Cold steel Trail Hawk review

A practical use review of another tomahawk from cold steel. Had a hard time deciding what to show in this video, trying to keep them from being too long. I know there are better made hawks out there, but in my opinion I really do think Cold Steel is putting out a good product for the price. I have had these for a while now and put them through quite a bit of use with no major complaints, edge retention is decent. I have used and own a few axes, large bowie knives and machetes, the tomahawk (in general) seems to strike a real good ballance of weight to function for my intended uses better than any of them. Of course this is my opinion and for my uses and environment. In any case if you are looking for a multi use tool that will fill many roles at a cost of around 30 bucks definitely check these out.

[@impermanenthuman8427]

Again it’s good to finally see someone who knows how to get the most out of a tomahawk and show what it can do, it has been annoying reading the history of how valued the tomahawk was only to so many youtubers doing ‘reviews’ of tomahawks and just making them look like next to useless little hatchets. Would be good to see a direct chopping comparison between the trail hawk and the pipe hawk and how much a better chopper the slightly heavier pipe hawk is compared to the trail hawk, as both have a hammer on the back. It looks like the more ‘bearded’ slope on a tomahawk like on the crkt chogan and pipe hawk gives a more effective ‘shearing’ cut like the angled blade of a Kukri does compared to the flatter blade of the trail hawk, but the trail hawk can be used as an adze as you showed which I’ve never seen before. Also the ability to remove the head is handy, but I never thought how convenient it would be to remove the head and store the head in the pack when traveling around other people and just have the handle (just an in-offensive stick) on the outside of the pack, you can’t do that with an axe or hatchet

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thanks for commenting. I agree the versatility of the hawk is overlooked quite often. Most videos I see are this: Can a Tomahawk Axe? Rather than: Can an Axe Tomahawk. I think this is due to most people today being "part timers" rather than frontiersmen. The average person will not appreciate the multi task ability of a small slip fit hawk/axe unless they spend time in the circumstances that highlight the versatility of the tool. Many people will not be setting traps, building corrals, fighting, mending horse shoes all while being afield long enough to appreciate replacing a handle without ordering one. Most will be overcomplicating simple tasks for the sake of entertainment: fire craft, whittling projects, building forts. We also have ready access to and can store/transport collections of specialized tools (unlike the average hawk era adventurer). Many times the hawk is not the best tool for a task and if given the choice we choose the best tool for a job because we have that luxury. Many youtubers (that I have seen) either compare the tool at face value against other chopping tools or needing new content they demonstrate things that the hawk can do....but many rarely do when camping/outdoors. This is to say, for most it is a novelty rather than needed ability and is given less importance when comparing to an axe. I say all of this as a "content creator" myself, a "part time" outdoorsman and with bias as my preferred outdoor tool is a friction fit hawk or axe.

[@Despierto]

FINALLY!!!!!!!!! A video channel of real use, PRACTICAL mods, competent use of cutlery tools! Thank you so much sir!

[@citizen1114]

I have a zillion subs for outdoor/woodsrunnun' I weeded them out to half a zillion and just saw your vid for the first time. Now I've sub'd a half zillion plus one. Excellent job. I've been at it for 50 years and you taught the old dog a new trick with the adze modification...that was quite resourceful, Kudos!

[@jessejones3081]

Good job on the video, man. I like your presentation style, and you are sober with your information. I like that you let us know when you are speaking from experience or borrowing knowledge from other people. Your demos are useful to watch, too.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thank you for your comments !!

[@PrepperDale]

Excellent video, Been thinking about purchasing a tomahawk for some time. You have convinced me . Keep up the great vids.

[@brianmcwhorter2867]

Best review of the trail hawk that I've seen. thank you.

[@anti-socialage7394]

I stopped the video at 16:45. First to sub, then to say I have found this the most helpful review I have seen on this hawk (and I have done my homework) I just ordered the trail hawk this morning and this video has confirmed that I made the rite choice. I was torn on a few different models but I know now this is the one that will fit my needs. Great review on the versatility of this tool, thanks for taking the time to share. Now back the rest of the video. lol

[@kellyjd72]

Anti-SocialAge After three years - how would you rate it?

[@Drownedinblood]

This is awesome.You really make a great case for how utilitarian and awesome the tomahawk is.Thank you.

[@j-dogaming2817]

Great videos I just ordered this tomahawk and can't wait to use it. Thanks for the great review

[@jimshady07]

Great review Zeuki1 thank you for taking the time to do this video recently got a trail hawk myself found it a brilliant little tool . Atb - Jim

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thank you for the comments !!

[@redbeard0183]

thanks for sharing. excellent video. it's refreshing to see the tomahawk in realistic action.

[@bewaretheintertubes]

Hey there. First Just wanted to say, awesome video. In depth without being boring. I was up in the air about Axes VS. machete's VS. etc etc. and as far as i can tell this seems to be the best compromise. Its an jack of all trades and an ace of none but my back cant afford to carry around 4 different tools that one can accomplish. Besides at 28 bucks shipped I can afford to be wrong. Thanks a lot man.

[@radikewl70]

I've watched 5-6 of your vids just this evening, I don't have any critisisms. I don't yet have a "hawk" but I am looking into getting one. Your vids have given me a lot of ideas on what I might want/need. Great vids, thanks for posting.

[@ljcsov]

Thanks. I ended up going with a frontier hawk, and it is working perfectly for the role that I wanted it to fulfill. I notice that it does chop much better than the trail hawk for me, and it splits adequately through most reasonably sized firewood. To be honest, I was really surprised at how well it chopped when comparing it to my Wetterlings Large Hunters Axe. The Wetterlings prevails, but for the weight, the frontier hawk is very formidable.

[@mackattak7711]

Great reveiw, I went ahead and bought the Trail hawk. VERY versitile! you can do so many thing with these bad boys. great tool to have.

[@BDAWGRANGER]

Enjoy your videos, I keep my trail hawk on my back pack, its light, sharp,and nice to have around camp and on treks.

[@duffmanthegreat]

Great video, really covered all the bases! Subscribed!

[@c.jackson]

i would like to tell you i did enjoy your video and it shed a lot of light on the tomahawk in witch i am prospecting on buying but i want to say thank you for the review the demonstration and the depth you went in to

[@starlingblack814]

The Trail Hawk is my favorite tomahawk because it is lighter in the backpack and fast and agile in the hand. Thanks for a good review.

[@theWZZA]

Frontier hawk is actually a smidge lighter. Glad you enjoy the TH, though.

[@bearclawbushcraft]

I'm a confirmed Trail hawk fan already but I have to say your videos and your style are excellent - I'll be ordering a frontier hawk too ................ thanks for sharing buddy!

[@BDAWGRANGER]

I share your views on tool practicality, such as weight, size and multiple uses. I have placed an order for the trail hawk. Thank you for the informative video

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

The rock was a nice touch. A great review. I going to view other reviews of Cold Steel Tomahawks cause I not sure what I'm looking for but this review helps alot. Thanks.

[@Teaffer]

wow!...that's a very useful axe!...i was about to buy the "spiked back" model, but your video show me that this one is more versatile. Thanks man :)

[@derypowz503_2]

This video made me make up my mind about this hawk I just bought one a few seconds ago lol. Great video though, super helpful. Keep it up

[@terryoneill9163]

same here lol

[@Wastelander13]

Excellent video! Thank you for the ideas! I will buy one! Greetings from Luxembourg!

[@Karma8Kami]

Interesting video, considering buying one of these myself, best compromise I've seen for a hatchet considering weigth. One thing I keep wondering about though, no one seems to realise that when making a pointed stick, be it a tent stake or spear, if you angle the tip towards the edge of the wood instead of the centre (like the shape of a syringe typ), you will get a much harder point as the centre of the wood is always the softest part besides the bark.

[@robertcesena6329]

Impressive hawk throwing skills, legit. I know they're not super expensive tomahawks, but I probably wouldn't have thrown the second hawk toward the first. Seems like you put both hawks right where you wanted.

[@TriggerJunkie]

Thanks for the review. I'm getting one now.

[@Tacmarksman]

Bought it, should be here tomorrow, really excited!

[@SurvivalHunter88]

Dude I have been interested in this Hawk and the Pipe Hawk and your useing it just as I plan too, Thank you for making these vid's it let's feel much better about buying one =)

[@jonenglish98]

Good video. I have enjoyed all the videos I have seen that you have done. subscribed

[@Nebo-Rok]

Thank you a lot for this review. Good stuf!

[@Tacmarksman]

Great Review, I'm buying one tonight for sure!

[@joblo8171]

We all have the trail hawk. We all shortened them 4 inches from the start. work great and no regrets. All of the handles need fitted or you will have to leave the screw in and put an allen in your gear which some did.

[@brianmccann666]

Nope. Sand and Reprofile the wooden handle to accept a Friction Fit. Throw away that set screw. It's not needed. Should not be needed.

[@hoasjhdfiadsf]

thanks for the replies and videos! I'm sure cold steel knew what they were doing, making 5 hawks, each one with significant pros, and significant cons ... At 30 or so bucks a piece though, it won't break the bank to get a few! You make a great case for the trail hawk because it has the hammer and is lightweight. Too bad they didn't make (and again, they knew what they were doing) a frontier hawk with a poll. - - -

[@vibeslide]

Excellent review.

[@silverslivver]

Hi, great vid., since you asked for feedback...if you cut the handle down it will not chop as well. The reason tomahawks are so much better than hatchets is the handle length. The head of the hawk traverses a much longer arc than your hand therefore it is going much faster, so when it suddenly de-accelerates at the 'tree' more force is transfered into cutting. F=ma. But you probably knew all this...just giving feedback. I guess everything is a tradeoff in the end. Again, awesome vid, thnx

[@falkharvard8722]

Haha I bought a Cold Steel and then got another, too. Had a lot of fun throwing them and since they're just £35, I don't have to be too careful. I was irritated at how much work I had to do to make them work right, but they've been a lot of fun since and now friends are joining in, I'm making a bit of cash just modding Cold Steels to work properly 😂 I'm a Bush crafter in UK and I've had to make new handles out camping. Quick and easy to replace by a campfire

[@nullnull4198]

Great real world review, thanks

[@bennyhult7675]

Really enjoy your videos.

[@SCAW1972]

Excellent! Great review! You got yourself a subscriber.

[@edwardsanford5775]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks Which one splits/batons wood the best?

[@BigFish6839]

You got me at the planking tool i have 2 hawks and thats a new one for me :) and using the eye as a debark-er Ty man.

[@TheDeserteagle95]

i really like this video man :) straight to the point and no bullshit :)

[@rickatill44]

very very good review to the point and great demo's first one i watched of yours and i sub'd right away great job !!!

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Thanks for watching !

[@thebigfellar7178]

Thank you you did a great job on this video , I mean you really did using it as an awl I never in a thousand years would of thought of that, my wife says I ain't real bright though,you can ask her she will tell you all about it lol seriously bravo, you did better than most on here I 'd keep making them, I liked subbed and notified well deserved!

[@bewaretheintertubes]

I think that is a maxpedition falcon II. Condor and a few other companies make clones of it as well. Maxpedition is an awesome pack company and I've always been more than pleased with the products.

[@MrM2hb]

Great choices. I have a couple of Rifleman's hawks and would not buy them again--too heavy. I have a frontier hawk and a couple spike hawks--love them.

[@magicbeetle2292]

I use the head by itself a lot because it's really good at fine detailed copping

[@eachday9538]

Thumbs up for the adze, that was cool

[@SINESTERSERPENTSIXXX]

light weight fast haft is easily replaced utility tool or a offensive/defensive weapon when use properly its very efficient. combined with a small knife or saw. its hard to beat.

[@ferencebartok1754]

Hey Zeuki1, you reviews are awesome and very helpful thanks for the videos! I am looking at buying a new backpack what's the name of your is it a good pack?

[@DefMunkyYT]

Nice review, but I'm not sure I'd worry too much about stone tools if I had a tomahawk. lol However I could see it being handy if you needed to make a sharp piece of flint for use with a flint and steel setup. It could also serve as the steel. So busting a rock might not be a regular thing that one needs to do with a hawk, but it is good to know you can. ;)

[@RogerF]

Hi. Which of the Cold Steel Hawks chopped the best? Id like to buy one Thank you.

[@Chawz1138]

Cool video. I was wondering if you modify the edges of your Cold Steel Hawks at all when you got them. I brought back the edge a little bit with a file on my Rifleman's Hawk and it increased its bite into wood significantly.

[@daleweller5193]

I bought the frontier, I don’t need the hammer. Where I live there was a guy that made hawks and throwing knives. He hunted deer with both.

[@johnmalcolm9214]

have you noticed the trail hawk's blade bends to the right a little when looking from the top of the eye down? or is it just mine

[@CanItAlready]

Nice video. Hadn't seen anyone make one into an adze before now.

[@GunsAreEssential1975]

Awesome tomahawks man! Ive been getting the fever myself. Bought a 2hawks woodsman a couple of weeks ago, and its easy to see the advantages over other cutting tools. I did a table top review if you're interested. Love the hawk videos brother, I subbed!

[@zing-pow5064]

Thank you for this video/film. The Trailhawk is my favorite for going mobile or carry. Lightweight yet very effective tool. That is once you complete the modifications needed. Which is no big deal, they are fun to do. Do get extra handles if you plan on throwing it any. :o)

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I like that a second shorter handle can be made, or for that matter make a walking stick into a 4' long handle.

[@liljesse1990]

@zeukl1 what kind of back pack in the vid thank you love ur reviews I have a norse hawk on it way

[@ljcsov]

I have the trail hawk, but I feel as though the chopping/splitting power could be better. Is the frontier hawk more apt as a hatchet replacement?

[@bosshog871]

in regaurds to splitting i wouldnt use it to split massive logs but smaller peices like for kendleing mine does fairly well

[@rottvang]

You can modify the trail hawk mounted sideways and use it as a digging tool.

[@G911CX]

Bought the vietnam Tomahawk and i was surprised how easy i can work with it. In the past i used a Machete or a Hatched for camping, now i have a new lighter and more effective tool. What i miss is the Hammerhead, but well, it´s not as expensive, i think i´ll order the Rifleman Hawk...

[@brianmccann666]

ZEUKI1 ... I broke down and bought ANOTHER cs tomahawk. Yep the trail hawk. lol. Almost bought the Rifleman's Hawk instead. But went for lightness. Thinking of buying an extra handle at some point too. Thinking of shortening a handle for the Trail Hawk to around 13"-15" to see if i can lighten the load some and make it a better pack tomahawk. Also broke down and bought a sharpening puck for my hawks. That way i can sharpen them better in the field. Already have a Smiths axe sharpener for quick rough sharpening.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

+Brian Mccann Excellent ! I find that tomahawks/axes are like chips, its no fun just having one.......unfortunately I always end up eating the whole bag. I definitely like having a shorty handle for exactly what your thinking. those times when I just want to go light. Enjoy your new hawk !!

[@dahartman88]

im sold, and will be buying this for my kit

[@bobafett109]

Can never go wrong with 2 tomahawks

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

.....or two dozen

[@margaretadler6162]

Great video! I just subbed. Thanks

[@stevenmc56]

I love tomahawks !

[@MrYungGunn]

how are you able to remove the head so easy ,i have the frontier hawk and i cant get the the head off ,the handle fits too tightly ,and im affaid if i sand itthe handle will be to loose to hole the head

[@jmoffitt36]

Extremely Versatile tool, Fairly easy to make handles, actually kinda fun. Easy to get creative with them, like a handle to turn the Hawk into a adze for planing and hollowing. Recommend 8" 2 sided 4 way wood rasp/file $5 -- Secret to making good handles. Bahco LapLander Folding Saw and Knife (It's a Mora) $30 Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener $25 Large Ferro Rod $10 Solid compact Bushcraft kit for around $100

[@stupidchannel1000]

What do you do to put the head back on. Do u just slide it down real hard or what. I know it may. Sound stupid but I honestly don't know. Great vid by the way

[@davidmillis954]

you could make more than one handle for different purposes since it is so easy to change the handle .

[@michalurbanful]

I know it's been some time, but ... which one do you prefer? Trail hawk or Frontier hawk?

[@Imakebootysclap]

what do you think is the lightest? the norse maby? and witch do you think is the best thrower?

[@citizen1114]

I love hawks.

[@9unslin9er]

This might be a dumb question ZEUKI1, and having watched both videos to the end, I know you can't pick one you'd have over the other. But goshdarnit, if the Zombie Apocalypse happened tomorrow and you could only grab one as a weapon and field survival, which one would ya grab? Thanks in advance.

[@xjohannes98]

how sharp is your trail hawk? does it cut paper? ive tried sharpening my trail hawk but i havent gotten it very sharp. i only have a small fallkniven dc4 stone.

[@ferencebartok1754]

His backpack is a voodoo 3 day assault pack or something I think they changed the name but you'll find it in the voodoos website.

[@L1NG4N]

how does this compare to higher qual. hawks such as 2 hawks(comp.)?

[@lagook]

ok im sold !

[@waktosha7378]

I cut my handles down to 16 inches. Now my trailhawks are perfectly balanced for me.

[@Greenmachine305]

Subbed because of the adze.

[@ZombieTestLabs]

wich of these two do you recomend

[@ThePatrick6122]

Did you have to thin out the top a bit so it will ride up?

[@richardhenry1969]

Funny I just saw this old review. I first bought the trailhawk the bought the frontierhawk. Lol the opposite of yours. After years I love mine an for the price you can't beat it. One of the first things in my pack always. So now after all these years you still using yours

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

To be honest I do not use the frontier hawk much at all any more, I tend to want a hammer with me most times. I do carry the Trail hawk though when I want to pack light. I have a second handle that is about 14" that fits in my motorcycle bags. I have modded and given many away to friends, they are great for the money!

[@xjohannes98]

which tomahawk would you recommend the most, frontier hawk or trail hawk?

[@hoasjhdfiadsf]

which do you like better, this or the frontier hawk?

[@Pandroe]

ZeukI1, Do you have any experience with throwing it? Is the Cold Steel Trail Hawk balanced enough to throw well?

[@762Panda556]

You sold me on one... Cold steel should give you money

[@canadachop]

Yet?

[@allenr265]

If I shorten the handle on the trail hawk will it throw better and how much should I shorten it.Thanks Zeuki.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

+Allen R Up front I honestly am not a throwing expert, or even technically proficient in it... what I can tell you is that I own three different "throwing " hawks and they all have between 17 and 19 inch tapered handles, those hawks throw great, with quick rotation and good ballance. However for other uses they dont do as well for me and I have put longer handles on them... your mileage may vary, if you just want to use it for throwing I would look for information on throwing sites and see what there recommendations are, hope this helps and thanks for stoppin by !!

[@allenr265]

Thank you I really appreciate the info.

[@masonbaylorbears]

So for the money, would you buy both of these or the H and B camp hawk?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

+Mason Lantz Wow, thats a hard question. I dont think I can give a definitive answer for you. The most important thing to consider is what will you be doing with the hawk. the H and B is almost smack between these two for weight and use. the two Cold Steel hawks in this video are polar opposites, one with a wide cutting face, the other with a narrow blade. The H and B is kind of a mix of these. still light but has a poll that isnt hardened the trail hawk poll is hardened. The H and B is hand forged in the US, the Cold Steels are drop forged in Taiwan, not that Ive ever had an issue with there steel. Personally I really like the aesthetics of the H and B, however one of the fun parts of owning the Cold Steels is modifying them. and on and on Well thats the best I can do for you, In the end all I can say is I bought them all but 9/10 I carry the H and B, not because its that much better but because I just like it. hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@WolfLee891]

Ragnar's Ragweed Forge has the TrailHawk PipeHawk combined Look.....Its only 43 Bucks......It has the best features of those two hawks in one..A-23C The British Belt Axe

[@fmax120]

cold steel is my SHT!

[@slushy42069]

2023 ❤

[@chrisnewport7826]

Just the thing for LA after dark.

[@draycos9748]

what backpack do you have?