Tested: The Best Tomahawks For Outdoor & Tactical Use

Tomahawks are an interesting product space, as most individuals can tell you what one is, though far fewer are privy to exactly what defines one, how they differ from regular outdoor axes, how they’re supposed to be used, and what makes for a good one. Well aware of this discrepancy, we’ve opted to take a deep dive into the segment, getting hands-on with a slew of today’s latest and greatest options in order to deliver this guide to and review of the best tomahawks. 

Selection & Testing

When we first set out to uncover the best on the market, we kicked things off by first considering the most important attributes that make for a quality tomahawk. This included areas such as design and dimensions, head and handle constructions, and mobility and travel-readiness. Viewing the space through this lens, we then generated a shortlist of models that we suspected of representing some of the best tomahawks currently out there. 

While product descriptions and spec sheets can be incredibly informative, the reality is that the only real way to gain a complete understanding of how a tomahawk actually performs in real life is to, well…use it in real life. So, that’s exactly what we did; managing to get our hands on each tomahawk comprising our shortlist in order to put them through their paces. This hands-on review process would also shine a light on other key areas such as ergonomics and grip, and overall durability and build quality.

Though a decent chunk of this hands-on testing process consisted of simply using each one for an extended period, we also opted to create several standardized tests in order to better establish a more objective baseline for overall quality and performance. This included everything from a standard wood-processing test — where we chopped and split logs, felled a few small tress, and lopped off some small branches — to tactical trials where each tomahawk’s breaching and demolition abilities were put to the test. 

Taking things one step further, we also examined the possible secondary (and/or third and four-dary) uses of each tomahawk on our shortlist. This included reviewing any supplementary functions afforded by each tomahawk such as the ability to serve as a hammer or pry tool. Also considered wasn’t just the effectiveness of each tomahawk in these particular applications, but also the performance of each one relative to their size and weight. 

We were also given access to a building that’s in the early stages of being gutted and renovated where we had free rein to test each tomahawk’s demolition and breaching capabilities by breaking down doors and busting through walls. Additionally, we also tested each model’s spike by attempting to pierce or puncture a traditional steel ammo can. Once armed with the information and findings from our field-testing, we then proceeded to narrow our original shortlist of candidates down to a final selection of what we found to be the best-of-the-best. 

CRKT Woods Kangee T-Hawk

Best Budget Pick: Though the company does produce its fair share of premium products, Columbia River Knife and Tool can almost always be counted on to offer solid knives and tools at a fair price. These products aren’t cheap, but they often utilize rugged yet budget-friendly materials and overseas manufacturing to allow for some pretty exceptional bang-for-your-buck. Case in point; CRKT’s Woods Kangee T-Hawk. 

The Good

Penned by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, the Woods Kangee T-Hawk — not to be confused with CRKT’s similarly-named but much more tactically-focused Kangee T-Hawk — sees a traditional tomahawk design tweaked with a few modern design elements before being brought to life in a combination of contemporary and classic, tried-and-true constructions. In this case, that takes the form of a roughly 19-inch Tennessee hickory handle paired with a hot-forged 1055 carbon steel head — the former of which is incredibly dense and hard, allowing for years of dependable use, while the latter is fairly tough while still being relatively easy to resharpen. 

With a somewhat traditional design with tactical influences and a bargain basement MSRP, I honestly wasn’t sure of what to expect from the Woods Kangee T-Hawk when first getting the thing out of the box, but I quickly became partial to it — a feeling that only grew the longer I used it. The penetrating power of the rear spike instantly jumped out at me, as it had no problem puncturing a metal ammo can. Thanks to a weight hovering around the two-pound-mark, the Woods Kangee T-Hawk offered what was almost certainly the best wood-chopping power of any tomahawk I tested. 

Supplementary Strengths 

The use of Tennessee-sourced hickory for the handle is a welcome surprise considering this tomahawk’s price point, and the wood has been fortified via a clear lacker that protects it from moisture and the elements while barely mitigating grip. It does give it a slightly cheaper look and feel, but I’d say it’s a worthwhile sacrifice considering how well it protects the underlying wood. Also, while Tennessee hickory is plenty durable, I nonetheless appreciate the fact that CRKT sells replacement handles for around $15. The straight handle doesn’t offer any extra leverage, which bothered me a little at first, though I quickly discovered that it also makes using the rear spike particularly comfortable — pointing to this design element clearly being a calculated one. 

Anyone familiar with high-end knives, axes, machetes, and other tactical tools will no doubt be familiar with RMJ Tactical — and the fact that RMJ’s wares pretty much always come at a very steep price. As such, I think it’s really cool that CRKT’s Woods Kangee T-Hawk allows you to pickup a genuine Ryan Johnson design at an exceedingly reasonable price. The fact the Woods Kangee T-Hawk was first released in 2014 and remains on the market and in production a full decade later ultimately speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of its design — and its stellar bang-for-your-buck. 

The Not So Good

Though it’s an outstanding tomahawk for the price — and just a pretty solid one in general — the Woods Kangee T-Hawk isn’t without its issues. For starters, the use of 1055 carbon steel for the head makes it fairly prone to rust if not routinely cleaned right after use which can be a bit of a drag, as the last thing I want to do after chopping wood is rub down an axe. The head also ships with a really dull edge, though the 1055 construction allowed me to easily put a much sharper edge on it. For the price, I understand CRKT had to cut some corners, but part of me still wished the Woods Kangee T-Hawk sold with an included leather sheath, even if it brought the price up a bit. Fortunately, the company does sell leather sheaths as an approximately $20 add-on. 

My biggest issue with this CRKT product is the fact that the head ships separate from handle, which meant I had to set it on the handle myself. While I was ultimately able to securely fix the head to the handle, it no doubt lacks the structural integrity of its preassembled counterparts, which feature either full-tang constructions or are secured using single or double steel barrel wedge setups. Consequently, I was a little nervous when initially using it, as my first few attempts at securing it kept the head on the handle for a few swings before then coming loose — however, once I did get it on there good and tight, it’s remained in place ever since. Plus, you could always use a bit of adhesive if you really wanted to. 

Verdict: Desined by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, the CRKT Woods Kangee T-Hawk is a lightly modernized take on a a traditional tomahawk design that offers exceptional value — though to achieve this level of bang-for-your-buck a few corners did need to be cut. 

Estwing Black Eagle Tomahawk

Best Value Pick: First established in 1923 in Rockford, Illinois — where the American family-owned business remains headquartered out of today — Estwing has long been a go-to source for professional craftsmen and laborers looking for quality, capable tools at an affordable price. And while the Illinois outfit is no doubt best known for its hammers, Estwing on several occasions has managed to take a myriad of the winning traits from its flagship hammers and apply them to the creation of other types of hand tools, from machetes to hatchets to, you guessed it, tomahawks. 

The Good

The Estwing Black Eagle Tomahawk is essentially one of the American brand’s flagship hammer designs that’s replaced the head and pein with an axe head edge and rear spike. Weighing in at around 1.7lbs, the tomahawk is built around a 16.25-inch handle with a 0.354-inch-thick full-tang construction that sees a single piece of American-forged 1055 carbon steel run from the bottom of the handle to the top of the head. 

Up top, it’s got a narrow head with a 2.5-inch bit out front, and an arrow-shaped spike out back that comes to an ultra-fine — and ultra-sharp — point. Underneath, the bottom of the full-tang 1055 construction has been treated to one of Estwing’s patented Nylon Vinyl Shock Reduction Grips — a hallmark Estwing design element that’s been borrowed from its flagship hammer lineup. The head also comes with a nylon sheath that houses and protects it, plus allows you to carry it from your belt. 

I was also a little taken back by just how decent this tomahawks chopping power is considering its sub-1.75-pound weight and 2.5-inch cutting edge. With the entire area between the head’s toe and heel spanning just 2.5”, the Black Eagle Tomahawk does a great job of concentrating power and force into a small area, thereby maximizing effectiveness when chopping. Once I’d sharpened its blade, it also proved to be great for making kindling and even feather-sticking. 

Supplementary Strengths

While its around-camp and other off-grid utility was impressive on its own, one really made this tomahawk so special in my opinion — above and beyond its solid USA-made construction and excellent value — is the fact that it offers such a competent combination tactical capabilities and general utility for outdoor, bushcraft, and survival tasks. I had no problem breaching doors or demoing walls, plus its rear spike pierced an ammo can like a knife through warm butter. 

Like with CRKT’s Woods Kangee T-Hawk, the Black Eagle’s straight handle shape provided me with no extra leverage, but it also made using its rear spike just as comfortable and just as natural as using the main business end of the head. Estwing’s signature Nylon Vinyl Shock Reduction Grip unsurprisingly does a pretty phenomenal job of absorbing impact forces, and was even more noticeable when using it immediately after another tomahawk that doesn’t have the benefit of this patented grip. 

For being as utilitarian as it is, I was also surprised by just how well-balanced this tomahawk was — both in its actual weight distribution, and its performance. With a price point hovering around the $50 to $60 mark, I’d also argue the Black Eagle Tomahawk offers some pretty great bang-for-your-buck as well. In typical Estwing fashion, the Black Eagle Tomahawk is made right here in America, too. 

The Not So Good

While it’s an all-around great tomahawk, there were a few minor gripes I had with the thing. Unlike the hatchets and machetes from Estwing that I previously tested, the brand’s tomahawk ships with a really dull head. It wasn’t difficult to sharpen to a much finer edge, but this still surprised me based on my prior experience with the company’s edged tools. Additionally, the arrow-like profile of the head’s rear spike often acts a bit like a harpoon, with a shape that sometimes made it difficult to remove it from objects it had penetrate (with the arrow-esque profile acting almost like barbs). 

Also, like the CRKT model above, Estwing’s use of 1055 carbon steel means its hatchet is a lot more susceptible to rust. Sure, it didn’t show any signs of corrosion in the weeks I spent testing it, but I know from firsthand experience that over time 1055 tends to eventually succumb to rust, and it’s hard to imagine it would be any different with Estwing’s Black Eagle Tomahawk. Having said that, these downsides are collectively outweighed by all the strengths and positives this tomahawk has going for it — and by a huge margin. 

Verdict: Also affording some pretty terrific bang-for-your-buck, the Estwing Black Eagle Tomahawk is a value-laden USA-made tool offering a unique blend of tactical capabilities and general outdoor and around-camp use. 

Hardcore Hammers Super Naturalist 2.0

Best Boutique-Made Pick: Whether it’s the brand’s Ball Pein hammers, full-sized felling axes, or mini sledges, everything that Hardcore Hammers makes benefits from simple, effective, and straight-forward designs that are brought to life using premium materials and some beyond-stellar craftsmanship. Take, for instance, the Hardcore Hammers Super Naturalist 2.0. 

The Good

Offering the best of both worlds from tomahawks and more compact hatchets, the Super Naturalist 2.0 is compact yet capable hybrid design that’s comprised of a 18-inch American hickory handle mated to a 1.0625-pound head forged in 4140 steel. More common used for industrial applications such as making crankshafts and bulldozer blades, this steel is incredibly strong, and boasts excellent toughness, torsional strength, and impact resistance. What’s more, thanks to its generous chromium and molybdenum content, this steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, too. 

What’s more, another highlight was how the butt of the head not only does an exceptional job doubling as a hammer — a fact that’s quite frankly unsurprising considering it’s made by Hardcore Hammers — but it also proved to be super effective at unearthing rocks, digging latrines, pounding in tent stakes. The hickory handle also feels damn-near perfect, being not so smooth that it might slip from my hands, but not so coarse that it roughs up my fingers and palms. 

This also had what was easily the sharpest head of any tomahawk I tested — and by an enormous margin. Hell, it’s almost certainly the sharpest model I’ve tested period, including the picks in our best hatchets and best axes guides. It was legitimately able to shave hair from my arm with ease, and could even cleanly dice paper — a feat normally reserved for well-sharpened pocket knives. The tomahawk and hatchet hybrid ships with a top grain leather sheath, and the brand offers an optional leather hatchet loop for an additional $30. 

Supplementary Strengths

Another massive highlight on this tomahawk isn’t its design and top-shelf material selection, but the manner in which it’s all been executed. This second-generation model’s build quality is just about as meticulous as its gets, and in my experience it really is second to none. Everything from the handle to the markings on the head look perfect. This is presumably largely made possible through small batch production and ultra-stringent quality control standards that couldn’t be replicated on a mass-production scale. I also love that the company offers the second-gen Super Naturalist — and quite frankly most of its other offerings — in multiple handle and blade finishes, including a fully-blacked-out variant. 

Additionally, as if it’s overall design didn’t already make it highly conducive to being a modern-day family heirloom, this model’s tough-as-nails construction and absolutely stellar craftsmanship collectively guarantee that it will likely outlive whoever orders it, before hopefully being passed down to future generations. I also love that, despite its more diminutive sizing, this tomahawk and hatchet’s head is still secured to the handle using a super hardwearing double steel barrel wedge setup — just like the company’s full-size axes. 

The Super Naturalist 2.0 is just small enough to still lend itself to being carried on foot, while being just big enough to provide some real utility and chopping power for processing wood. What’s more, it’s just big enough to also lend itself to two-handed chopping. This is no doubt another substantial part of what makes it so noteworthy — and just such a good tomahawk. The heel on its head had absolutely no problem whatsoever with penetrating an ammo can, plus the entire bit felt just as razor sharp after the fact. 

The Not So Good

After a few weeks of testing, I returned to the office to review my notes, only to realize I had practically nothing negative to say about Hardcore Hammers’ Super Naturalist 2.0. I do wish its sheath had an integrated belt loop, but the fact the company sells an optional leather hatchet loop makes it much harder to complain here. Sure, it is somewhat lacking in terms of tactical abilities, but it more than makes up for this with its unparalleled utility in and around camp. Additionally, the thing admittedly doesn’t come cheap, but it’s also not outrageously expensive by any means, and I’d definitely argue that its material selection and top-notch craftsmanship more than justify its MSRP. In fact, I feel like they could get away with charging 25% more and I wouldn’t bat an eye. 

Verdict: Offering an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and fit and finish, the Hardcore Hammers Super Naturalist 2.0 is a premium take on a traditional hatchet and tomahawk design that’s brought to life using top-shelf materials. If you’re looking for a travel-friendly option that can still provide real chopping power and utility in and around camp — and can also double as a great modern-day family heirloom — this is no doubt your best bet. Sure, it doesn’t come cheap, but this thing really is worth every penny. 

Condor Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe

Most Unique Pick: There are plenty of quality hatchets, axes, and tomahawks that do a great job of blending modern and traditional visual themes, though I’d still argue no one single tomahawk merges design elements of yesteryear and the present quite like the Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe from Condor Tool and Knife. This model combines a unique appearance with a thorough modern material selection and some fantastic hand-worked craftsmanship in order to deliver what’s undoubtedly one of the best — and most unique — tomahawks currently out there. 

The Good

Part of the El Salvadorian outfit’s Tactical P.A.S.S. Series — which is short for “Purpose Always Strategy Specific” —  this tomahawk is the brainchild of renowned knife designer Jason Breeden, who has penned outdoor and rescue knives for everyone from TOPS to Spyderco to Acta Non Verba. Spanning just north of 15”, the Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe is pieced together around a full-tang 1075 high-carbon steel construction which is extremely tough and offers excellent resistance to chipping or breaking.

Clocking in at nearly a quarter-of-an-inch-thick, this tomahawk’s full-tang construction is paired with a Micarta handle that wraps all the way around its underlying tang — rather than simply being comprised of more traditional front and rear handle scales. Like every other knife and tool from Condor that I’ve ever used, the Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe’s Micarta handle both looks and feels phenomenal, with just enough texturing to bolster grip without being overly rough on my hands. 

The very top of the handle also comes wrapped in several feet of paracord. This not only provides some additional grip and leverage when choking up on the handle, but it also guarantees that you’ll have a few feet of paracord to work with should you get stranded or need it for survival or bushcraft applications. This Condor item is also sold with a handmade welted leather sheath and a separate leather belt loop attachment, both of which boast an overall level of quality and craftsmanship that’s very much on par with the tomahawk itself. 

Supplementary Strengths 

Because of its rather idiosyncratic design, I really wasn’t sure of what to expect when it came to how this tomahawk would perform. Over the roughly two weeks I spent testing it, it proved to offer decent chopping power, plus the head’s flat butt also made it perfect for hammer-splitting larger logs that it couldn’t easily split on its own. I also found it to be immensely versatile, lending itself to all manner of uses in and around camp. And, just like with Hardcore Hammers’ Super Naturalist 2.0, Condor’s Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe is compact and lightweight enough — at just 1.7lbs — to easily be carried on foot, while still being able to deliver actual utility. 

As touched on above, it chopped and split better than I expected it to, and it excelled even more at making kindling, feather-sticking, and even whittling. The shape of the head where it meets the handle and the upper paracord wrap together provide a ton of grip and control for more delicate tasks that requiring choking all the way up on the handle. What’s more, the dead-straight handle design also enables the butt of the head to double as a super effective hammer. This same rear section on the back of the head also provides the perfect place for me to put my thumb when choking up on the handle for finer use tasks. 

The Not So Good

While I was generally impressed with Condor’s Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe, my testing did reveal a few minor areas where I think its design could be slightly improved. As useful and utilitarian as the flat-side of the head is, I nonetheless wish Breeden had opted to give the head a larger, heavier butt, as this would not only make it an even more effective impromptu hammer, but it would also put even more weight behind the bit, allowing it to offer even better chopping and splitting abilities — plus this tweak would barely compromise its travel-friendliness.  

Also, at around $200, all told with tax and shipping, there’s no getting around the fact that the Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe comes at a fairly steep price. Again, like Hardcore Hammers’ second-gen Super Naturalist, however, I’d very much argue that this price point is wholly justifiable considering the craftsmanship, materials, and quite frankly everything you get for your money. 

Verdict: At the end of the day, the Condor Tactical P.A.S.S. Hawk Axe is just a really unique design that’s brought to life with some pretty fantastic craftsmanship and equally impressive materials. Its idiosyncratic appearance and ample utility out-in-the-field make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking for a versatile, general-use tomahawk that’s large enough to provide real chopping power while lightweight and compact enough to carry on foot. 

Toor Knives Tomahawk

Best Compact Pick: Since its inception in 2011, Toor Knives has built its reputation on the strength of ultra-hardwearing and ultra-dependable tactical knives and tools that you can legitimately trust with your life — whether you’re facing a survival scenario or close-quarter combat. And while it’s a very different product from the San Diego brand’s fixed blades and folders, the Toor Knives Tomahawk was still created using the same winning formula as its blades. 

The Good

Tipping the scales at 1.3lbs and spanning 11” from end-to-end, this tomahawk features a quarter-inch-thick full-tang construction brought to life in rugged D2 — a tool steel construction more commonly found on pocket knives. The D2 construction has been sandwiched between a set of ultra-grippy milled G-10 scales set over contrasting G-10 liners — a setup found on several of Toor’s latest knives and tools. And, like many of Toor’s latest generation of tactical knives, the brand’s Tomahawk ships with a high-end a DuoTone KYDEX sheath.

The way the handle’s throat transitions into its end knob does a phenomenal job of amplifying leverage — helping to make the most of its fairly short overall length. It’s also a super effective CQC weapon, as well as a stellar demo and breaching tool. As predicated, the spike also ad no problem puncturing an ammo can. In fact, I pierced it a few times, because I was convinced the first time I punctured the can, I had hit a particularly thin or corroded part of the can, though repeated strikes demonstrated that the thing just delivers exceptional puncturing power.  

While this performance in tactical uses was no doubt impressive, it was made all the more noteworthy by the fact that its demolition and breaching abilities were more-or-less equal to several of the other tomahawks I tested, despite Toor’s being a good deal smaller. In fact, its sheer ability to punch well above its weight has to be one of my favorite aspects of this pick. 

In addition to coming straight from the factory with Pull-The-Dot soft belt loop kit, this tomahawk’s sheath also features holes with standardized spacing, allowing it to be fitted with any number of attachment and clip options. I also really appreciated how the Tomahawk perfectly matches several of the Toor Knives we have at HICONSUMPTION HQ, with everything from the handle color and material, to the hue of the G-10 liner, to the DuoTone KYDEX sheaths all perfectly matching. 

Supplementary Strengths 

The milled G-10 scales and contrasting G-10 liners look as good as they feel — and they look damn good if you ask me. The way the handle’s upper belly is shaped also made it ridiculously easy for me to choke up when performing finer tasks such as making kindling or cutting out notches. While not as sharp as the head on the Hardcore Hammers model, Toor’s Tomahawk was still able to cut through paper — and that was after being used in the woods for the better part of a fortnight. 

In typical Toor fashion, the knife boasts an excellent level of overall fit and finish — and leaves absolutely no doubt that you’re holding a premium product. Just like with Hardcore Hammers’ tomahawk above, this is definitely made possible through small batch production. And, unlike the somewhat similar Spyderco Warrior Hawk, Toor’s Tomahawk is made entirely in America — and crafted completely by hand too. What’s more, each unit is built on a made-to-order basis and is offered with optional text or image engraving for an added fee. 

What’s more, not only is it meticulously crafted, but Toor’s Tomahawk is also built like an absolute tank. Normally I’d be worried about attempting to throw axes that weren’t designed or engineered for throwing, but the off-the-charts durability of Toor’s Tomahawk put me completely at ease when tossing the thing at a tree. All-in-all, one of the greatest compliments I can pay this model is to say that if I were to pack up a bug-out bag for the apocalypse, this is the tomahawk I’d add.

The Not So Good

From its size, shape, and overall design, I knew before even getting my hands on it that Toor’s tactical Tomahawk would likely excel in certain areas, while being a tad bit lacking in others — a prediction that my testing proved to be correct. So, while it was great for tactical applications, it didn’t lend itself as well to general outdoor use. First off, the thing’s actual chopping power leaves a lot to be desired, as it just doesn’t have the necessary size, weight, or leverage to really chop or split with much efficiency. Second, the fact the back of the head features a pointed spike also meant I couldn’t hammer the Toor Tomahawk’s head through logs when trying to spit wood. 

After being abused for over a week, I did notice the Tomahawk’s G-10 liners did start to separate from the tang — though a bit of tightening the handle screws instantly remedied this issue so it’s hard to fault Toor too much for this. The handle also doesn’t do a very good job of absorbing vibrations. At roughly $400, it obviously comes at a high price, and unlike Condor and Hardcore Hammers’ tomahawks where I feel their materials and craftsmanship justify their MSRPs, this USA-made item requires that you pay the “Toor Tax.” 

Verdict: The epitome of a tool that punches well above its weight, the Toor Knives Tomahawk is a compact yet powerful design that may be a bit lacking in general around-camp, on-trail, and outdoor utility, though it more than makes up for this with its incredible tactical abilities — and the fact it delivers said abilities in such a compact, tough-as-nails package. It definitely comes at a somewhat exorbitant price, though if you can swing the MSRP, this is a great option. 

Spyderco Warrior Hawk

Best Tactical Pick: From bushcraft blades to balisongs, the best knives and edged tool designs are almost always penned by individuals with ample real-world experience in that field or segment. As such, it should come as no surprise that Spyderco has managed to deliver one of, if not the single best tactical tomahawk that money can currently buy by tapping American designer and combat and knife-fighting expert Laci Szabo to conjure up their own unique take on a tactical tomahawk. 

The Good

Dubbed the Spyderco Warrior Hawk, this top-shelf tactical tomahawk features a beefy 0.30-inch-thick full-tang D2 construction set between a pair of contoured and milled G-10 scales. Its super grippy sculpted G-10 scales can be a little rough on the hands but feel perfect when wielding the tomahawk while wearing tactical gloves. This Spyderco tomahawk also comes with an included heavy-duty padded, zipper-secured nylon carrying case, as well as a hard Boltaron sheath. This hard sheath has holes with standard spacing, though it doesn’t come with any type of attachment point (such as an UltiClip XL or Ultimate Belt Attachment). 

Made in Taipei, the Warrior Hawk spans around 14” overall and weighs in at just under 1.8lbs — making it light enough to be carried on foot while still being substantial enough to actually provide some real utility in a multitude of applications and settings (of both the general outdoor and tactical varieties, too). And, while largely subjective, I happen to think it’s just a fantastic-looking design. 

The Warrior Hawk sports a unique tanto-esque blade shape that does a great job of concentrating force — and the tomahawk’s entire 1.7-pound weight — into a small bit of surface area, thereby allowing this fairly compact tomahawk to actually deliver real chopping and splitting capabilities, at least compared to other tactical tomahawks. Not only was its spike easily able to penetrate particle board doors and metal ammo cans, but the main head was also able to puncture ammo cans and the like. 

There’s just enough curve in the handle to afford a bit of extra leverage when using the main head, though it’s not so pronounced that wielding it backwards to use its rear spike feels awkward or uncomfortable. The fact the very bottom of the handle features an integrated pry tool is easily one of my favorite touches on this tomahawk, plus I love how it capitalizes on the thing’s beefy 0.30-inch-thick tang construction.

Supplementary Strengths 

When evaluating the Warrior Hawk’s overall durability and build quality, the first things that sprang to mind were “tough-as-nails” and “built like a tank” — which should give you some sense of just how ridiculously hardwearing it is. While I really doubt it was designed for this use, I also found it made for a pretty great throwing axe to use around camp — plus after being thrown into a tree repeatedly over several days, neither of its handle scales (or any other components) felt at all loose. 

In a lot of ways, the Warrior Hawk is a lot like Toor’s Tomahawk in the sense that it no doubt excels in tactical applications far more than it does general outdoor use. Having said that, while it’s chopping and splitting power have nothing on the tomahawks from Hardcore Hammers or Condor, it still blows Toor’s model out of the water in this regard.

It’s also just plain cool seeing D2 used on a tomahawk, as it’s normally reserved for pocket knives as it’s a much pricier construction than most regular carbon steels. And, while it doesn’t really serve any functional purpose, I nonetheless really like how the tomahawk’s design incorporates Spyderco’s signature circular “thumb-hole” cutout. I’ll also point out that Spyderco’s Warrior Hawk was also featured on our wider guide to the best outdoor axes for every use — which no doubt speaks volumes about just what a stellar tomahawk it really is.

The Not So Good

Though it’s a fantastic tomahawk, I did have a few gripes with Spyderco’s Warrior Hawk. While this is no doubt owed to the D2 and G-10 construction, the Warrior Hawk doesn’t do a very good job of dampening vibrations. Even when wearing gloves, impacts could still really be felt — and much more so than on hickory-handled models like the Hardcore Hammer’s Super Naturalist 2.0. And, while its included sheath and padded carrying case are both really nice pieces of kit, it bothered me that the tomahawk won’t fit in said case with its sheath on — though at least they both comfortably fit inside the case. 

When discussing the downsides of the Warrior Hawk, I feel like I have to address the elephant in the room, and that’s its almost-staggering $550 price. I’m not saying it’s not worth it, but for that kind of money, you can get some wildly-premium boutique-made tomahawks from brands like RMJ Tactical and Bastinelli Creations. What’s more, considering its objectively exorbitant price point, I really wish the Warrior Hawk was made at Spyderco’s U.S. manufacturing facility — though I can’t deny it boasts pretty terrific craftsmanship.

Verdict: Something of the ultimate modern-day tactical tomahawk, Spyderco’s Warrior Hawk is an extraordinarily rugged breaching and demo tool and CQC weapon that still maintains a solid level of chopping and splitting abilities. While it is sold at an objectively steep price, the very best tactical gear very seldom comes cheap, and this tomahawk is no exception. 

Tomahawks Comparison Chart

What Is A Tomahawk Axe?

Just to be absolutely clear, tomahawks are a type of axe — meaning they have a bladed head attached to a long handle and they’re typically used for chopping tasks. However, tomahawks are on the smaller side of the spectrum — like hatchets and/or camp axes — and are almost always wielded with one hand. Believe it or not, there’s not actually a definitive distinction between tomahawks and hatchets. Typically, however, hatchets tend to serve traditional outdoor functions, whereas tomahawks are more closely associated with battle — originating in name and function from Native American tribal warriors. In fact, “tomahawk” was lifted directly from the Virginian Algonquin language.

Unlike regular axes that typically feature a more triangular head designed for splitting wood, tomahawks usually sport a narrower head profile that allows more force to be concentrated within the area between its head and toe. What’s more, the head on tomahawk blades typically feature a butt with a spike or smaller secondary cutting surface. Tomahawk heads also usually feature rounded-out beards rather than utilizing the notched layouts found on normal axes. 

What Is A Tactical Tomahawk?

Tactical tomahawks, as one might imagine, capitalize on that battlefield association — albeit with more up-to-date constructions and uses in mind. Contrasting with their more-traditional steel-and-wood hatchet brethren, tactical tomahawks are often much more aggressive in their styling and are usually built with more modern materials, especially in regards to their handles. This includes high-end steels, synthetics like G-10 and/or glass-reinforced nylon, etc. It’s also not uncommon to see blades with modern coatings to alter their appearance and increase their durability — like DLC, Cerakote, or titanium nitride (TiNi) — or those that have alternative functions built-in.

While you could certainly use any of these tactical tomahawks on the battlefield, you absolutely do not have to be a soldier to get plenty of use out of them. In fact, it’s pretty likely that most folks that own them use them much more often in an outdoor capacity. Whether you’re a hardcore outdoorsman who needs a chopping tool that’s tough enough to weather constant hard use or you’re an occasional adventurer that wants a survival contingency plan and something to help with, say, chopping up firewood, a well-built tactical tomahawk will serve you beautifully.

What To Consider When Shopping?

Now that you’re privy to what exactly a tomahawk — and/or tactical tomahawk — is, let’s briefly take a look at the most important areas to consider when shopping for one.

Size: The overall size of a tomahawk is of extreme importance, as these tools tend to be fairly compact, though can still vary pretty widely in terms of scale. When looking at this area, you’ll want to consider the length of the tomahawk’s handle, as well as the size, thickness, and length of its head. 

Head Weight: Though this is technically another sizing spec, the actual weight of a tomahawk’s head will play a monumental role in how efficiently it chops and performs — not unlike regular axes or hatchets. Additionally, like the general size of a tomahawk, the weight of its head will also play an important role in the thing’s overall mobility and travel friendliness. 

Head Material: How tough a tomahawk’s head is, how corrosion resistant it is, how well it retains an edge, and how easy it is to resharpen all primarily boil down to the type of material used to construct it. Most commonly, tomahawk’s employ carbon steel constructions for their head, though there are occasional outliers made from composites or even more high-end steels like D2 tool steel. 

Handle Material: Not unlike regular axes, modern tomahawks most often employ hickory handle constructions. Having said that, there are plenty of contemporary models that also use handle constructions such as G-10, Micarta, and even carbon fiber. 

Mounting Technique: It’s not just a tomahawk’s head and handle materials that you want to consider when shopping, but also the manner in which the head has been fixed to the handle — i.e. mounting technique. As such, this is another pivotal area to take into account when shopping around in this space. 

Ergonomics & Grip: The way a tomahawk’s handle is shaped and textured plays an enormous role not only in its overall ergonomics and the level of grip it provides, but also how much leverage it affords when chopping or hacking. This is particularly important — not only because most tomahawks are used with one-hand — because tomahawks tend to be rather compact, so this extra leverage can translate to some real supplementary chopping power. 

Sheath: The vast majority of half-way-decent tomahawks on the market all come paired with an accompanying sheath. Just like with normal outdoor axes or hatchets — and fixed-blade outdoor knives — these sheaths are most often crafted from leather, though there are also some premium models that ship with hard polymer or KYDEX sheaths. This area can also play a major role in the overall mobility and travel-readiness of any tomahawk thanks to the fact quite a few tomahawk sheaths come fitted with belt loops or MOLLE attachment points. 

Honorable Mentions

Priced at just $50, the Cold Steel Hudson Bay Tomahawk is a simple traditional model offering fantastic bang-for-your-buck. Spanning 22” overall, the Hudson Bay Tomahawk is comprised of an American hickory handle fixed to a head with a 3.5-inch cutting length that’s drop forged from 1050 carbon steel. Dollar-for-dollar, this is easily one of, if not the single-most value-laden tomahawks currently on the market — plus its overall performance really doesn’t trail that far behind its pricier counterparts. 

Barebones makes solid, traditionally-styled tools that are offered at a fair price. Case in point; the Barebones Field Hatchet. Backed by a multi-year warranty, this vintage-inspired design features a hickory handle and a 1055 high-carbon steel head. Tipping the scales at 1.2lbs — making it heavy enough for basic splitting while still being light enough to easily carry on foot — this tomahawk is sold with a 900-denier polyester sheath, which is an impressive touch considering this model’s price (which is currently marked down by half off at just $35). 

Whenever you’re looking for battle-tested tactical gear, it never hurts to review the equipment being used by the U.S. Military. And when it comes to tactical tomahawks, the U.S. fighting forces have long opted for the American Tomahawk Company Model 1. Comprised of a a 1060 head and a hickory handle, the USA-made Model 1 sports a highly-durable and highly-effective design that’s just as conducive to being used for utilitarian purposes around camp as it is to tactical and CQC scenarios. While it’s no doubt as stellar option, it lost out to a few of our above picks, relegating it to a particularly honorable mention.   

Another option offering stellar value, the Garrett Wade Tomahawk is a traditional design modeled after the items used by early American frontiersman. It boasts a head that’s forged in Germany before being paired with an American hickory handle and a French-made leather sheath — all surprisingly premium touches for a tomahawk at this price. Though it lacks some of the tactical abilities of some of the above models, this tomahawk excels at processing wood, plus sports a beautiful design that’s been meticulously executed. 

Penned by the same person responsible for designing CRKT’s Woods Kangee T-Hawk, the RMJ Tactical Eagle Talon is a super premium take on a modern tomahawk that consists of a high-end 80CRV2 carbon steel head with a full-tang construction that’s cloaked in grippy G-10 scales before being paired with a premium KYDEX sheath. Though it’s one of the best tactical options out there, the Eagle Talon simply lacks some of the day-to-day and around-camp utility offered by our main picks, which is why we opted to make it another particularly honorable mention. 

Tested: The Best Axes For Every Outdoor Situation

Want to check out a wider array of some of our favorite axes — that aren’t limited to just tomahawk-style items? Then be sure to cruise on over to our general guide to the best axes for every outdoor situation for a curated selection of splitters, felling axes, mauls, tomahawks, and more.