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

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[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@kimcurtis9366]

Joe, I live close to the pine forests of Wyoming and a hawk serves me well when I camp! I've been using one for 40 years and that's a good testimony to how I feel about hawks! Thanks for the vids!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@TheNhhs2008]

used to carry a hatchet and recently started to carry a cs pipe hawk because of some of the trail hawk videos, and yes it does work in our area of the world!

[@Chrisrk11]

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

[@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!

[@ghostrecon6422]

Great job Joe. I think you definitely validated your point on the tomahawk. Nicely done.

[@josephallen19]

Ghostrecon642 thank you.

[@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.

[@bushkiwi6348]

Use one myself, and love it. It's a good tool for NZ conditions.

[@warhatchet]

I own several of these hawks and they work well. My 8 year old Scout loves carry and using his.

[@kevinschwinkendorf3202]

When Im canoe camping I always have a good hand saw and a Tomahawk peace pipe. It’s nice at night to sit around the fire and toke a little. Great appetizer for a good campfire meal.

[@Cynocehali]

Thanks for sharing the WASP carrying the larvae at the start most people don't appreciate the little things like that in nature. As for a tomahawk as a processing tool I've had one for a year now and it's just been sitting there I really want to give it a try this winter. It's just like any other tool keep it within its perimeters and it will do just fine. Thanks for sharing!

[@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

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I just found this site and have relearned a lot of things and learned good new techniques as well. I did most of my backpacking and camping in the Northeast. The forests had a good selection of down wood in the size you worked with in this video. Your tomahawk processes wood at least as well as my 'pocket' hatchet a similar face size. My axe has a shorter handle for stowing in a pack but your 'hawk' seems to be more functional/forceful. You convinced me with this demonstration.

[@brendantumpey159]

I purchased a trail hawk after watching your video "Saturday Morning Bushcraft Hike in the Prairie with Scout" and I love it. Very useful tool in my area.

[@franklintheturtle6343]

It works pretty well in SC so I must agree with you good sir

[@jpgion18]

Liking the new videos you've been doing. Keep up the good work, Joe

[@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.

[@Aco747lyte]

I've a Hultafors Aby Forest Axe and love its hand forged Swedish steel, American hickory handle. From time to time I treat it with linseed oil. It's the best hawk I've ever had. I love your channel, Joe. Good vid. ~Wendi

[@woodlandreconjoshdrakes5509]

I got this Tomahawk after watching this video, hell I'm sure this is when I subscribed to you Joe. Thanks for putting out great videos for all these years

[@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

[@Denman500.]

I now have a Trail Hawk,and I love it.

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

been using mine over 30 years and love it. used a Axe on the farm now and again. but rather a saw them a Axe any day.

[@ra8640]

I just found this Great Video. This Young Man has great technique and you can witness his skills. Learn from this video. I've used THawks for years. I like the fact that you can separate the bit (head) from the handle and carry it in your backpack if you don't want anyone to know you have one with you. Again, Great Video, Thanks!

[@tminish]

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

[@stephenobrien6248]

A lightweight and versatile piece of kit. The detachable head is good for skinning. An extra handle is easy to pack or make.

[@NickPeters-lj2xo]

I carry a tomahawk now all the time. Even processed full trees (cut them down, 6 to 7 inch in diameter) when at a camp for a extended time, then bucked them using my box saw. They work well in Manitoba too!

[@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.

[@Ozarkwonderer]

i ve been using a hawk now for over a year. they work great for a lighter tool. which was wat i was looking for

[@facatube]

good vid man. it works for me I don,t need a heavy ax for my hikes

[@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.

[@daveadolph9069]

Really love your older bushcraft basic videos!

[@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.

[@trakyboy5128]

Lite, maneuverable also fun and as Joe just showed us highly efficient if you use it in the right way love them easy to backpack a lot lighter than an axe and fun throw it around it's great

[@markridderstad229]

I have the same one, Cold Steal Trail Hawk, it´s really good, especially once you´ve gotten the paint off of it

[@Pppppppp718]

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

[@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....

[@REAPERMILITIAOUTDOORS]

Most definitely a great tool used for a very long time tried and true as you know

[@theroamingmoose415]

Hey Joe! Been watching and gleaning I inpiration from you for years. I'm a smaller guy, so my axe was always a little wieldy and I considered switching to a t-hawk. I did after seeing this a while back, and I'm much more effective with it.

[@jog2243]

That’s an awesome moment you caught in the beginning. That wasp is gonna inject her eggs into that larva and they’ll feed in it from the inside. Really cool stuff and awesome tomahawk video.

[@watermain48]

I'm liking that hawk. I have one from the Pathfinder store and love it. No reason to bring an axe if I'm not going to cut down a tree. Great video, thanks.

[@longrider42]

Excellent job sir, plus you talked about using your hawk in a safe manner. I've been using hawks for camping for the better part of 30 years, and I just bought the Cold Steel Riflemen's Hawk, since I plan on doing lots of hiking next summer. Wanted a bit bigger of a hawk with more of a cutting edge then the Trail Hawk your using, which I also own. And I've only ever seen one other KZbinr split wood like that, which is the right way to use a hawk. Good video, just long enough to do the job. I live in Wyoming, lots of pine, fur, cotton wood and elm to work with.

[@tankrust1]

When I lived in North Carolina, I took my T-hawk every time I went into the woods. Worked like a charm and I loved it. Now that I recently moved to the Sonoran Desert in southwest Arizona, I haven't had a chance to bring it out...not a lot of trees but I'll let you know. Great video Joe.

[@josephallen19]

Timothy Rust awesome, looking forward to it, bro.

[@MarkFelty]

In my experience, I always carried a hatchet. Thanks for showing me the usefulness of the tomahawk.

[@k9razz]

Been using one for years never had an issue it's nice to slip in your belt and go down into the woods. I know it's not an axe and it has limitations but it's a great tool for me in the woods!

[@c.e.jarvis1512]

Totally agree with you Dude. Love that Hawk, I own one myself. It can do all you said and showed and so much more. Thanks for the video, subed and liked.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@PacNorthOR]

New comment on crazy old video! You’re still the man, Joe!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@richhoule3462]

I learned something new today! Thanks!

[@jermlac]

good video, you did not even go into the uses of the tomahawk head without the handle. thanks for taking the time to make the video for us.

[@terryalmaraz1]

Great video Joe. I think the tomahawk is a great tool. I use mine when up in Cloudcroft, New Mexico area. Works great up there.

[@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.

[@MrJohnpaulkelly]

I like them haven't bought one yet but it's on the list.

[@windowclean100]

Works for me down here in Southwest Florida 👍🏻👍🏻🔥👍🏻👍🏻

[@vitocarbonara7770]

Great video...keep up the good work!!!

[@johnbolton9483]

Love my Cold Steel Hawk , i stripped the epoxy off oiled it sharpened it then stripped the Hickory and restained and semigloss polyed,,, is stunning and sooo nice .

[@LuskeyBowser]

Thanks for the video. @4:14- the simplest of mistakes and this branch comes up into the cutter's face. It can really injure a person who may be in the woods alone. Just an experience of mine. Thanks for the vid!

[@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

[@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.

[@rickgrimes1016]

excellent tool in Australia. love this axe

[@uptrail7169]

I think that the short videos twice a week is working good. The tomahawk is a great bushcraft tool that I like to use when camping with the family. Bob

[@josephallen19]

uptrail71 Thanks, Bob.

[@coydog669]

Works fine in the Midwest! Nice video !

[@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.

[@daginn896]

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

[@MrJoshDoty]

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

[@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!

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video mate

[@ahbirongoose]

I've been debating picking one of those hawks up, and I think this just sold me on it.

[@josephallen19]

Spencer Urash nice!

[@ScottRauber]

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

[@joesanders6898]

I used a hawk for several years back in my muzzle loading mountain man days. It always fulfilled expectations.

[@stephengarrett8076]

Best review I've seen 👍

[@charlesmurphy7712]

the hawk imo is definitely a viable wood processing tool. watching your videos and with what I have seen I am looking to get the woods chogan. was planning on the war beast by 2 hawks but they are hard to get and out of my price range. a chogan will suit me just fine I think.

[@patrickroberts1788]

It's an Awesome took that everybody should have.

[@Denman500.]

Very useful in the Michigan Woods.

[@bjdearing19]

love the trail hawk, I use mine in the woods all the time. great inexpensive piece of gear! I'm also a new subscriber to youre channel, love it. Keep up the good work man!

[@josephallen19]

+Brad Dearing Glad to hear it!

[@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

[@karlcostigan7633]

Decades ago in Colorado I carried a throwing hawk, used it for processing wood but primarily for defence if needed. Stood off a bear once, he was just curious, not aggressive.

[@SUFFICIENTSURVIVAL]

Its a great tool to have just about anywhere!!

[@michaelfranciotti3900]

I liked after he shared the weird bug lol. The rest of the vid was good too ;)