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Best Tomahawks – Top 5 Best Rated Tomahawk Review

August 27, 2020 by PeteCohan

best tomahawk

Are you assembling your camping kit and think you have everything? Make sure you don’t forget a tomahawk. The best tomahawks is more than just a cutting tool. This is a versatile camping gear with several uses. It is a multi-purpose axe to help break down barriers, cut wood, kindling, hunt or use as a self-defense weapon.

Benefits of Using a Tomahawk for Camping to Combat

Tomahawks have been in use for years. Also known as the trade axe, this axe was traded between the French and English in the woodlands of India. The axe features a tapered or round eye with the helve fitting the eye tightly. You don’t need a hedge to secure the head to the helve something that makes the tomahawk perfect for use in the wilderness.

Moreover, this axe is very lightweight weighing roughly 1lb. It is quite easy to carry and use around. Despite the small weight, the tomahawk has one of the best cutting abilities. You can use it for throwing as a recreational sport, hunting, self-defense, and cutting.

Types of Tomahawks

  • Throwing: These tomahawks are used for recreational purposes in sports. They are usually weighted and balanced for a precise throw.
  • Breaching: These are heavier and sturdier tomahawks. They are perfect for breaking wooden doors and prying steel doors.
  • Tactical: Tactical tomahawks are ideal for self-defense and fighting. Most of them feature a blade and spikes.

What Makes a Good Tomahawk?

Cutting Edge

The best rated tomahawks feature longer cutting edges thus provide you with more force when cutting. When the cutting edge is long, the tomahawk is heavier and features a large dead. This provides you with more cutting ability. Chopping and splitting wood becomes a lot easier with long cutting edges.

Head Shape

There are different head forms and sizes on the market to match different needs. You can choose from a single head, double head or a spike head. Single head tomahawks provide more power and strength on the cutting edge. Double-headed tomahawks are perfect for throwing and increase your chances of a precise contact.

Weight

Different tomahawks in the market weight differently. Technology has made it possible to have lightweight tomahawks yet exceptionally sturdy and durable. The ideal weight is usually determined by your specific use. For example, a longer cutting edge is ideal for camping but this means a heavier tomahawk. We recommend a compact, yet lightweight tomahawk. Make sure you strike a good balance between weight and efficiency.

Best Tomahawk on the Market Review

1. Estwing Special Edition Camper’s Axe

Estwing Special Edition Camper's Axe - 26" Wood Splitting Tool with All Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - E45ASE

The Estwing is our first choice of camper’s tomahawk and a pretty decent selection. It is a strong and durable axe with forged steel construction. This gives the axe maximum strength and durability for long-lasting use. Besides, the axe is pretty versatile for different outdoor activities. It is ideal for chopping logs, branches and small trees. You can also use to split kindling and firewood.

In addition, the axe features a heavy-duty sheath to protect your hand. The axe also features a genuine leather grip lacquered and hand-sanded for comfortable use.

Pros

  • Durable due to strong forged steel
  • Comfortable use due to genuine leather grip
  • Versatile for outdoor use thus a valuable pick

Cons

  • Striking end is not very wide or heavy hence reduced striking power

2. SOG Tactical Tomahawks

 SOG Tactical Tomahawks - Throwing Hatchet, Throwing Tomahawk

This is another versatile throwing and survival tomahawk with a fast and true swing. The tomahawk features a razor-sharp 420 stainless steel hatchet blade. This is a lightweight yet heavy-duty axe weighing 20 ounces.  Besides, the axe features a sleek blade finish for added durability.

Overall, this is a woodsman to urban tactical tomahawk. The tomahawk secures firmly in the ballistic nylon sheath for easy carrying. This is a hammer axe edge with a piercing spike. It is a perfect choice for handling small chopping tasks.

Pros

  • Lightweight yet extremely durable
  • Ballistic nylon sheath hence pretty easy to carry
  • Spike edge for piercing and flat for edge for hammering hence versatile

Cons

  • Cheap sheath

3. SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet and Tactical Tomahawk

 SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet and Tactical Tomahawk - Survival Hawk Camping Axe and Emergency Hatchet Tool

This is a perfect 12.1-inch stainless steel tactical axe and a perfect choice for camping and outdoor survival. The axe is perfect for chopping wood. It is a lightweight yet durable axe weighing 19.5 ounces. This is a small backpacking hatchet easy to carry and use wherever you go. This is a superb outdoor axe with a glass-reinforced nylon and paracord grip.

Overall, this is a perfect hunting and camping axe to fit just under your belt. It is pretty easy to use and comes with a fire starter and claw spike.

Pros

  • Lightweight hence easy to carry
  • Durable due to strong stainless steel construction
  • Quality ballistic nylon sheath hence comfortable handling

Cons

  • Small diameter handle

4. Smith $ Wesson Extraction and Evasion SW671 Tomahawk

 Smith & Wesson Extraction and Evasion SW671 15.9in Full Tang Tomahawk

This is a full tang tomahawk with a durable blade construction. It is a perfect size tomahawk measuring 15.9 inches. This is an extremely lightweight design tomahawk weighing a mere 2 pounds and 11 ounces. This is a durable blade made of reliable 1070 carbon steel. The axe also features a black TPE steel handle.

Overall, this is a dependable axe with an easy and quick polyester sheath access. It is a secure blade that will not slip and cause injuries.

Pros

  • Knife with black side and pick side hence excellent preparedness
  • Quick and easy access due to a convenient polyester sheath
  • Reliable carbon steel hence durable

Cons

  • The plastic handle is not very comfortable

5. Estwing Tomahawk Axe

 Estwing Tomahawk Axe - 16.25" Lightweight Hatchet with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip - EBTA

This is last best tomahawk and a quality choice with forged steel construction. It is a durable tomahawk with maximum strength and durability.  The axe offers versatile outdoor use making it ideal for camping, hunting and hiking. The axe features a pick end for breaching, extrication and excavation. You can also use to chop and cut small branches.

Overall, this is an excellent axe with a heavy-duty sheath and a patented shock reduction grip. This is a   comfortable and durable axe capable of reducing impact by 70%.

Pros

  • Excellent impact reduction
  • Lightweight hence easy to handle
  • Versatile uses

Cons

  • Poor sheath quality

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best tomahawks on the market, then consider picking one from our exclusive list above. A tomahawk is a multipurpose tool that will serve you from camping to tactical. Make sure you understand your needs and choose one that best serves you.

Best Camping Knives – Top 5 Best Rated Camping Knives Review

February 28, 2020 by PeteCohan

best camping knives

We all love camping as it brings us closer to nature. When camping, the best camping knives is one of the most essential camping gear. It is a utility tool that serves many crucial roles.

Benefits of a Camping Knife

Camping knives are quite small and lightweight hence easy to carry. The knife can perform a wide range of tasks from cutting tinder to setting up a tent. You can also use the knife to start a fire by creating a spark with a stone. When camping while fishing, the knife can help you cut a line or remove the hook from the fish’s mouth.

Essentially you need a knife in every food preparation process out there. There are just so many benefits of a camping knife that make it the most crucial too when camping.

Types of Camping Knives

Fixed Blade

This is a strong camping knife type with a straight fixed blade. It is a knife that is fixed with the handle and cannot be folded. Fixed blade knives are sometimes called sheath knives and tend to be stronger than folding knives.

Folding Knife

This is a knife type where the blade folds in the handle for convenient carrying. However, the knife is not as strong as the fixed blade type.

Plain Edge

This is a knife is a plain cutting edge for smooth and easy cutting

Serrated Edge

This is a knife where the blade edges feature toothed saw-like finish to create a back and forth motion.

Drop Point

This is a common type of knife with a convex spine that curves all the way down from the handle to the point. This gives the knife an easy control point and a bigger belly when cutting. Most drop-point knives are ideal for hunting and general purposes.

What Makes a Good Camping Knife?

  • Materials: The top camping knives feature high-grade steel metal construction. Such knives are quite strong and will offer long-lasting durability.
  • Blade design: You also need to pay great attention to the blade design since it hugely impacts knife performance. The drop point design is the best when it comes to camping knives.
  • Handle design: The ideal handle design must be robust and offer a firm grip. This is essential in preventing slippage when holding the knife.
  • Handle material: This is not a very big factor but one worth considering. Most camping knives will feature wooden and synthetic wood handles.
  • Serrations: You can also consider the knife serrations. However, most camping tasks require a fine edge blade.

Best Camping Knives on the Market Review

1. StartGear Surviv-All Fixed-Blade Bowie Knife

 StatGear Surviv-All Fixed-Blade Bowie Knife with Sheath, Firestarter, Sharpener & Cord Cutter for Hunting Camping Outdoors Hiking EDC

This is one of the best rated camping knives out there and a perfect choice to start our list. It is a durable stainless steel full tang knife. The knife can handle anything on the tough outdoors. Besides, the knife features a drop-point blade design. There is a further sharpening stone in the rear of the sheath to keep the knife consistently sharp.

Overall, this is a perfect camping knife with a cord cutter and fire starter on the sheath. The knife is pretty easy to use and safely stores in the case for safe carrying.

Pros

  • Durable due to a full tang stainless steel
  • Strong due to a fixed blade design
  • Remain sharp consistently because of the sharpening stone

Cons

  • Not the best quality steel

2. Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife

 Benchmade - Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife Made in USA

This is a rugged and robust knife built for the trail. It is a very durable knife that can withstand the toughest applications out there. Moreover, the knife features the CPM-S30V stainless steel construction. It is a rust and corrosion-resistant knife with a precise drop-point construction. This makes the knife quite strong and versatile.

In addition, the knife features an ultra-durable handle with resin-soaked fiberglass construction. The handle is stable and impervious to moisture. This way, it gets to withstand the ever-changing climatic conditions in the wild.

Pros

  • Ultra-durable handle
  • Enhanced stability due to the fixed blade construction
  • First-rate edge retention due to premium steel
  • Superior versatility

Cons

  • Quite hard to sharpen

3. FallKniven A1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife

Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife, Black

This is a top-quality fine edge knife for camping to seriously consider buying. It is a premium quality knife that pays great attention to fine details. This is an all-purpose knife designed for heavy use. It features a powerful and strong laminated VG10 steel blade construction. This knife can withstand heavy daily use and stress.

Overall, this is a superb knife at cutting finely. It is easy to use and features an ergonomic grip. The knife full tang goes through the handle allowing you to strike with the end without breaking the grip. Besides, the knife is unaffected by water hence suitable for tough outdoor conditions.

Pros

  • Easy to use due to an ergonomic grip
  • Hard and tough because of the VG10 steel construction
  • All-purpose knife
  • Full tang that goes through the handle

Cons

  • The handle is a bit small for adult males

4. Buck Knives 192 Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife

Buck Knives 192 Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath

The Buck is a razor-sharp knife with excellent strength and edge retention. This is a strong knife featuring 4-1/8 inches drop point 420HC steel blade. It is rust and corrosion resistant for safe use outdoors. This is a full-bellied blade knife suitable for heavy tasks. Besides, the knife features a full tang construction hence extremely durable.

The knife is pretty easy to use and features a classic Walnut handle with a contoured grip. It also includes a genuine leather sheath for easy and convenient carrying.

Pros

  • Easy to carry due to a convenient sheath
  • Comfortable grip handle
  • Smart design and solid build
  • Versatile and razor-sharp

Cons

  • The blade is a bit short

5. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion Fixed Blade Knife

KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

The KA-BAR is another full tang heavy-duty fixed blade knife to consider buying. It is a perfectly designed knife ideal for camping chores. Besides, the knife is made in the USA to the highest quality standards. This is a premium quality knife designed by Ethan Becker. The knife is pretty easy to use and comes with a black nylon sheath.

Overall, this knife is a perfect companion that does just everything when camping. The knife features a versatile 20-degree blade to handle different tasks.

Pros

  • Versatile and can handle different tasks
  • Glass-filled nylon sheath to keep the blade sharp and safe
  • Balanced grip hence easy handling
  • Locks into place for safety

Cons

  • Hard to make precise cuts

Final Verdict

A camping knife is not something you have to think about but one that is mandatory. There are several situations where you will need to cut something. Choose one of these best camping knives above and make sure you order one right away.

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