Making Tomahawks Great Again: the pros and cons of a small axe

I love my Cold Steel tomahawks but recently I've been having to admit to myself that there are some advantages to be had from a normally mounted axe head. In this video I discuss these concepts. Check out NorthPointAxe.com for some awesome reproduction Viking Axes.

[@brandonwood3442]

Don't think too much into the swelling/shrinking stuff. Soak the head of the hatchet/axe in a bucket of linseed oil and the handle will swell into the eye of the head and not come loose again. Linseed oil can be crudely manufactured in a pinch in an SHTF scenario, if you have access to flax seeds. Really, any oil will do for soaking the axe head. Just do not soak it in water, as that will work temporarily but exacerbate the looseness in the long run once the water dries out. And of course there's always the option of making a new handle. A properly fitted axe head will rarely come loose on its own. Instead of cutting the top of the handle flush with the head, leave a small section of handle sitting slightly proud of the top of the axe head so it mushrooms out when wedged and locks the head in place (and as you said, fitting it in a cold dry time of the year helps, too). Remember, people have been using axes and hatchets long before the modern era! But, the tomahawk is still superior in that regard, as it is essentially impossible for the head to loosen and fly off. I love both my tomahawk and my axes :)

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Excellent points. Thank you!

[@mylesharvey6488]

Can you use mineral oil?

[@Unit38]

As far as Tomahawk "slippage" is concerned. I have heard that, back in the day, the Indians would trade with the colonists for skateboard tape to put on the handles of their Tomahawks. Works well on a good number of things, guns, tool handles, etc.

[@QLAUZSIBEL]

Not to forget about the hockey-and lizzard-tape,verry common back than.Bevor that they had to use leather wrapings..

[@PalmettoParatrooper]

You should found a Tomahawk fan club.

[@Adam.Rushing]

He wouldn't just be the president...he'd also be a client.

[@ronkawasaki1896]

I was wondering why this great nation of ours don’t have high quality tomahawk infact all I see is Nepalese kukri outperforming hatchet n tomahawk so now it’s time to step up the game.

[@Adeoneer]

You like Tomahawks as much as I like machetes.

[@PalmettoParatrooper]

I'm on your team. I grew up around a lot of undergrowth. Nothing is better for a wall of vines that light can't get through. It's also pretty handy for batoning larger pieces of firewood than your knife can handle.

[@sosecvsosecv7047]

Tomahawks are American machetes

[@jrozanec1]

I like tomahawks axes and knives, but it hurts me every time you stick your cutting tools into the tree. and you do it very often and with a lot of unnecessary force in this presentation. :(

[@brethatch2244]

Thats what they're meant to do...

[@jrozanec1]

@@brethatch2244 No. They are meant to do the task/work (survivor tasks, preparing wood, hunting, combat, etc.). Sticking blades into the living tree with no purpose (other then show) is not what they're meant to do... p.s. your name R. M. is accurate

[@freeravenadventures6925]

Bought the cold steel rifleman cuz your videos. No real need. Just because primitive man stuff I guess

[@jasonvoorhees2982]

Germanic person here. Just subscribed and love your channel brother. I'll try and not to "fly off the handle".

[@latkovicn]

One thing you Americans can˙t understand is the difference between a weapon and a tool... Tomahawk is a fucking weapon, that can be used as a tool, hathets and axes are tools, that can be used as a weapon... Tomahawk is light for a reason... Axe is heavy for a reason too... Carrying a Tomahawk instead an axe or hatchet is just ..wrong...Just like carrying a machete in north hemisphere instead of hachet...

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I will do a video on this. I think you’re forgetting the advantage a longer handle brings or your definition of hatchet may be what we think of as camp axe.

[@mattm5001]

Thanks for the video.

[@oneer8435]

I'm a tomahawk lover myself. I know it's crazy but I carry one with my glock 90% of the time.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I find myself carrying one around the yard. I just like holding them!

[@cmoore7780]

WoW brother and I thought I was the only one..idk what it is about these beloved hawks but I myself also have a love for hawks. The look the feel that solid thunk sound when you throw it into a tree..

[@redpillgermany2162]

Franciska

[@bubba7626]

A rubber bicycle handle grip slipped over the butt end of your hawk makes all the difference!

[@TheRevoltingMan]

That’s an interesting idea.

[@hanikaram3351]

POOR TREES everyone stick em the Trees why not find the dead Trees not living ones

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Lol, that is getting cut down to make way for apple trees. Normally I don’t hack up good trees.

[@jeremyvculek3090]

This country has devolved to the point We need a leader. Or we don’t we need a man or we don’t. You might or might not matter it is up to you

[@MrWolf-le4nv]

I loved my SOG Fast Hawk. I loved throwing it. Saved me alot of money by not shooting/plinking. The point on the back of the hawk was great in case my throw was slightly off. I didn't like the fact it wasn't full tang. I lost it somewhere. I have hatchets like my huge estwing.... But it's too heavy for combat. My smaller hatchets lack range. They say too hold the hawk by the head in your palm and let the handle lay up your arm. The handle should end ever so slightly pat the bend of your arm or at the bend. I can twirl, throw, and do all manner of tricks that look cool w a hawk I'm familiar w. But honestly???? That's all mostly useless. A hawk ,hatchet, framing hammer are all totally offensive weapons that are meant to be used w super aggression bordering on the line of rage. You get mad enough to come in strong and holding nothing back. But still have presence of mind so you don't go crazy and still have perifrial vision rather than tunnel vision that you get while blood drunk/rage. These tools are natural for us because we've all used something like it. A nice estwing 22oz framing hammer is a great item to have in your truck at arm's reach. That and a good sharp knife. My personal favorite is still my handgun though LoL 😜

[@Adam.Rushing]

I know I've mentioned this before...but checkering and or a sheepshank style grip/know can help. I have to say though, I would revert to anything, even a hatchet, before I took The Revolting Axe out into the woods...that is sooo beautiful, I would hate to damage it! lol Also, it is possible to get a palm swell on a hawk, but it does require taking the middle of the handle down a bit more so that the butt end can be the size of the hole. In days-gone-bye that would require a bigger eye to be made in the head during the forging process. The smith would figure out how you liked the feel of the handle, then the grip would be carved down to that out of a bigger diameter piece of wood. The eye of the hawk would have been forged larger so that it would slide over with ease. In some smith's forges anyway. Good vid brother.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I bet if we asked North Point would make a bigger eyed head but he's already given me three axes and I'm not even going to breathe a word of something else to for a while.

[@Adam.Rushing]

@@TheRevoltingMan WOW...Well, I can't blame you there! lol They look like amazing axes. I will get one eventually....if for no other reason than to say I have an ax that is actually made in America...sad but true.

[@Adam.Rushing]

BTW, my first comment was supposed to say "a sheepshank style grip/KNOT" gotta love spellcheck...

[@frankburns672]

Had a prob like that one time when I was young. Had an old man tell me to keep a bucket of water where it wouldn't freeze, and when the head started feeling loose just set it in the bucket of water overnight. (head down)

[@halfcantan1208]

Have you ever tried using alder for you handle that wood is very underrated it's strong but also flexible enough not to break if you've like I have done in the past soaked in water for three days then when it's dry enough on the outside to take a coat of wood preserve or indeed varnish you end up with a very good handle that can take punishment and resists shrinkage sorry can ye do ye have alder trees over there ? It's little things like this that you don't see on the television about your country I'm most interested in great vid as usual brother and no refugees from narnia bothering us with their never ending stream of hateful spite

[@frankburns672]

They still got them in stock, I ordered one.

[@tippin.turtle]

It's dificult to imagine YOU of all people getting a lecture about safety.......

[@jamesolivito4374]

Good video . Love a good axe . Drilled holes in handle of mine for leather strap. Helps keep it where it needs to be

[@kde439]

I tape the end of the handle,make a thick ring, never flys out of your hand, secondly I roll a section of bicycle inner tube(ranger bands) up the handle against the bottom side of the head, stops the head from slipping down . Dip the end wood above the hawk in water it swells . Check it out Im sure you will find it works.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Good tips, thanks!

[@kde439]

@@TheRevoltingMan your welcome. Was wondering if you got yourself a copy of "Resistance to Tyranny ." yet ??

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Not yet.

[@kde439]

@@TheRevoltingMan Somehow I knew you were going to say that. lots of good subject matter for video topics in that book. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@markhaywood7307]

Full of it, no knowledge,no appreciation, no skill, Zero field use- apart from a park. Max Level.

[@markbecker71]

France was named after one..

[@halfcantan1208]

Have you seen them ones on that wish shopping app they look tacticool and cheap maybe you should do a review on one or two of them like these under twenty and to be honest if I was that interested in tomahawks as you are I doubt I could resist just checking at least one out just a suggestion

[@fanman8102]

Good luck on your venture to make the tomahawk great again but I’ll stick to the large knife. Ontario SP-53 for me!

[@wgrangerjr1]

I use Tiger Wax pine tar (the stick that they use in baseball bats) on my hawk and axe handles. It helps prevent them from slipping out of my grasp and it protects the wood from the elements.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I never thought of pine tar, great idea!

[@wgrangerjr1]

It’s called Tiger Stick. It’s about 12 bucks for a stick, but it’ll last forever. It’s not messy and it’s easy to apply.

[@benitoc4332]

I have a few hawks. I use hockey tape and ranger bands on the grips. Only downside is that you can't remove the head.

[@frankpetrie5879]

Hi RM, I'm really liking your new axe. My son has been a blacksmith since 2001, he mostly shoes horses & he said years ago he'd make me a tommyhawk, I'm still waiting. The best tommyhawk scene has to go to Mel Gibson in "THE PATROIT" where he lays waste to a company of Redcoats his role in the movie is Francis Marion of South Carolina "THE SWAMP FOX". Gr8 movie ! Best to U&YOURS. 😉

[@DJTemplar1]

When your ready to train fighting skills let me know I will be glad to come and Practice with you and show you what I have learned in Europe …. Get those Hawks out of a Live tree respect the tree please … Care Taker Mentality Sir.... I have carried a Hawk for years all through Europe for Bush crafting your hands get use to the handle and get STRONGER as you Practice and work with it.... Big Bear hugs... I carry a CRKT Hawk... Pass your Rifleman Hawk off to some one else who could use it … call it a Channel Gift... Pay it Forward

[@TheRevoltingMan]

One of the guys in the Viking group carries a CRKT, it looks good. The tree is going to be cut down for firewood and replaced with an apple tree sometime this year so it's life is growing short already.

[@DJTemplar1]

@@TheRevoltingMan how many fruit trees are you going to plant

[@billythekidd623]

i have two trail hawks and i cut the handles down to under 11 inches for long drives a little oil and itll last me my lifetime along with my revolver and rifle and cast iron cook ware!!!buy things that last!!!1

[@sosecvsosecv7047]

I use a Fusion from sog a I love it .... I also have an original Vietnam air Tomahawk

[@B-mang]

thoulda thrown them against sumthin

[@yourenotfree]

My Revolting Axes arrived today. Bought one for me and a couple of friends. They are awesome!

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

riflemans hawk is awesome

[@TheRevoltingMan]

It really is!

[@williamstanley324]

TRM: Thanks; I had never considered the comparative merits of tomahawks versus axes.

[@bubba7626]

I love and have many tomahawks and hatchets but serioulsy in an SHTF situation something like the ESTWING all carbon steel Riggers Axe would be the best choice overall. It doesnt look bushcrafty or primitive but it sure is a tough tool that will get the job done, plus has a nail puller. Try one sometime youll see what i mean.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

My only problem with the Estwings is that I have seen them beak and then you can’t replace the handle.

[@bubba7626]

I have whacked mine pretty hard, maybe I got lucky but good to know

[@beeamerica5024]

Decisions decisions decisions but I'm sure you'll make the right one and we need results not speculation LOL

[@beeamerica5024]

Carve some grips in the handle

[@vpowpow4033]

I don’t know why anyone likes that God awful rifleman‘s hawk. It’s so clunky and heavy and slow. If you’re gonna carry something that heavy should have a longer handle with some contour.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Because it hits so hard! That being said, I replaced it on my load out. It is too too heavy for how thin the handle is.

[@howdareyou7829]

What r u on meth lmao jk

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Not the first time I've been asked that......

[@longrider42]

I have heard the Cold Steel Rifleman's hawk called The Magnum of Tomahawks" That's why I got one :) I put the a longer handle on it, and its pretty much a small axe. I also have the Trail Hawk, and its a good little hawk. But more for light chopping and such.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I just got a long handle. I’m looking forward to trying it on the Rifleman.

[@bubba161]

You should do combat with tomohawks

[@TheRevoltingMan]

That would be fun.

[@bubba161]

@@TheRevoltingMan yeah I’m sure a lot of people would love to see that on your channel man cause I feel like there’s nothing like that on youtube

[@Civil_Luke]

I’ve given this concept much consideration. Formerly I was against an axe but a good full tang breaching type tomahawk does make a lot of sense in a pack.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I agree. A small axe brings a lot of capabilities. Thank you for the comment!

[@johnstewart4646]

On looks alone the Revolting Axe wins, but i,ll wait to see how your testing goes.

[@AeolethNionian]

Man. I've just bought a medium sized fiskars axe. Roughly 3ft long. It's easier to use one handed than my rifleman hawk on the short haft. The rifleman makes a good thrower but it's terrible for anything else.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Agreed except for handle replacement, it’s great for that.

[@binkybeowulf-oi7zh]

Shrinkage is always a big deal! ;-)

[@likeabull1]

If it wasn't for those leather boots, that would have been a terrible axe dent... Good thing you wasn't wearing slippers.

[@davide.burden2043]

And would have given new meaning to "Flip-Flops".

[@joshsimp1995]

I enjoy tomahawks, they are fun to throw.

[@effeojnedib7208]

As a martial artist, I've always been a knife and machete guy as far as self defense weapons go. After some practice with my Cold Steel Norse Hawk, I've had since the 90's, some advantages came to mind. A hawk can be choked up on and the handle length can be changed to fit the techniques of the user. It can also be flipped around so the edge is an extension of the knuckles, leaving the handle as a club. I did fasten the head of the hawk permanently. It can be removed with a drill and the right tools, then the handle replaced. I plan to continue practicing and have already received a Trench Hawk from Cold Steel as well.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Interesting.

[@tdb4297]

I had him make me a custom axe the other day!. After I saw your fransisca axe video. I gotta get him payed up here directly. I'm excited to get it in my hands and try it out!

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I love mine. What did you get?

[@hanikaram3351]

Good man you speak truth I salute you , i think if i can gather enough money i might buy one in the future

[@TheRevoltingMan]

They’re a good tool.

[@sarahpride5556]

Great video ! We are into tomahawks too. It is a heritage thing. I have my grandsons practice with ‘Hawk and Bowie (or Gladius), against “Chippy the Woods Giant...an oaken Pell suspended from a rope over an uneven forest floor. The guys have destroyed two thus far. No quarter given nor expected.

[@mariopinot9884]

Nice

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Not sure why the Revolting Hawk didn't get a slip fit haft. Makes a lot of sense to me.

[@totherarf]

I may be showing how dumb I really am here, but ...... Why not whip a handle? OK I realise that you will no longer be able to detach the head from the shaft so it may have some storage issues, but how often do you really need to do that? Having the last 9" of handle whipped with a suitable cord would give you both a better grip and a wider end so it would be less likely to slip out of your grip. Also this would mean you did not have to grip the handle with as much force meaning less muscle fatigue in your forearms ...... Less muscle flex to impress the ladies (or a potential opponent) but is that a bad thing ;0)

[@halfcantan1208]

Did you see them axe's pictures? Do you know what the two handle repaired ones are for , the one with the blue water pipe handle and the one with the copper pipe filled with concrete handle , they are both meant for some specific task but darned if I know what

[@jrozanec1]

btw, beautiful axe design

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Thank you, I like it a lot/

[@bubba7626]

I have also used rangerband stretched over the head portion of the shaft for securing the head better

[@jimmyd6988]

I swear, the Boss is like a little boy when it comes to his preferred toys, lol.

[@halfcantan1208]

Can't knock the man I found my old wrist rocket yesterday so I revamped it for my ' nephew' but the little fella hardly got a look in today lol

[@deangullberry5148]

My kids hate it when I buy stuff for them...

[@Civil_Luke]

What are the benefits of a tomahawk over a machete? Seems like the machete would be a much more versatile tool as it can chop, clear brush and be used defensively. Personally my kit consists of a large knife that I can baton with and a folding saw.

[@TheRevoltingMan]

In the northern hemisphere the advantages are manifold, manifest and just plain manly. And it has to do with our forests, machetes just don't get it done when you're felling trees. They are easier to sharpen (less cutting area) and they are less likely to bend or break and they are stupidly flexible. I am always a little sceptical of the saws. What's their purpose? They're slower to cut with, impossible to sharpen but completely dependent on being sharp. Their intended use is in carpentry. They make a more efficient use of wood. They have no advantages that justify their weight. On top of all that different teeth styles are only effective on certain woods. You might not even have what you need. And they gum up really bad when cutting green wood. Ditch them a tomahawk will replace both the saw and the large knife, will be more effective than both and save you significant weight.

[@Civil_Luke]

@@TheRevoltingMan tomahawks have such a small cutting area that they make clearing brush very labor intensive. I tend to lead towards Allan Kay's line of thinking. I'd rather have a large kukri that is good chopper, good at clearing brush and good as a cutter. Then the saw can handle the cutting. The saw honestly makes very fast work of cutting. A Bahco Laplander or a silki saw stay sharp for a very long time and work well for shelter building as well as firewood processing. They require little energy for the amount of work they do and they work very quietly. That soft zuh-zuh as apposed to that loud thwack-thwack is a big advantage when it comes to trying to remain stealthy. Obviously neither the tomahawk, kukri, or folding saw are ideal home steading tools. They are meant to be used when away from your homestead and need to make a temporary shelter or process fire wood. Around the homestead I first want my Stihl Chainsaw or at the least a 2 man cross cut saw. Then I'd want my large axe and splitting maul.

[@robbevington1754]

you should have told us about them befor he was out :)

[@TheRevoltingMan]

Sorry. They were really cool.

[@davide.burden2043]

I'm pretty sure he did Rob, they just went fast! They will be making more, (if I'm not mistaken), just not at that price.

[@oscarbear7498]

Could you review the weeping heart cool steel tomahawk please 🙏

[@oscarbear7498]

Awesome video, straight to the point 👌

[@oscarbear7498]

Awesome video, straight to the point 👌

[@oscarbear7498]

Awesome video, straight to the point 👌

[@TheRevoltingMan]

I will look in to it for sure.

[@davide.burden2043]

Proficiency with the Tomahawk is gained through copious practice. So the evidence suggests that you need more training with your Tomahawks. Carry on Marine.

[@halfcantan1208]

These tools never really had the impact here that they've had elsewhere of course we see them around but to be honest never really that much use for them even today

[@davide.burden2043]

*Wash your mouth out Tex.* Don't make me drive all the way to South Texas, cause I'll bring a huge bar of home made lye soap with me.

[@deangullberry5148]

@@halfcantan1208 bit of history for you Halfcan. When France and England were populating N.A. they were coming over armed with issued equipment. Musket, saber, small jack knife. Almost immediately they observed the superiority of the 'hawk (for the American wilderness) and would procure one ASAP, along with a good medium sized knife. The natives had no problem teaching Europeans how to make them, as the introduction of iron and steel gave them a game changing advantage over their enemies.

[@halfcantan1208]

Dean Gullberry true Dean very true but I knew that you'd be surprised how much American history I've either read or seen documentaries on we get the American PBS channel here plus all the other mainstream shows except fox they pretty much banned fox about two years ago before that during the general election on England before the ban fox wasn't allowed to broadcast for the duration of the election wish these frontiers men and their Indian allies would come back there's some people here that really need scalping

[@deangullberry5148]

@@halfcantan1208 and now you (figuratively speaking) see why Americans get so worked up when Canadians, and Europeans try to tell us that the 1A is over-rated....