Sidearms & Scatterguns Looking at an axe
- Thread starter Dustoff82
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If you want an axe that will double as a killing tool, look no further than the RMJ Tactical tomahawk. Pricey? Sure, but there's no other tomahawk with which you could remove the tail rotor of a helicopter with, either.
RMJTactical.com | The Original Full Tang Tactical Tomahawk
RMJTactical.com | The Original Full Tang Tactical Tomahawk
I really like the design of the RMJ hawk, but cutting the tail rotor off a helo just isn't a selling point for me. It is sorta like the cold steel Tanto stick in a car door. I have fought plenty of stuff, but have yet needed to defend myself from a car door, or a tail rotor.
The sharpened beard on the RMJ hawk gives it immensely greater versatility. THAT is a selling point I can use.
The sharpened beard on the RMJ hawk gives it immensely greater versatility. THAT is a selling point I can use.
I threw that bit in there about the tail rotor as an example that the RMJ, as they say, can take a licking and keep on ticking. I know of no other tomahawk that could do that...and not be worth anything more than being used as a club afterward.
Killshot,
We are in agreement.
The RMJ hawk is one of the best designs I have seen for many reasons. I don't know if they use a differential heat treat, but if not, that would be the only major thing that I would change on that hawk....and I would like it cheaper too, but I think their price is reasonable...I was hoping it was cheaper. Sure, there are plenty of cheaper hawks out there, but they usually don't have the quality, or the sharpened beard. From a martial arts perspective, the sharpened beard adds a great deal to this hawk.
We are in agreement.
The RMJ hawk is one of the best designs I have seen for many reasons. I don't know if they use a differential heat treat, but if not, that would be the only major thing that I would change on that hawk....and I would like it cheaper too, but I think their price is reasonable...I was hoping it was cheaper. Sure, there are plenty of cheaper hawks out there, but they usually don't have the quality, or the sharpened beard. From a martial arts perspective, the sharpened beard adds a great deal to this hawk.
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True...because no one ever runs out of ammunition or finds themselves in a situation where a gun is the wrong tool for the task and a knife simply won't do.
If we have both run out of ammo, and bounced our pistols off of each other's forehead in the fight, I would rather have a hawk tha an empty hand. However, there are a great many weapons I would prefer over a hawk. A simple Bo staff, or eve a 4.5 foot Jo staff would be among them.
the only duel Miyamoto mushashi failed to win was against a similar weapon. I am by no means to that skill level, but just as a firearm is first choice, a weapon is preferable to empty hand given equal skill level in the combatants.
the only duel Miyamoto mushashi failed to win was against a similar weapon. I am by no means to that skill level, but just as a firearm is first choice, a weapon is preferable to empty hand given equal skill level in the combatants.
Up close a talented guy with a knife is your worst nightmare and a determined idiot can do unbelievable damage in a flash.
Ask any cop what he fears more at scratching distance and why....Not trying to be gross, but the victim will need a pillow to keep everything inside.
Never underestimate the lethality of even a small knife....God help you if he has an axe
There's some really good choices for hawks available. You don't have to spend $400+. It's like everything else, look at your budget, see what's available in that range, buy the best you can afford and be happy with your purchase.
This was my result. An RMJ Kestrel Feather custom engraved and a with spare set toxic green grips (came with black grips).
This was my result. An RMJ Kestrel Feather custom engraved and a with spare set toxic green grips (came with black grips).
Not an axe perse, and don't know your def of operator but Delia Tactical sure sells alot of their raptor tools to real "operators".
If you want an Axe I recommend the helko Vario 2000 or Fiskars. Both can be had for less than $100 sometimes less than $50. Either will out work that custom you linked, and have better steel to boot. Any steel shanked axe will fatigue your hands during use. If you want something for up close work I would recommend a good quality knife with a blade of 5.5" or less. You will more than likely end up using a knife for chores than anything else.
Chip
Chip
Yeah, you're right...all the soldiers pictured in these photos must be actors.
RMJ Tactical | Pics & Videos
The fact that you think a piece of shit axe for less than $100 can outperform an RMJ is laughable at best.
Smh...some of you guys post the most ignorant, uninformed bullshit.
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I can attest to the quality of the RMJ and Winkler's. I also have a lot of experience with the Swamp Rat Kill Devil Tomahawk. It was purpose built to bore holes through mud walls in Afghanistan for shooting, and it works very well. It also throws extremely well.
I carry a fixed blade at all times and I carried the hawk when it made sense. You can use a good hawk for a lot more things than just a CQB tool.
I carry a fixed blade at all times and I carried the hawk when it made sense. You can use a good hawk for a lot more things than just a CQB tool.
If you're considering an axe (not tomahawk), then look into Gransfors Bruk. It's a Swedish company that specializes in woodworking axes, but also sells and some old Viking and battle axes. I learned a lot about axes in just reading their website, and after owning both a splitting axe and hatchet, they will be getting my business should I find myself in the market for a authentic Viking battle axe. I can only imagine how badass I'd look holding one of those in the desert while wearing body armor.
Link:Products | Gränsfors Bruk
US Distributor: Grand ForestInc Products - Gränsfors Bruk Axes
Link:Products | Gränsfors Bruk
US Distributor: Grand ForestInc Products - Gränsfors Bruk Axes
yep, make a great breaching tool
RMJ for the win
That one is pretty... But I prefer a user
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That one is pretty... But I prefer a user
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I'd use that one, my shrike is bad ass
Well, after 24 years deployed with various units from force recon, Airforce PJ's, and an occasional seal detachment, I have never seen any of them carrying an axe. Don't assume that a photo or two of people deployed that actually have one makes them common. I guess it all comes down to the definition of what an operator is. Too much weight for too little use. I have seen a number of people bring some crazy stuff on deployment and the majority of it is never used. I can just picture the reaction that my last SgtMaj would have had if one of his Marines showed up with an axe
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First I want to say that RMJ is now on my need list! Secondly I probably don't need it.
I am no operator. I was a Artilleryman. A leg to boot! Haha.
But hawks have a place. Sure we laughed at a certain Lt. when he rocked his on his kit. Because it was impractical for the mission at hand. But certainly they are well suited for the battlefield. This has been proven through out history. Almost every soldier of 1-23 INF Tomahawks was issued one. Mainly heritage, but also intimidation (and budget) was a factor. Personally I have not carried one while deployed or in garrison training. My Becker Companion filled all my "other" sharp edged needs. I've chopped pallets with some cheap ($80) Army NSN hawks. They were alright if you re-wrapped the handle. I've seen them on the back of IOTV's, assault packs and rucks. I know the troops loved them because supply always lost them when they did a conex inventory.
If its good enough for Joe Snuffy, I'm quite sure the long tabbers and squids played with them before we did. That RMJ Tomahawk, not axe weighs less than my .45 1911. UNLOADED...
A Tomahawk is not always on the packing list. But they never said you couldn't take one.
I am no operator. I was a Artilleryman. A leg to boot! Haha.
But hawks have a place. Sure we laughed at a certain Lt. when he rocked his on his kit. Because it was impractical for the mission at hand. But certainly they are well suited for the battlefield. This has been proven through out history. Almost every soldier of 1-23 INF Tomahawks was issued one. Mainly heritage, but also intimidation (and budget) was a factor. Personally I have not carried one while deployed or in garrison training. My Becker Companion filled all my "other" sharp edged needs. I've chopped pallets with some cheap ($80) Army NSN hawks. They were alright if you re-wrapped the handle. I've seen them on the back of IOTV's, assault packs and rucks. I know the troops loved them because supply always lost them when they did a conex inventory.
If its good enough for Joe Snuffy, I'm quite sure the long tabbers and squids played with them before we did. That RMJ Tomahawk, not axe weighs less than my .45 1911. UNLOADED...
A Tomahawk is not always on the packing list. But they never said you couldn't take one.
"Operators" (and I say that with respect), may not have a 'hawk on hand all the time, but I know Devon has shipped out MANY to chopper pilots and equipment operators in bad places. They use 'em to "chop" their way OUT as much as into something. The hawks he makes have a pry bar tool at the end of the handle along with a saw feature on the upper spine (my idea). A lot of tool, but as always, better to have and not need it...
I'll try to get some pics
I'll try to get some pics
yep, make a great breaching tool
RMJ for the win
do their tomahawks come with that engraving or is that something you did afterwards?
Take a step back my friend. I have no doubt that the RMJ Hawk is great for splitting skulls, and uber operator shit. The OP asked for an AXE not a Hawk. I guarantee you that both of the above will out perform any, and I mean ANY Hawk, in chopping, cutting and splitting wood. I will also guarantee you that both of the AXE's above will be more useful, and less fatiguing on the hand than the RMJ Hawk. I Know this. I'm not some bum dropping posts so that I can whore my wares. I am trying to offer "Informed" advice, not "Bullshit".
That said, were I heading to the battle field I might choose a Hawk over a small Axe. More than likely I would choose a good quality knife of usable length, and save the additional weight for ammo/supplies. That's just me though.
Chip
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I agree Joe, I know there are many Top Level guys who use them. I know Mr. Winkler's gear was a favorite among the "Navy" guys.
Just to reiterate, I'm not bagging on Tomahawks in general just trying to let the OP know there are different/better tools for different needs. The war hammer has proven itself a great offensive and defensive tool. Like it the hawk has a long history of use during hand to hand combat. To a civilian who won't face such combat there are far better choices.
Usefulness, and multi-tasking are high on my priorities list.
Chip
Just to reiterate, I'm not bagging on Tomahawks in general just trying to let the OP know there are different/better tools for different needs. The war hammer has proven itself a great offensive and defensive tool. Like it the hawk has a long history of use during hand to hand combat. To a civilian who won't face such combat there are far better choices.
Usefulness, and multi-tasking are high on my priorities list.
Chip
DJ Urbanovsky's work (American Kami) is unparalleled. Not arguing one thing is better than another for whatever task, but don't imply that his blades are not in line with the hawk.
I second Gransfors Bruks for a true axe. I own 3. Wouldn't trade em for another far as chopping wood. Great axes in general.
I second Gransfors Bruks for a true axe. I own 3. Wouldn't trade em for another far as chopping wood. Great axes in general.
Goddamn brother. That ain't a tool... that's an ER trip waiting to happen. No way in hell I would try to use that against someone. The RMJ Hawk would be a much better choice for (Strictly) anti personnel. I'd wager that non of those would make it through a SI helmet of any foreign force.
Chip
Chip
Gransfors are the best timber axes, malls, and wedges you can buy.
If your talking battle axe, tactical axe, or whatever you want to label it as you are not going to find a better one then from American Kami. Killshot please enlighten us all on your vast knowledge of the product.
Why would you even try to make it thru a helmet? A moving head is a small hard target to hit. A body is a nice large target. But if you feel you must hit a small target then go for the neck. This isn't rocket science.
Yea, I get that the statement, on its own, sounds silly. My comment was meant to be about over all penetration. I should have qualified it. Penetration is a primary benefit of a tomahawk. Why would I want a tomahawk that can't penetrate? If you can penetrate a helmet (are you having visions of a Cold Steel infomercial yet), you can penetrate any other part of a soldiers soft armor (Anything Kevlar). I haven't seen any testing on plates, so I can't comment on it.
Chip
However I would bet that a few of those will penetrate anything a knife would and them some. I see a non-timber type axe more of a tool then just swinging in a fight. His choice of chisel ground edge makes it very handy in many uses. Also makes it easier for the user to sharpen in the field. But I could see how someone looking at it one dimensionally could try to discredit it's overall usefulliness.
I was looking for a good hatchet to take backpacking, picked up one of theirs. Thanks!
I don't see the need to "enlighten" anyone on anything as there is plenty of information already available online, from personal experiences, that proves the RMJ is "the shit" and will withstand any beating you can dish out, and the some.
I'm not discounting the Kami is a good axe, hawk, or whatever you wanna call it but merely saying, it's no RMJ.
Your right its not a RMJ. It is a whole lot better then that POS. Take a look at that stupid video on RMJ's website. First I could accomplish the same thing with a 22oz Framing Hammer.The blade end of that POS never penatrated the .032 T6 aluminium, they had to use the pick end to get the job done. One shot with the blade end of an American Kami would have went thru that .032 T6 like butter. Its not that you don't see the need, you lack the ability to enlighten anyone on the subject. Have you ever even seen an axe from American Kami before I posted the link? Be honest. Have you ever touched or used one? I know you haven't because you would know that the RMJ is a POS when compared to an American Kami.
Your response is typical of a keyboard commando who allows his shit talking to overload his ass. Yes, I have handled a Kami and to be exact, it was at the Tulsa Arms show which is also known as Wanenmacher's. I wasn't impressed, to put it lightly, as it isn't made nearly as well and the balance wasn't as nice as the RMJ.
If you truly believe the riveted Kami head will outlast the full tang RMJ, you're even more of an idiot than I previously thought. The LAST thing anyone should need to be worrying about is the head working itself loose or flying into someone's skull unintentionally. Before you make the claim that could never happen, it was also said the titanic couldn't be sunk.
Oh, and for the record...I didn't "see the need", and still don't, because the information is out there for all to find on their own time. This is a big boys forum and I'm not gonna hold your hand or wipe your nose for you. Stop being a lazy ass and find the information yourself.
RMJ's suck.
I carried this with me on my last hunting trip and, sure enough, after the first rainfall, this happened. I mean what the hell am I going to do with this?
I carried this with me on my last hunting trip and, sure enough, after the first rainfall, this happened. I mean what the hell am I going to do with this?
RMJ's suck.
I carried this with me on my last hunting trip and, sure enough, after the first rainfall, this happened. I mean what the hell am I going to do with this?
Lmao damn shrinking hawk
dragbag for what a hawk is actually used for by military personel, i wouldn't carry one of those u posted if you paid me. if i was carrying it for the sole purpose of use as a weapon then maybe but honestly that just isn't what they are used for. they are used as a tool plain and simple. i just cannot see those hawks taking any real abuse. RMJ's are proven and thus why they are carried by any number of current SOCOM groups on all three top tiers.
