Quality Brands for Axes/Tomahawks/Hatchets?

Z

zeontestpilot

Joined
Jul 14, 2013
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So I'm new to this amazing world of axes and its siblings (hatchets, tomahawks), but I will admit I am lacking in knowledge of quality brands to keep an eye out for. My wife, the knife collector of the family, always keeps an eye out for brands that are of a good build and quality; brands like Buck and Case. I can only reason that there are good, quality brands for axes, tomahawks, and hatchets out there. But since I am new, I have no idea what brands I can (for lack of a better term) "lust" for and to put on my 'wishlist'. I've seen brands around the web; like Estwing, Fiskars, (I heard they were good), Missouri River, Rockforge, etc. I just have no idea if these are brands I can count on for quality (and use) or not.

Also, on a previous thread, I was told a Cold Steel Tomahawk is a good buy for the money (<=$50), which is now why I'm gonna try to purchase a Trail Hawk.....I think this is the bug everyone talks about....
 
Personally, I'm not a fan of Cold Steel anything, but those that are are reasonably loyal. For axes, I have - and recommend - Wetterlings, Gransfors Bruks, Hultafors (Bruks), and the Council Tools Velvicut line. If you've got an interest in vintage stuff, there are plenty of good names; but I couldn't do that list justice.
For tomahawks, there are a number of styles with a wide range or prices - some of the best values come from custom makers, IMO...but it helps to know which style interests you.
Hatchets - I don't really bother much with them; mainly because in that size range, I'm just as likely to use a knife or (machete)
 
Hawks H&B Forge, Coal Creek Forge, Wolf Creek and a host of great makers here all depends on what you want to spend. Cold Steel makes some decent beginner hawks you will have to work on them a bit before they are good to go. Axes Wetterlings is all I own but I'm sure somebody else will chime in depends on what you need one for and what you are willing to spend.
 
If "keep an eye out for" means used vintage axes:
1) Warren- all good
2) Collins- Legitimus, Red Seal, Old Timer, Bonded
3) Kelly- Perfect, Flint Edge, Red Warrior
4) Walters
5) EC Simmons Keen Kutter
5) Plumb- all good
Many, many more..... Most commons ones at variety sales are Plumb, Collins and Kelly/True Temper. A little digging will teach you what to look for in edge profile and geometry, cracks, bulged eye's. Learning to rehandle your own and file the head back to proper specs will yield wonderful axes for little money and great return in pride.

I could not say much about new axes save Gransfors and while I love it, I can afford to have many more reworked vintage axes to occupy my rare spare time.

Bill
 
For the price, all Cold Steel products are very good. I work in construction, my Rifleman's Hawk has seen a lot of hard use. It keeps coming back for more. I haven't had to replace the handle yet, they are inexpensive and easily acquired. Not all of use can afford or justify the expense of a custom hawk or axe.
 
Now by Hatchet are we talking about blade on one end and hammer poll on the other? If so these hachets are the working man's main armament. A good quality hatchet can be picked up new for around $50. You can find old hatchet heads of excellent quality at flea markets, yard sales, antique malls, where ever folks sale used goods. A new hickory handle from your local hardware store and your good to go. Vaughn Tool makes a good U.S. forged head as well as Collins and they won't break the bank. I'll buy a new hatchet and immediatly replace the usual stubby handle with a 18" Straight or Cali Framer handle. If you have the additional $ then Grundfors or Wetterlings makes some excellent choices.
 
Tomahawk Rob said:
For the price, all Cold Steel products are very good.
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With all respect, I cannot agree with that. A lot of CS products are overpriced for the quality. I am happy that you've been pleased with yours...but the only CS product I've owned that was worth what I paid for it was the Magnum Kukri machete. I know a lot of people like Cold Steel, and I'm not out to change their minds...if it weren't for the "all", I wouldn't have bothered responding
 
Cold Steel tomahawks are decent for the money and easy to fancy up.

But for a few pesos more depending on the model, you can get an H&B which are hand made right here in the USA. I have nothing but good things to say about H&B.

Even their customs are affordable.


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zeontestpilot said:
Anyone? Is this not a good question to ask?
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Reticent to attempt an answer only because practical/realistic users differ considerably in opinion from others. Mix in the word 'hawk' with 'axe' and suddenly we're asked to compare 'carnival pony' with 'draft horse'. I know nothing about ponies except they cost serious money, are mostly cute, pretend useful and mostly are used to generate conversation. If that is the desired function then certainly you don't want to be steered towards a Clydesdale or a Percheron.
If you go lightly-used (which is a lot cheaper than Yuppie-new) then vintage "made in USA/Canada/Austria/Germany/Sweden is a pretty good bet.
 
Thank you everyone for answering. As I discovered, opinions and views differ quite greatly about different axes, but it seems a universal agreement that vintage axes are good. So I'll keep my eye out. Plus I think some people will readily get rid of "old" axes, so I can get the (possibly) cheap and fix them up. And I think I will go with the Cold Steel tomahawk. It is cheaper, and it might break through use, but I think fixing it up with give me some experience before moving to a different project.
 
Tomahawk Rob said:
For the price, all Cold Steel products are very good. I work in construction, my Rifleman's Hawk has seen a lot of hard use. It keeps coming back for more. I haven't had to replace the handle yet, they are inexpensive and easily acquired. Not all of use can afford or justify the expense of a custom hawk or axe.
Click to expand...

I've been on the fence for months about the Rifleman's Hawk. How long have you had yours? Much use?

deC
 
I've had my Rifleman's hawk for 3 years. It was used daily for 2 years for construction and landscaping. I would like to buy a more expensive custom hawk but I can not justify the cost.
 
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