CRKT Woods Kangee T-Hawk (first Impressions)

Pirate63 · Jul 2, 2014

Just got this brute and I have not had a chance to test run it yet but on first impressions.....its a beast of a Hawk. The Woods Kangee is designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical. The head is a very solid hunk of 1055 carbon steel. The factory edge was relatively sharp for a hawk. It is a heavy tool and those who want to throw it may find it a bit too heavy at almost 2lbs for that activity but it would hold up well to throwing.

The T-Hawk has primary and secondary edge bevels that are flat ground. The 19.5" wood handle is made in the USA from Tennessee hickory. It's sealed with a clear lacquer coat. I think this tool is well suited for camping, wood work and general around the yard chores. It would also make a formidable weapon/entry tool if pressed into those roles. I like it a lot on first impressions and will put it to work soon. It does not come with a sheath but CRK&T makes a leather sheath that can be purchased separately. I paid $49 shipped for this Hawk. CRK&T makes another Woods hawk named the Chogan which has a hammer head instead of the spike. This setup may be better suited for some users.

karmatso · Jul 2, 2014

I just received mine last Thursday. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this thing is huge. My original intent was that I could eventually mod it into some sort of belt axe/defensive weapon, but as soon as I opened the box, I could tell that wasn't in the cards. I honestly never paid any attention to the specs before I ordered it. I'm certainly not disappointed in any way. This thing is a beast, very well made, and I'm sure it will give me years of service.

abcdef · Jul 3, 2014

How is the balance for wood chopping? Better with one hand or two? Thanks.

Pirate63 · Jul 3, 2014

abcdef said:
How is the balance for wood chopping? Better with one hand or two? Thanks.

I have not yet had the chance to do any serious wood chopping but in handling the hawk and swinging it at some wood rounds, it is a bit head heavy IMO. The head is a big honking piece of carbon steel on this thing so its almost 2 pounds total weight. I am a relatively strong guy and I can swing this thing with good force and appropriate balance with one handed no problem but if you worked with this thing for an hour or longer it will certainly be a workout. The shaft is 19.5 inches so could swing it two handed if you need too. It would appear to be almost indestructible, its a really serious tool.

karmatso · Jul 3, 2014

I agree with Pirate, although if I was doing a really big job, I would like to have a little more length in the handle. If you are just doing basic chores around the camp, or clearing brush from the backyard, the length probably won't be an issue. This thing is a brute. No doubt about it.

lazy otter · Jul 3, 2014

I'll definitely be ordering this and the 1 with the hammer on the back and maybe 1 or 2 too mod. Just in case you didn't know they have sheaths for both models.

Pirate63 · Jul 3, 2014

lazy otter said:
I'll definitely be ordering this and the 1 with the hammer on the back and maybe 1 or 2 too mod. Just in case you didn't know they have sheaths for both models.

Knife Center has the CRKT kangee T hawk leather sheaths listed for $16.95. But they don't have them in stock yet but you can place a "pre-order" for them.
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/CR...kangee-t-hawk-leather-sheath-axe-not-included

lazy otter · Jul 3, 2014

Yeah....I forgot about the pre order....sorry

lazy otter · Jul 15, 2014

I ordered both versions of this hawk this weekend should be here Thursday can't wait.

Scottman · Jul 15, 2014

The reviews on it that I've been watching seem to show this thing rocks at splitting. I"m wondering if it's because of the weight as the bit isn't that great in splitting profile (obviously because it's traditional hawk).

lazy otter · Jul 15, 2014

I watched a few youtube vids of it splitting too and it does seem to do a heck of a job splitting. I'm gonna go with Scottman and say it's the weight . I guess I'll know more on Thursday .

lazy otter · Jul 30, 2014

So I got both of the crkt hawks for 40$ each the hammer and spike versions. Now I live in the city for now and am injured so I have not used them so these are just my observations. Pirate63 did a great job on his review so I really can't add much. Yes you can mod these but it's gonna take more elbow grease than modding a cs hawk, if you want to sharpen the beard then look at the hammer model as it has much less material to remove on the beard as opposed to the spiked version. They are both thicker than most hawks I've come across and are much better for splitting and hard use . I have no issue with fit and finish I will definitły buy atleast 2 more. I'm looking forward to Pirate63 doing another review on these hawks in action and his long term testing. Thanks Pirate you definitły are the man.

Pirate63 · Jul 31, 2014

lazy otter said:
So I got both of the crkt hawks for 40$ each the hammer and spike versions. Now I live in the city for now and am injured so I have not used them so these are just my observations. Pirate63 did a great job on his review so I really can't add much. Yes you can mod these but it's gonna take more elbow grease than modding a cs hawk, if you want to sharpen the beard then look at the hammer model as it has much less material to remove on the beard as opposed to the spiked version. They are both thicker than most hawks I've come across and are much better for splitting and hard use . I have no issue with fit and finish I will definitły buy atleast 2 more. I'm looking forward to Pirate63 doing another review on these hawks in action and his long term testing. Thanks Pirate you definitły are the man.

I had a feeling you would be pleased. The CRKT Hawks are a great value at this low price point.

lazy otter · Jul 31, 2014

Pirate your right I am very pleased. They are both beasts and the price is great for these guys. Wish I woulda moved to Nc when I had the chance so I could have as much fun with them as you!