The Bushcraft Campout: Is a Tomahawk a Viable Wood Processing Tool?

[@mt_baldwin]

An old video but finally a tomahawk user who is competent and realizes there's a big difference between a 19" axe and a 19" tomahawk. I'm glad you didn't cut the handle down comically short and you showed a bunch of great techniques for the tool, best vid I've seen in a while.

[@alexanderbielski9327]

An old comment but still valid

[@Patriotalliance]

They have worked for centuries, I carry one in my pack.

[@veronicabeers8509]

every Mozambican I know that lives in the bush carries their version of a Tomahawk (a wooden club with a thin steel ax head driven into it) and it is extremely useful for all manner of bush craft from felling small trees to butchering goats.

[@brennanjones5502]

Whether a knife, axe, or tomahawk, the most important thing to remember is having a razor sharp edge at all times :) Make easier work of processing wood, and save some time while doing so! Keep up the great work Joe!

[@longrider42]

Problem is, if you "Over Sharpen" a Hawk or Axe, it is more apt to stick in the wood your chopping. For me all my Hawks and I have three, have a 24 degree flat grind. Chops great, and does not get stuck in the wood.

[@daginn896]

I like your channel mate, and I like your not over tacticool ;)

[@MrJoshDoty]

Partially tacticool? 😂🏴‍☠️ I am joking. It’s a good channel.

[@kimcurtis9366]

I live in Wyoming and, as a reenactor for the Fur Trade Era, a tomahawk IS invaluable! If the Mountain Men used them for a couple or three decades out here, in the West they MUST have been effective for all kinds of camp chores! Nuff said!

[@synghostwolf4206]

You have a fair point but it is a native American weapon that is designed for extreme use

[@Alienshark]

Here’s a good authentic place to get a 1800-1840 era tomahawk? Thanks

[@benchase7537]

@@synghostwolf4206 This is false. It was considered a multitool first and foremost.

[@jimbob465]

To be fair, what was called a tomahawk back then is also what we now call hatchets... When you read about a mountain man using tomahawks, the writer may have and often was referring to a hatchet...

[@TR_Swan]

I have a Tomahawk for Rendezvous - its more of a period correct throwing hawk. I have tried to chop wood of the same size and find that the energy spent was far greater than just carrying a small folding saw. Having tried a saw vs hawk - I go with the saw in my carry kit. I keep a small axe in my bigger kit to split. But I rarely split as I have lots of twigs and pine to get the fire going.

[@lemoncrinckles]

If I learned one thing from you, it's how to make excellent wood shavings using a knife (and now a hatchet). Thank you, Joe. Another helpful vid.

[@TSisk2]

It was a horn worm and the wasp was going to lay it's eggs on the worm. The wasp is very beneficial to gardeners.

[@josephallen19]

Wildwood Prepper Awesome!

[@davidbevis2685]

I know this was two years ago, but thanks for that info! :)

[@spoonbruh741]

I understand that but idk abt that big chief

[@DaWoogieMonster]

@@spoonbruh741 They are called parasitoid wasps, look it up little chief.

[@Temporalplace]

@@DaWoogieMonster So many hunting going on under our feet and above us

[@TheForestWolf]

I sharpened the end of the handle on mine so it can double as a digging stick. Works great.

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

For the end of the handle, I suggest a single bevel chisel rather than a point. It'll last longer than a point for digging, and you can use it for a hand full of other splitting tasks:)

[@robertcole7874]

I lined the handle with razor blades so no one could steal it

[@mikeewoody]

I live in alaska, iv been using a tomahawk that was crafted by two hawks. it's the long hunter hawk and I love it!! its light weight, prosseses wood awsome, you can strike your fire steel on it, and removing the head gives you a great tool for multi use!!

[@wornout3499]

hawks cut deep great for cross cuts maybe not the best for splitting. but don't really need to split much I live in California and everything's pretty dry here.

[@rationalbushcraft]

I figure a saw like the Bacho is easier to cut wood that size into smaller pieces than a hawk is. As for splitting I'm not sure how necessary it is for pieces like that. They burn pretty well hole.

[@AnthonyAwaken]

I have used mine for about 9 months. I personally love bringing it into the woods with me (Kentucky, USA region). I used it on a 0° campout back in February and it was invaluable for us. The wood was all frozen and super hard..But the Cold Steel TrailHawk did a good job. I definitely think it's a worthwhile tool (and it's lightweight).

[@ronjohnsonoutdoors339]

Great video, Joe! A hawk is near the top of my must-get list. And, I think you are the only person I see on youtube that consistently uses that contact method of splitting wood with a hand-ax or hawk; that was the method that was taught to us in Boy Scouts back in the late 60's, and my preferred method still today. Not as "sexy" as batonning, but faster and safer and easier on the tools.

[@77sawsaw]

just why?lay the smaii piece of wood on the fire then when it burns into throw both pieces in the fire and theres tons of tiny pieces around you so no need to split

[@Maryland_Kulak]

I agree. Just start out with tiny little twigs and then pencil sized pieces and then thicker and thicker depending on how long you want your fire to last.

[@charlespowell2933]

Joe, I live in South Carolina, America. I personally prefer traditional methods of bush crafting and you can not go wrong with a tomahawk. I have the cold steel frontier hawk, and it is absolutely amazing. By the way I am a big fan keep up the nice work!!

[@zachjohnson2077]

I'm a little disconcerted that I got all the way to Eagle Scout without knowing the versatility of a tomahawk. I guess my troop mostly used those big logs of firewood you buy in stores and basically have to process with a full sized axe, so there wasn't really occasion to teach me. Now that I'm on my own, I'm getting my hands on one of these ASAP. Thanks for the educational video!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I've been using tomahawks for a few years now, one of my favorite bush tools is the Cold Steel Pipehawk.

[@brianmccann666]

Its a workhorse indeed.

[@trevorfuson715]

TurtleWolf Pack you ought to check out Dixie gun works or Track of the wolf if you like pipe hawks. They have a few finish it yourself kits with beautiful curly maple long handles. Get to a rendezvous or a black powder show. There are many black smiths who can make you a custom built one with detachable implements to screw onto the head . The Hawken shop has a great one. Check them out....

[@forgedeath]

These little Cold Steel trail hawks are nice for being compact and lightweight, but for the tasks you are doing in this video I highly recommend the CRKT Chogan. I bought one about a year ago and DAMN that thing is a beast. Holds an edge really well and has the weight to chew through almost anything.

[@theroamingmoose415]

I just got my Chogan in a few weeks ago. Being a smaller guy, it's really effective for me. I will NEVER give up that lil beast.

[@razorsharp170]

I got a chogan about 4 or 5 years ago. Thought it was heavy and unbalanced for a hawk. I put a 5 inch longer handle on it and wow. What a difference. It's way more balanced one handed by choking up a little and can be used 2 handed for serious chopping power. Love the damn thing now. My favorite hawk. And own many.

[@forgedeath]

@Razorsharp170 Simple Man Outdoors yes man same here. Cold steel handles are longer which is nice because they give you the option to cut it shorter if you desire. But the crkt handles are too short. I ended up whittling down a sledgehammer handle for my chogan and its an absolute unit now

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

"SQUIRREL!" I mean, "BUG!" LMAO!

[@CedricAda]

I'm Fallkniven F1 ad Gransfors SFA guy for my cutting tools. As long as the tomahawk is somewhat Axe-like (like your hawk is) and doesn't have dangerous spikes on the other side or anything too combat purposed, I could see no reason why Hawk/knife couldn't be just as viable in skilled hands. I like the ability of a wooden handled hawk to pop the blade from the handle in a few simple steps and use the blade as a hand tool.

[@cmoore7780]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors I live in Alabama and those are my thoughts exactly..

[@justincase4382]

I use the f1 pro an H&B medium polled camp hawk and a silky saw gomboy. I like that I can remove the head as well the tomahawk gets most of the use. along with a saw I feel I am set and the knife well for knife tasks. There are times when an axe is to be brought to camp and those times I often bring my katana boy. but I prefer a tomahawk to a hatchet. The newer models also have a hardened hammer poll so they function as a hammer i like that as well, I pack some 3 inch nails in case I have to unknowingly spend the night I can nail up parts of my shelter instead of lashing. I feel a healthy tree won’t mind or be hurt by a couple of nails

[@OutdoorAlchemy]

I love tomahawks. I take mine with me a lot. I would rather use it than baton with a knife any day. It works well for bow making too. I have four, including a Mark Mccoun and a H & B , both of which are hand forged. The Mark Mccoun came shaving sharp. You can dress out wild game and debone meat. They are fun to throw as well. I like a hawk with more of a wedge shape to the blade as they seem to chop through wood better. So yeah, in Wyoming, a tomahawk is a viable tool.

[@georgieocasio1764]

hi Joe ,it definitely do the job ,but you make it look way easier. your splitting technique is very effective and safe! thanks for the vid!

[@josephallen19]

Georgie Ocasio Thanks!

[@rialobran]

It's viable, I use an old (1939) British firefighters axe, it's based on the naval boarding axes that were traded and eventually became the tomahawk. Great use of the axe and great video :)

[@DoberDudeProductions]

lol The tomahawk is a post-1939 development in your mind? Woof.

[@rialobran]

@@DoberDudeProductions You should read to understand and stop running around the woods with a big knife. "I use an old (1939) British firefighters axe, it's BASED on the naval BOARDING AXES, that were TRADED and eventually became the tomahawk" At no point have I said that the tomahawk is 'post' 1939. I'm merely pointing out the fact that something that closely resembles a tomahawk is in fact based on the naval boarding axe, the early British Fire Service having been fitted out by the Royal Navy. Naval boarding axes of the period morphed into the native tomahawk, replacing the stone axes of the period. Bow Wow.

[@wanderingthewilderness]

It was good enough for the native Americans why wouldn't it be good enough for us? Nice video. Thanks.

[@mikev6795]

I admire the way you think!!

[@joewoodruff7128]

Nice video. I have a trail hawk like yours with a couple mods. I cut the handle down from 22" to 18" for easy carry, took the original finish off and blued it, and I sharpened it under the beard for an extra cutting edge. That little $20 wonder has served me well for the last 3+ years in the backwoods of Ohio along with my Bushcraft knife and my flintlock musket.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

The tomahawk is to North America what the kukri and bolo is to Asia and the machete is to South America. It is a not only a tool but also a cultural symbol woven indelibly into our consciousness. The tomahawk is a way of life, not only a problem solver, but a way of thinking. There is a saying that when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Well when you have a tomahawk, you begin to see it as the solution to every problem. And they work. If they didn't have utility, they wouldn't have been used by Natives and Europeans alike for thousands of years. So yes, the tomahawk remains a viable tool and weapon for woodscraft and woodsman.

[@williamdavis6400]

Tomahawks are nice, I've carried one many a time. If I had a piece of wood that big, I personally would have built my fire, and fed that piece of wood into my fire as it burned, uncut. Less noise and energy used, but I do see the point your making. Just saying.

[@gregscountrycabinoutdoors7359]

Joe, I realize I am over a year after the fact, but I love this series. So much more information. Short clips are much easier to learn from. And you tend to give more information on what you are doing and why.

[@Robert31352]

Joe, I do not disagree with you, and if I were to be given a one tool option I would choose my hawk. The reasons are man. The handle is easily replaced. It is a great knife as well as skinning tool. It is a hammer, etc. Saying all of that, I never, and I mean never go into the woods without the correct tools for the job. A saw, as you know, would have cut that limb up in a matter of seconds. Splitting the wood would be about even. The calories saved (effort) would be many. I know you know all of this, I am just commenting not criticizing. Bottom line, it is a multi functional tool for sure and every woodsman should own one.

[@djamison9r]

Seems like it is more work than a good hatchet or small forest axe. Granted more weight. When I go to the woods, I usually bring a hatchet or a small forest axe and a 6 inch 1095 steel knife. That is just the combination that seems to be the least work for me. I came to this combination when car camping and had the option to use 8 different knives or 5 different hatchets/axes...

[@spudman54]

Seems ok, lots of motion. A saw is a bit more subtle. Have you ever considered a machete? I carry a tramontina 20" with me when Im playing around in the forest. Works like a dream in tons of situations, and sits on your hip.

[@thelasthuntsmanoutdoors]

I have the Cold Steel Pipe Hawk and is very similar to this one. Here in the sticks of Missouri a tomahawk is pretty legit to have. A tomahawk, knife and a saw can get you a long ways in the woods. Also one thing about a tomahawk too is that it is also a weapon if need be more so than a hatchet/axe. Not many thinks about it in that manner but in a REAL bugout/SHTF/survival scenario that might be a last ditch weapon to defend yourself. Moral of the story have your gun on you either open carry or concealed. Just food for thought.

[@eliteteutonicknight1]

I'd say they are decently viable. They _can_ split, they chop better than a knife, and are at least lighter than an axe. And they are capable of more delicate work. Designs with hammers on the back are very useful, since you can make wooden stakes and hammer them, as well as give you a spot to smash the head into wood like a wedge. Bonus: they can be thrown and used as effective weapons. They may not cut as effectively as a full sized axe, or do as precise cuts as a knife, but tomahaks are versatile all-rounders in the woods.

[@vShoTzZ25]

Nobody probably cares but I love my hawk, except the broken handle which im still trying to replace. I have a crkt hawk with a spike which i cut off and made into a short hammer. I may buy the crkt chogan and do the same thing, cut the excess hammer part and make it into a shorter hammer head, mainly because i like the look of the chogans blade alittle better then the kangee. Either way its way more packable now, i dont have to worry about a spike while im swingint it around and hiking with it on my hip, and it just looks way better

[@Tarliamm]

Don't know about blowing smoke but I use A tomahawk all the time in the Colorado Rockies, and i think they are a very viable tool. Another great Video try never to miss one

[@eddiezero1403]

I think it's a matter of preference, bud. I used a Kershaw camp 10 on my last camping trip to Selkirk shores state park here in NY and it did an amazing job. felt bad for the family at the camp site next to us. the guy was struggling so bad with a hatchet. it was kicking his ass to say the least. but I was batoning the wood I had perfectly fine. and was able to get amazing shaving with just using that. used my firesteel and knife for the spark. but still. as I said. to each is own. if it works for you. it's for you. great video man. keep up the awesome work.

[@josephallen19]

Edison Seymour thanks man.

[@millerdumaoal1456]

I'm in Washington state. Im trying the trail hawk for the first time this weekend. While I'm not too happy with how the head fits I think it's worth giving a shot. I spent over an hour trying to get the head and handle to match up. But like I said I'm giving it a shot. I'm pairing it up with a 4 1/2 inch blade and a Fiskars folding saw that I had from a gardening task. I'm really wondering how this would compare to the gransford hatchet or small forest axe. Might those be a better option? I'm open to opinions. Thanks again Joe for a very nicely made video. Miller

[@tylerpickersgill]

speaking of misqutoes wouldnt mind seeing or does anyway have natural or primitive misquitos repellent i know ash is one

[@onfarm6521]

Joe check out the Hawks from 2hawks.com great Hawks and great people!

[@MrJustus88]

Thermacell!!! Works great for Mosquitos. I hate them

[@RobertFireLionBlueHawkWinkler]

Not a tomahawk, but I use an antique wide blade roofers hatchet that I refurbished. A very handy tool, and possibly a one tool option.

[@craigmount9109]

For me, in South East England, the tomahawk would do the job, however! For the ease, and for getting the job done quicker id carry the extra weight and take my gransfors small forest axe..

[@MrFroggy29]

Hello, great video, thanks ;) I use a hawk , i love this tool because , for me it s natural to use it. Other guys prefers a camp knife, a little knife.. For me it s a hawk. I got a crkt/rmj Nobo. Simple and great design, only for the fonction. The steel is great too.

[@eddiejenkins9902]

I use the hawk for processing wood at reenactments. In early America they were used as a tool for processing wood, meat, and as a weapon. It was commonly referred to as a belt or hand axe.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

A tomahawk, a saw & a belt knife will get you through most things.

[@bradleystrand81]

I've been using one for about 6 years now for light chopping and wood processing in much the same way you presented here. I live in the upper Great lakes region and it seems to work fine for me. I like the 'hawk because it's light and pleasure to tote around in the woods, but can still do an adequate job for more than 90% of my wood processing needs. I have also used my tomahawk to split deer pelvises while field dressing.

[@aHigherPower]

I would prefer a mid sized ax, but I would take one if I had no other tools. If if was good enough for the early trappers it's good enough for long term if needed.

[@Chiefs500]

I believe a lot of the early trappers used a small belt axe rather than a tomahawk - it is more efficient and is still pretty lightweight. It is much better at splitting tasks too. I have a couple of hawks I do use on occasion but much prefer my small belt axe.

[@lukequinlan4523]

It is also alot lighter

[@campsmileyoutdoors4095]

I love my trail hawk and wouldn't go into the woods without it. Where I'm at, in the South Carolina Sea Islands, we have no large predators, but the tomahawk makes for good protection around camp as well as an all purpose camp tool.

[@MrXLH2003]

In a country where just about every tree is HARD wood (Australia) I am seriously considering a tomahawk, why risk a knife blade when this tool will do 80-90% of what need's to be done around the camp.

[@mikeewoody]

Hay Joe, great video and yes the tomahawk is an awesome survival tool. I'm in the woods all the time and for the past 5 years have carried my tested and trusted long hunter tomahawk by two hawks. I love it for prossesing wood, building shelters, hunting small game, even meat prossesing.

[@kimcurtis9366]

I live in Wyoming and did the Mountain Man thing for 30 years! I have found hawks to be useful in all aspects of bushcraft here! They are useful for SO many things! Thanks for the video!

[@WizzRacing]

I'm not sure. As there are better choices. The basic function of the Tomahawk was to dig, break rocks and stone up, cut or break bone and close in personal defense weapon. At least that was what my grand father said. I'm not sue I would carry one.

[@TheKimjoh560]

Hey man! I live in Sweden and I use a hawk. Its a CRKT Woods Kangee and I find it works very well for most tasks I would use any classic swedish style small axe for. I did however have to put a suitable grind on it first. I picked it over the Chogan because I find it hard to find a use for the "hammer" functionallity that I cannot just aswell do with a stick, rock or the pummel of my knife. The spike on the other hand is great for many things. The hawk you are using is alot smaller and lighter than the CRKT Woods hawks and I would probably not want a tomahawk like that to be my only axe. However, the heads could be made to fit on the same shaft which would add alot of functionality with very little added weight. Definatley a viable tool, even in sweden.

[@BrovoCoyote]

Seeing as my ancestors used them yeah i think there a good tool and a weapon

[@drewsboats]

I love my Trail Hawk! I have a couple of high end hatchets from Sweden, GB sfa and Husqvarna and even more Cold Steel etc., but my Trail Hawk goes most short hikes with me. I probably use it more than any of the others for general camp chores. I abuse it. It takes it like a Timex. I think I use it most because its cheap and I don't care if I mess it up... and I have. I file it back into shape, hone and strop... BAM splitting hairs again. Its that simple. I made a short handle for it with the hawk head alone. I throw it all over the place. Process fish and game... Made my own mask and belt loop. If someone is just starting out with gear and so forth... get the trail hawk, a folding saw, and a mora knife.... $50 bucks (usd) and the rest is just gravy. Keep up the good times Joe. I appreciate you sharing them. Ciao

[@farmore1540]

Tomahawks are considered as toys in Finland. Not considered as a viable tool. I was brought to this conclusion as well. Even though I had never tried one. Bought a trail hawk a month ago, resharpened the edge, sanded the handle and got the odd coating off. Loving it. Cannot handle it as well though but at least I'm willing to give it a shot nowdays. Viable and I like how easy it is to craft a new handle in a pinch.

[@WELSBYROOTS]

It's a great tool and like any tool it has its place! thanks for sharing Joe!..........it's good for killing zombies too!

[@josephallen19]

+WELSBY ROOTS The best for killin zombies.

[@NomadicWoodsman]

Nice buti prefer your Lars Falt outdoor axe from your solo canoe video .. too bad it's out of stock on :( great video on splitting techniques thanks Joe !

[@SharpsThorne]

Do you think it would work in my neck of the woods......British Columbia Canada?????? I seen you on Alone. hehehe don't you love our rain forest?

[@josephallen19]

Sharps Thorne ya, it's different there, thats for sure.

[@woodsmokewoodcraftschool3332]

A good viable tool here on the Alabama Gulf-Coast. I think we have you beat in the mosquito department though. Thanks for the video Joe.

[@josephallen19]

Woodsmoke Woodcraft School haha, no doubt! thanks man.

[@FrontierLegacy]

depends on the hawk. I have one that has a four inch long cutting edge with a 22" handle and it is a work horse when it comes processing wood. never really carry my axe unless I know I have to take down decent size tree.

[@Chrisrk11]

I live in Alabama and I have a two Hawks tomahawk I carry it all the time love it

[@mountaingoatc60]

yes it is viable tool. I prefer tomahawk over the axe.

[@johngray2995]

clearly it works, you demonstrated that. But does it offer anything more than your regular axe? I'm not so sure. Love the channel, hope you and scout are well

[@hopefulhearted]

+John Gray its much lighter, so less straining to carry and to work with. and the handle can be easily replaced. or you can even carry just the head and make a handle when you're in the woods. you can also easily remove and use the head just on its own if you need to, though its not as nice to use as a knife

[@allan1062]

Do you carry a trauma kit with you when you are out in the bush by yourself, especially when you are wielding an axe? Clotting agent or pressure bandages?

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

..100's of miles from the nearest hospital, we carried a roll of electrician's tape and a large women's kotex pad, when staking mining claims in N.Ontario, using and axe or brushhook to blaze claim lines and make corner posts...

[@BornRandy62]

that was a tomato horn worm. they once were known for being a tobacco worm. I have a Cold Steel Rifleman hawk. I also carry a shinglers hammer. the shinglers hammer is a hatchet with a hardened hammer poll head. The rifleman hawk is a heavier version with a longer handle. I use it for fence repair work. Chop small volunteer trees and to tighten fencing staples. Building a fence I wold have the regular tools designed for fence wire and staple work. repairs are just tightening up what is already done.

[@backwoodsbushcraftnsurvival]

Hey Joe I use a pipe hawk all the time to process wood n as a weapon for hogs in florida n yes it works really good love ur vids n ur advise. .....from a brl bruther bubba

[@josephallen19]

Ronny Whisenant Thanks man!

[@sean-salvatorecerchiara9952]

Hello, i am helping my sister find a tomahawk for her boyfriend, what brand is the one you're using? is it still being made and would you have any other suggestions?

[@MrJoshDoty]

It is a . The are very inexpensive but need a fair amount of work to make them useful. It’s worth it though it becomes yours when you finish it. Look up “Cold Steel Trailhawk tomahawk” videos for what I mean. Good luck. Have fun.

[@MNgunhead]

I used mine today to process some deadfall wood for a little fire in the woods. Used the bahco to cut sections and quickly split them into quarters to burn more effectively. I love that little hawk. I used to baton everything, but I think the little hawk makes quicker, easier work of it. Not to mention that it's just a bit easier. I've never had the knife fail me, but the hawk allows me to use my knife for what a knife was designed for. I'll keep splitting with the hawk. I customized mine to make it look cool and shortened the handle by 6 inches. It packs small, but stil works great.

[@smokeycanopy]

Did the same with mine and its a great tool.

[@mnk199245]

I carry a felling axe and a tomahawk together as I am from a very cold country and I need to be able to easily fell trees, the tomahawk is great for working with lighter wood. I hate mosquitoes too thats why i make sure to treat all my clothing with permethrin. Also greatly decreases the risk or Lyme disease.

[@mnk199245]

I just carry the tomohawk head now as a backup, and carry a silky katanaboy saw and a gransfors bruks small forest axe. I have found that in extreme cold temperatures it is harder to chop a tree with an axe. The saw is also quite a bit lighter than my old felling axe

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

any tool you have will be better then the one you left at home. in the summer that would work great for me. come the dead of winter, i would likely freeze to death. I do like the fact that they are usually lighter then a normal ax. so you can cut down on some weight if you are doing a backpacking trip. Great video sir!

[@danielrobeson-grubb291]

Definitely a viable tool for processing wood

[@tminish]

Definitely viable in Western Washington. Thanks for the video. Great as always!

[@EDCAdventures]

Completely viable! Love mine and though I haven't had to yet, I think its a more versatile tool than an axe or hatchet with the removable head.

[@gabrielloebmoreira1375]

hello i live in brasil and awer wood is very dense hear so the tamahawk dosn't cuate do the job P.S. sorry for my por speling

[@josephallen19]

+Gabriel Loeb Moreira I can understand perfectly..What tool is common to use in Brazil?, a large axe?, or maybe a saw? Thanks!

[@TheDaveDryden]

You processed wood well, easy to carry and fix, I would use it here in B.C. for more casual trips too. All you need is some war paint and a Mohawk, and maybe a tan...

[@gabrielloebmoreira1375]

an axe is beter,bicause the sap of the trees hear in Brasil are so sticky so a saw would stik all the time. P.S. thank u for answering my coment

[@josephallen19]

+Gabriel Loeb Moreira makes sense :)

[@crazy4offroad]

If you use it and like it, and it works well, it's a good one! Pack weight is always a consideration as well. For lighter pack I would take my machete but most outings I have my Estwing rigger's axe. I like the wider square blade and hammer head and shorter handle but I can see the advantage to the longer handle with this video. Also the Estwing is all steel 1-piece, no wooden handle to break. Cool video, keep it up! ATB -Curt

[@czechmate9591]

Great video bro, I love tomahawks good stuff

[@jackdaniels6668]

You're like my wanna be future self haha

[@JustTheJoel]

Good video sir. I use mine all the time, especially when I don't want to pack an axe but want to have a chopping tool along. Just packing the head is really useful and a lot less cumbersome.

[@icantstop90]

Joe, The Tomahawk is an exceptionally viable tool! I live in the pacific NW of the USA & I can attest that a Tomahawk certainly will do a number of jobs & do them well. No smoke blown up your ass! The only reason why I do not use a Tomahawk is because I intend on using my chopping tool for larger tasks. I use a single-bit forest axe with a 32" handle (I'm 6'3") and the reason for using a forest axe is because of long-term survival aspects. Building a cabin. A folding bucksaw paired with a forest axe can construct a cabin, with a little know-how. The Tomahawk is excellent in other areas, but just can't bite a log like a true axe. Cheers, sir!

[@Zedoutdoors]

Have yet to own and play around with a tomahawk so couldnt comment, worst case you look cool as hell carrying it so thats a plus ~Peace~

[@josephallen19]

Zed Outdoors thats all that really matters.

[@NothingCoherent]

West Coast / Canada - Tomahawk works here, but it isn't ideal. An axe is highly preferred. A tomahawk doesn't have the mass to split up some of the larger logs, which is required when it's wet out (always). You'll get by, but it's far more work than it's worth, IMO.

[@CrittersCanoeing]

A tomahawk is my first choice take. They are more versatile in my opinion.

[@markclaudel]

Cool! I had just commented on another vid of yours when I noticed your Trailhawk. Coincidentally, here you are with a video on it. I love mine and bring with me on wild camp trips and leave the axe at home. I really don't need anything heavier. It does the job fine. I even use it as a splitting wedge for thicker logs at times. I take the head off and dig it into the cut and hit it with a heavy baton. Works every time :) Good stuff Joe!

[@josephallen19]

Coconut Bushcraft Thanks man!

[@WannabeBushcrafter]

Awesome video Joe! I can definitely see the advantages of being lighter and the ease of replacing a broken handle. So how does that Tomahawk's straight handle compare with the curved handle of axes in terms of hotspots and general ergonomics?

[@josephallen19]

Wannabe Bushcrafter It feels perfectly fine, the light head lets you be able to swing it all day. Thanks!

[@iliveoutside]

Well it depends on what you want. Yes it will process small wood for a cook/camp fire, however if you need serious fuel for heat, its going take you a lot more energy to use vs. a small axe, and any weight savings is totally negated. It I am traipsing around in the fall/winter woods, I am carrying both a saw and a light axe, like a GFB SFA at minimum. Obviously in this video it is summer and you really do not need heat from a fire so the hawk will work fine and be very portable.

[@starpuss]

I am a AXE Nut, Be never thought to take a tomahawk camping lol, Maybe one day ill bring one to play with.

[@Gullrica]

Seems like a good tool. Haven´t one my self - yet - but in the future.... who knows. Now light a fire a get rid of those flying blood suckers.. :) Thank you for sharing!

[@Astronoweeb]

Over here in Montana I definitely feel better with a good axe over a hawk. Nothing too big and heavy though. Something like the Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is perfect.

[@toddklekotka3340]

Ordered me a CRKT chogan woods hawk. I have axes but I prefer to use my long handled axe for big jobs. My hatchet chipped while chopping cedar, and the fiberglass handle sucks, so Im gonna give the tomahawk a try. Nice video bud!

[@bark3rISgod]

Amen on the fiberglass statement

[@Pppppppp718]

i've used that splitting technique ever since i saw it in your early videos

[@meddice]

Just subscribed. I first heard about your channel on a recent Survival Lilly video. Thanks for this great video Joe. You got me thinking about a Tomahawk now. I had previously written them off in favour of my machete.

[@josephallen19]

+meddice Great to hear it!, just another fun tool to play with.

[@meddice]

+JoeRobinetBushcraft Well, I bought myself a Tomahawk now. Videos like yours are the reason I have lots of cool stuff but no money lol

[@bsabushcraft5037]

Man bro you know how to control a tomahawk lol great video Joe! Abrahm

[@DylanDaVillian1]

I live in upstate New York and I use the crkt woods chogan tomahawk and it works great. I have no complaints. It's a bit heavier than the average tomahawk so it has more power to it. I've taken down 6-7 inch diameter trees with the thing, I would definitely recommend it.

[@bradleytinstruction1350]

I have a cold steel myself, it just has a plain back on it, no hammer, but I kick myself for not getting the trail hawk. might just get one, they are not expensive. I love the hawk though, thinking about doing a 5 day survival trip with only my hawk soon. where did you learn how to survive?

[@ScottRauber]

Like the vid....thanks! Like the Tommy too......maybe I'll get one some day!