American Tomahawk 'Model 2'

Hammer67 · Jan 29, 2023

A few pics of my new Model 2. Quite impressed with the build quality and the sheath. Arrived razor sharp. It's been dumping snow here for days, everything is buried and it's -4º outside, but as soon as I get a chance to get it dirty, I'll post some follow-up pics and thoughts...

luethge · Jan 29, 2023

Nice hawk. I’ve got a Model 1 that makes me grin any time I get a chance to use it. The amount of usable edge on that 2 is excellent

.

Hammer67 · Jan 29, 2023

luethge said:
Nice hawk. I’ve got a Model 1 that makes me grin any time I get a chance to use it. The amount of usable edge on that 2 is excellent .

Yeah, I think that for what you get, they are very fairly priced.

When I think about the Model 1 vs the Model 2, I think the former is really more of a true tomahawk, while the Model 2 more fills the role of a belt axe. Still lightweight enough to carry, and will do a number of 'hawk things, but a little more suited to wood processing as well. On the flipside, the Model 1 is a little lighter, and 'faster' feeling in the hand, if that makes sense. I'll probably pick up a Model 1 at some point as well...

Alocksly · Jan 29, 2023

Now that looks both sturdy and useful. While they have their place I've no need for a spike on the poll. Having a handle textured it's full length so I can grip it wherever and a poll I could hammer a stake with is just what I would need in a hawk. It looks like the you can tighten the head if needed as well?

Hammer67 · Jan 29, 2023

Alocksly said:
Now that looks both sturdy and useful. While they have their place I've no need for a spike on the poll. Having a handle textured it's full length so I can grip it wherever and a poll I could hammer a stake with is just what I would need in a hawk.

Yeah, I find a hammer poll more generally useful. And the texture is pretty darn good - not as aggressive as it may look in the pics, but plenty to keep a good grip on it. Available with a hickory hand as well.

Alocksly said:
It looks like the you can tighten the head if needed as well?

Correct. Simple and effective. :thumbsup:

Riz! · Jan 30, 2023

I love American Tomahawk Products! Their Model 1 is my favorite hawk and I have been debating on picking up the knife they just released. I just dont need another fixed blade

Angry Waiter · Jan 30, 2023

Smithhammer said:
A few pics of my new Model 2. Quite impressed with the build quality and the sheath. Arrived razor sharp. It's been dumping snow here for days, everything is buried and it's -4º outside, but as soon as I get a chance to get it dirty, I'll post some follow-up pics and thoughts...

The box made me

. Gorgeous piece of Kit, OP

Hammer67 · Jan 30, 2023

Riz! said:
I love American Tomahawk Products! Their Model 1 is my favorite hawk and I have been debating on picking up the knife they just released. I just dont need another fixed blade

Yeah, that new blade looks pretty nice. Clearly taking cues from the early American 'long knife' design.

Angry Waiter said:
The box made me . Gorgeous piece of Kit, OP

Me too. Had to share it.

Hammer67 · Feb 12, 2023

M2 did a fine job with prepping some kindling this afternoon.

Owen K. · Feb 13, 2023

Smithhammer said:
M2 did a fine job with prepping some kindling this afternoon.

Whatcha got wrapped around for handle pro? I've been meaning to do that on mine.

Hammer67 · Feb 15, 2023

Owen K. said:
Whatcha got wrapped around for handle pro? I've been meaning to do that on mine.

I just threw a few Ranger Bands on it. May do a little p-cord wrap at some point.

budthachud · Feb 15, 2023

How flexible are the handles? I had a model 1 from before RMJ bought them, and I found the handle a little too flexible.

Hammer67 · Feb 15, 2023

budthachud said:
How flexible are the handles? I had a model 1 from before RMJ bought them, and I found the handle a little too flexible.

I can't say I've noticed any flex so far.

luethge · Feb 15, 2023

budthachud said:
How flexible are the handles? I had a model 1 from before RMJ bought them, and I found the handle a little too flexible.

Less flex than the ATC VTAC - the older smooth handles could be slightly flexed over your knee, the ATC Model 1 is much more stiff. These are an improvement over something that was already pretty good. Much better edge geometry as well ( unless you’re planning on breaching walls ). The newer nylon handle is a bit greater in diameter, better purchase as well.

budthachud · Feb 15, 2023

Smithhammer said:
I can't say I've noticed any flex so far.

That's good to hear. I've been eyeing a model 2, and remembering that old Lagana( I think?) was way too flexible.

Hammer67 · Feb 15, 2023

budthachud said:
That's good to hear. I've been eyeing a model 2, and remembering that old Lagana( I think?) was way too flexible.

Yeah, I think the production has been taken up a notch (or several) by RMJ.

Riz! · Feb 15, 2023

luethge said:
Less flex than the ATC VTAC - the older smooth handles could be slightly flexed over your knee, the ATC Model 1 is much more stiff. These are an improvement over something that was already pretty good. Much better edge geometry as well ( unless you’re planning on breaching walls ). The newer nylon handle is a bit greater in diameter, better purchase as well.

This is 100% true. I have both the Vtac and the Model 1 and can vouch for this statement

Dusty One · Feb 16, 2023

Great looking piece !

hugofeynman · Feb 17, 2023

budthachud said:
How flexible are the handles? I had a model 1 from before RMJ bought them, and I found the handle a little too flexible.

According to this Italian gentleman, the handle flexes A LOT.

luethge · Feb 17, 2023

Less flex than the nylon Lagana - there is still some give when hacking into a log. The flex is a small price to pay for having absolutely no play in the head ( the wooden handled versions fail in that dept ).