- Joined
- Jan 2, 2016
- Messages
- 4
Just received my CRKT Chogan tomahawk in the mail today. I consider myself to be a pretty avid knife and blade collector but unlike most collectors, my blades don't end up sitting on a shelf somewhere after doing the initial testing. They get used. So naturally I couldn't wait to get the thing open to start seeing if it would be a good addition to my trail pack. I got the box open and started to remove the packaging that the hawk came in. As soon as I picked up this hawk I knew it was exactly what I was looking for and we could be good friends for a long time.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:
The hawk is very simple, which I think only adds to its beauty. I was really looking for a good hawk I could carry with me as more of a medium/heavy duty, knock around tool or back up to my standard Kabar survival knife. It has a straight, pole style, Tennessee hickory handle. It looks like nice grain wood but it's really nothing to write home about (don't take this the wrong way. Tennessee hickory is some strong stuff). I don't really mind the basic handle. I think it looks good as it is, but I had planned a few mods I was gonna test out anyway to make it suit me a little better and make it "My" hawk. Example, there is a ton of lacquer on the handle. Not enough to render this hawk completely unusable, but enough to make me nervous when really going at it in wet conditions. Easily resolved by wearing gloves when wielding the hawk but I planned on sanding it down, staining it a little darker, maybe charing or burning in some designs, etc. Then adding some leather wrap to the handle. It could also use a lanyard hole. Although I do like that it's manufactured without the hole as it give me options
Just drill a hole, add something to my wrap, etc. you get the point. The handle is also easily replaceable without any set screws, wraps, or additional tools needed. The great thing about this hawk is that it allows for customization to fit your needs or just leave it as is and have a great performing, fairly inexpensive hawk.
Now on to the head. The head is fairly traditional, hammer finished, 1055 carbon steel with a 4.21" blade length and my version came with, in my opinion, the more usable hammer head at the back. There is a version with a fairly hefty spike at the back of the head which, some have said, has a shorter blade length (although CRKT lists the blade length as the same on both models so I'm a little confused as to what people are seeing). I just thought the hammer head would be better fit for my needs. But again, I do like options! Now being that the head is made of, pretty much bare, 1055 carbon steel it will need care to prevent rusting. I have numerous other carbon steel blades and usually completely clean/dry the blade and apply a very light coat of Vaseline, mineral oil, or gun lube to them before storage and never had any issues. I do wish that the hammer head had some sort of knurling on the face. But I was aware that it did not when I bought it and thought about maybe testing it out and adding some later if need be. Overall, I do think that the design of the hawk would serve me well.
AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION HERE'S MY GRIPES:
First, the edge is not even close to sharp. I understand that this is more of an axe and less of a knife so I didn't expect it to be a razor blade. But, to put it as nicely as I can, it needs a lot of work. As I said, I didn't expect a tomahawk that I only paid about $40 for, through Amazon, to have a razor's edge (mind you it has a $70 retail value so that may change my opinions a bit). That being said, I also own both the SOG Fasthawk and the SOG Voodoo Hawk Mini. Both of which are awesome and had a completely usable and sharp as hell edge right out the box. So in my opinion, there's no reason that CRKT couldn't have put some kind of edge on the thing. Both of which also came with at least a basic sheath and they are in the same price range. Either way, this is my first venture into the CRKT brand and I didn't really know what to expect. I will say I expected a little more from a hawk manufactured in conjunction with RMJ tactical. The thing is basically a butter knife and might as well just be sold as a false edged hawk. You can take that as you wish and some may see it as a clean slate to add your own touches to (maybe add a convex edge or something) I knew it may take some work to fine tune the thing. But I mean come on, give me something that is at least useable for awhile out of the box. I was also a little upset that it did not come with a sheath of any kind. And yes I know it's stated that the sheath is not included with the hawk. But I got excited about the new addition and realized that after I bought it. But after I started thinking about it now I'm wondering why they don't include it. I mean, most companies will give you something then offer some kind of deluxe or premium sheath separate or for a higher retail with the blade. But hey, I guess they figured "what do you need a sheath for......it's not even sharp".
Second, the fit of the hawk head to the handle is.......meh. The fit was so tight out of the box I'll probably have to take a hammer to the thing to get it off (Which, after further inspection, I have not yet attempted. More on that later). A hawk is supposed to be a nice friction fit and not pounded on to the handle with so much force the it literally shaves down the handle. Which is exactly what happened. I noticed that there is a decent amount of shaving marks and curled wood from the hickory handle around the top of the head. Not a deal breaker for me as normally I'd just break it down, clean it up and sand it, then reassemble. But, the head only sits maybe an inch or less from the top of the very mildly tapered handle (sorry, I didn't measure it). It's no where near as low on the handle as the pics on CRKT's website show. (EDIT: I just went back and looked at their site and there are a few pics that show the head higher on the handle). Either way, I'm worried that if I get sanding on it, to get it to the point where the head has a nice clean friction fit, then I may end up taking so much off that the handle that the head doesn't fit at all or sits nearly flush with the handle. Which concerns me a bit when friction fit head sits that high.
So on to the reason I've decided it's best to not attempt any repairs. Upon further inspection, and most concerning to me, I found a large crack at the top of hickory handle just above the head which disappears behind the hawk head where it's seated. The crack sections off about a 1/3 of the overall girth of the handle. I considered removing the hawk head to inspect the crack but decided not to attempt any repairs or mods to prevent further damage to the handle, increase the size of the crack, and so as not to cause any CRKT warranty issues. All other issues aside, this is not something I can live. Two words......Quality Control.
This was the final straw so I decided to contact CRKT customer service via their online email submission form outlining the same issues noted here. I have heard that CRKT has great customer service but 24 hours later and no response. Not even an email saying "Thanks for your submission! A member of our team will be in touch with as soon as possible." In fact, it just cycles you back to the same submission form with a barely noticeable thank you message at the top of the page. I actually submitted the form twice because I thought the first one didn't go through. Maybe that's just me being picky or absent minded but it would be nice to be noticed. ****Queue the tiny violins****
Anyone who actually gets out and puts their tools through their paces knows that not every blade will suit every task for every person every time. And I think that lends to fun of collecting or using a blade. There are some many different styles and designs that have been around for hundreds or thousands of years. Each one is a tool that can be unique to its owner and modified as they see fit. It should be an extension of yourself and I have gone into every blade purchase I've ever made with that in mind. Knowing that SOG, or KABAR, or CRKT for that matter can't possibly know exactly what I need. I see the blades as starting point, a solid place to jump off from. Are there some I have that I haven't had to or felt the need to modify? Of course. Others take a little work. Is that a knock against the manufacturer? Of course not. The thing wasn't built specifically for me.
Now one of the things I like to do after writing a review is actually go back and read it. Not proof read it but just read it. As if I hadn't bought the blade yet and was still contemplating purchasing it. And Overall, I'm happy with the design of the hawk and, like I mentioned before, it had everything I was looking for in a nice woods hawk. I'm just a little upset that, at least in my case, I can't safely and confidently use it. I think that if it weren't for the crack in the handle then I would already be working on the edge and customizing the handle. It seems like this hawk has all the makings to be something great but just missed the mark out of the box.
So in conclusion, if your willing to put in a little work this may be a good starting point. But don't expect it to be perfect out of the box. On a side note, I have read some very raving reviews on this hawk and there are people who seem to love it so maybe I just got a dud. But like I said, I am trying to get in touch with CRKT customer service to see if they will warranty it for me. So, if and when CRKT decides to get back in touch with me and warranties the hawk I'll revise my review.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:
The hawk is very simple, which I think only adds to its beauty. I was really looking for a good hawk I could carry with me as more of a medium/heavy duty, knock around tool or back up to my standard Kabar survival knife. It has a straight, pole style, Tennessee hickory handle. It looks like nice grain wood but it's really nothing to write home about (don't take this the wrong way. Tennessee hickory is some strong stuff). I don't really mind the basic handle. I think it looks good as it is, but I had planned a few mods I was gonna test out anyway to make it suit me a little better and make it "My" hawk. Example, there is a ton of lacquer on the handle. Not enough to render this hawk completely unusable, but enough to make me nervous when really going at it in wet conditions. Easily resolved by wearing gloves when wielding the hawk but I planned on sanding it down, staining it a little darker, maybe charing or burning in some designs, etc. Then adding some leather wrap to the handle. It could also use a lanyard hole. Although I do like that it's manufactured without the hole as it give me options
Just drill a hole, add something to my wrap, etc. you get the point. The handle is also easily replaceable without any set screws, wraps, or additional tools needed. The great thing about this hawk is that it allows for customization to fit your needs or just leave it as is and have a great performing, fairly inexpensive hawk.Now on to the head. The head is fairly traditional, hammer finished, 1055 carbon steel with a 4.21" blade length and my version came with, in my opinion, the more usable hammer head at the back. There is a version with a fairly hefty spike at the back of the head which, some have said, has a shorter blade length (although CRKT lists the blade length as the same on both models so I'm a little confused as to what people are seeing). I just thought the hammer head would be better fit for my needs. But again, I do like options! Now being that the head is made of, pretty much bare, 1055 carbon steel it will need care to prevent rusting. I have numerous other carbon steel blades and usually completely clean/dry the blade and apply a very light coat of Vaseline, mineral oil, or gun lube to them before storage and never had any issues. I do wish that the hammer head had some sort of knurling on the face. But I was aware that it did not when I bought it and thought about maybe testing it out and adding some later if need be. Overall, I do think that the design of the hawk would serve me well.
AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION HERE'S MY GRIPES:
First, the edge is not even close to sharp. I understand that this is more of an axe and less of a knife so I didn't expect it to be a razor blade. But, to put it as nicely as I can, it needs a lot of work. As I said, I didn't expect a tomahawk that I only paid about $40 for, through Amazon, to have a razor's edge (mind you it has a $70 retail value so that may change my opinions a bit). That being said, I also own both the SOG Fasthawk and the SOG Voodoo Hawk Mini. Both of which are awesome and had a completely usable and sharp as hell edge right out the box. So in my opinion, there's no reason that CRKT couldn't have put some kind of edge on the thing. Both of which also came with at least a basic sheath and they are in the same price range. Either way, this is my first venture into the CRKT brand and I didn't really know what to expect. I will say I expected a little more from a hawk manufactured in conjunction with RMJ tactical. The thing is basically a butter knife and might as well just be sold as a false edged hawk. You can take that as you wish and some may see it as a clean slate to add your own touches to (maybe add a convex edge or something) I knew it may take some work to fine tune the thing. But I mean come on, give me something that is at least useable for awhile out of the box. I was also a little upset that it did not come with a sheath of any kind. And yes I know it's stated that the sheath is not included with the hawk. But I got excited about the new addition and realized that after I bought it. But after I started thinking about it now I'm wondering why they don't include it. I mean, most companies will give you something then offer some kind of deluxe or premium sheath separate or for a higher retail with the blade. But hey, I guess they figured "what do you need a sheath for......it's not even sharp".
Second, the fit of the hawk head to the handle is.......meh. The fit was so tight out of the box I'll probably have to take a hammer to the thing to get it off (Which, after further inspection, I have not yet attempted. More on that later). A hawk is supposed to be a nice friction fit and not pounded on to the handle with so much force the it literally shaves down the handle. Which is exactly what happened. I noticed that there is a decent amount of shaving marks and curled wood from the hickory handle around the top of the head. Not a deal breaker for me as normally I'd just break it down, clean it up and sand it, then reassemble. But, the head only sits maybe an inch or less from the top of the very mildly tapered handle (sorry, I didn't measure it). It's no where near as low on the handle as the pics on CRKT's website show. (EDIT: I just went back and looked at their site and there are a few pics that show the head higher on the handle). Either way, I'm worried that if I get sanding on it, to get it to the point where the head has a nice clean friction fit, then I may end up taking so much off that the handle that the head doesn't fit at all or sits nearly flush with the handle. Which concerns me a bit when friction fit head sits that high.
So on to the reason I've decided it's best to not attempt any repairs. Upon further inspection, and most concerning to me, I found a large crack at the top of hickory handle just above the head which disappears behind the hawk head where it's seated. The crack sections off about a 1/3 of the overall girth of the handle. I considered removing the hawk head to inspect the crack but decided not to attempt any repairs or mods to prevent further damage to the handle, increase the size of the crack, and so as not to cause any CRKT warranty issues. All other issues aside, this is not something I can live. Two words......Quality Control.
This was the final straw so I decided to contact CRKT customer service via their online email submission form outlining the same issues noted here. I have heard that CRKT has great customer service but 24 hours later and no response. Not even an email saying "Thanks for your submission! A member of our team will be in touch with as soon as possible." In fact, it just cycles you back to the same submission form with a barely noticeable thank you message at the top of the page. I actually submitted the form twice because I thought the first one didn't go through. Maybe that's just me being picky or absent minded but it would be nice to be noticed. ****Queue the tiny violins****
Anyone who actually gets out and puts their tools through their paces knows that not every blade will suit every task for every person every time. And I think that lends to fun of collecting or using a blade. There are some many different styles and designs that have been around for hundreds or thousands of years. Each one is a tool that can be unique to its owner and modified as they see fit. It should be an extension of yourself and I have gone into every blade purchase I've ever made with that in mind. Knowing that SOG, or KABAR, or CRKT for that matter can't possibly know exactly what I need. I see the blades as starting point, a solid place to jump off from. Are there some I have that I haven't had to or felt the need to modify? Of course. Others take a little work. Is that a knock against the manufacturer? Of course not. The thing wasn't built specifically for me.
Now one of the things I like to do after writing a review is actually go back and read it. Not proof read it but just read it. As if I hadn't bought the blade yet and was still contemplating purchasing it. And Overall, I'm happy with the design of the hawk and, like I mentioned before, it had everything I was looking for in a nice woods hawk. I'm just a little upset that, at least in my case, I can't safely and confidently use it. I think that if it weren't for the crack in the handle then I would already be working on the edge and customizing the handle. It seems like this hawk has all the makings to be something great but just missed the mark out of the box.
So in conclusion, if your willing to put in a little work this may be a good starting point. But don't expect it to be perfect out of the box. On a side note, I have read some very raving reviews on this hawk and there are people who seem to love it so maybe I just got a dud. But like I said, I am trying to get in touch with CRKT customer service to see if they will warranty it for me. So, if and when CRKT decides to get back in touch with me and warranties the hawk I'll revise my review.
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I'm also thinking about possibly cutting down the original handle to make a shorter maybe hatchet length handle for it.
