenger thanks 👍🏻

[@Brockt87]

@@Scablands_Scavenger Wow, that’s less than 22 oz wo the sheath, which makes it about the same weight as CS frontier hawks, the lightest bare bones hawk they offer out of a dozen or so models. But this one has a longer blade plus a hammer. To put in into content CS’s pipe hawk weights a full 28oz wo a sheath, which is quite a bit more, and has a substantially shorter blade length of just 3 inches. Looks like this one has a 4-5 inch or so blade weight over 6 oz less and seems to perform better. Perhaps it’s the thinner grind that lowers its weight so much for what it is, while also boosting performance, making it bite in a lot better, and I’m sure it’s way more “slicey” when used more like a knife. The biggest complaint w the more popular replica style hawks, from the more educated consumers at least, is they weigh much more than the originals natives and settlers used that were often less than a pound. Apparently, natives often preferred them substantially under a pound, especially for war when they had to be quick or dead Almost everything was heavier back then, but they needed to be light enough to be able to swing very quickly repeatedly, & be comfortable just tucked in a belt. Anyways, would be good to see more closer to 20 oz and below being made… especially if they can perform like this one!

[@RatherBeWheeling]

@@Brockt87 (oops answered with my other account lol) I think the reason most of the mass produced hawks are heavier is because people tend to use them primarily for different tasks than in the past. Not many people buy a hawk to fight off a raiding party (exceptions being inner city ppl taping knives to hockey sticks/mop handles of course).... Most people are looking to chop up some wood while camping in the local KOA. The biggest complaint I see in the comments and on other "hawk vs Axe" videos is that the hawks are too light and do not split well, or people breaking the handle off when they get their Riflemans 26oz hawk head stuck in a piece of knotted wood and try to pry it out sideways. I think the reason this hawk performs so well for its weight (chopping anyway) is due to its thin edge profile and the excellent heat treat on the 4140 steel. It holds up remarkably well, probably the best that I own. The Cold Steel hawks tend to fail quickly when too thin an edge profile is used. I typically run a somewhat convex edge on my Cold steel hawks that holds up well against roll/chips but does slightly hamper performance when chopping or slicing. One of the benefits of having a custom hawk or any tool made for that matter is being able to have exactly what you want made, either historical or custom purpose built design. My biggest complaint with production made camp tools these days is that many of the designs are just random thoughts thrown together in a board meeting by people who do not actually use the tools they design.... and then the marketing team try to say how good it is at "dressing game" or other nonsense when it is an obviously poor design ha ha. I now own two hawks made by Brian/777 forge, the second was a design I sent him last year. It was made exactly to the specs I sent in and I am very happy with the results. The whole process was very easy. After owning dozens of hawks and quite a few axes, it is pretty cool to be able to have exactly what you want made.

[@ericlefebvre4288]

This hawk looks awesome! How does it compare to the H&B forge?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

They are kind of two different styles all together. One is traditional dual steel, hammer forged and finished, the other is hammered and draw file finished 1 piece. I have not taken them out and compared them directly but from using them both (speaking of the H&B medium camp hawk as it is closest in weight) I have to give the edge to the WBF hawk for pure performance in chopping and edge retention. The H&B is very close in edge retention, but when it comes to chopping the thinner profile of the WBF just destroys wood and the edge seems to hold up very well. I enjoy both, and think one could accomplish the same task acceptably well with either one depending on preference.

[@ericlefebvre4288]

@@Scablands_Scavenger awesome thanks for that info!

[@kanhdahar2]

what style head is this? a type G? ill be receiving my tomahawk shortly :)

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

I believe it is a D with #2 hammer. Congrats on the purchase, what style did you go for?

[@kanhdahar2]

@@Scablands_Scavenger I think I got exactly the same as you. Hopefully customs don't sting me too hard.

[@kelvinhyatt1314]

Hard for me to tell from their website. Could you tell me which model you selected?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

The one I purchased was a "custom D2 with Osage handle" The blade is similar to a " B" blade but has a slight flared top rather than flat. The hammer is a "# 2" style. *edited as I had the wrong blade style listed.

[@kelvinhyatt1314]

@@Scablands_Scavenger Thank You!

[@wbf7773]

It is actually a D blade style, hammer style 2, with an osage handle.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

@@wbf7773 Ooof I mixed those up! I will edit for future reference!

[@ryanrichards7056]

How thick is the steel? How wide is the blade? How much does the blade weigh without the handle? Give us some facts? Why is it better than the competition?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thank you for commenting. Most views are 3-5 minutes and most viewers skip to the "work" portion of the video. I find it redundant to quote the specs when most skip past. I generally list the maker's link in the description of videos for those interested. Keep in mind being able to spec out whatever pattern you want from this maker. I tried to cover what impressed me with this hawk/maker at the 0:55 - 2 min mark. I mention fit and finish and edge performance. I also expand a little on this in the video description. A little on design choice at the 6:30 timestamp. As mentioned this video was a "first look" or initial impression of the hawk as well as hopefully showcasing a smaller maker. When I make time to do the full review of this hawk I will focus more on design details, competitive options and more field use.

[@David-vd7lv]

Cost?

[@stephenbeard9882]

Looks like they start around $200.

[@duaneburd9350]

Not good for conceal carry blade way too wide altogether too heavy