RMJ Tactical: Kestrel or S13 Shrike?

M

Moving Target

Joined
Feb 8, 2000
Messages
617
These two 'hawks appear to be roughly the same size, weight, and nearly identical design.

The only difference I see is the handles and the fact that the Kestrel is a true full tang, while the Shrike has the screw-in cap for storing the sharpening stone.

Anyone who owns these care to share their experiences or why they choose one over the other?
 
My two cents - for obvious reasons I have used both extensively.
There are some pretty distinct differences...
The kestrel forward edge geometry is geared more for fighting than that of the Shrike (the edge is layed back more and the beard is a touch longer). Not to say you couldn't breach with it, just a better cutter for that sort of thing. The spike is also a little thinner than that of the Shrike.
Both easily handle body armor.
S-13 is 20 oz
Kestrel is 25 oz
If you are breaching you need to know that the exposed steel tang on the kestrel is conductive, even through conventional finishes. The S-13 is totally non conductive on the handle. Not too terribly important on the civilian side, crucial on the LE/Military side.
Both use the same carry system (ie. MOLLE, Weapon Sling, Belt compatible)
S-13 has a sharpening stone that goes up in the handle - there is a 4130 Chrome Moly tube TIG welded on the end of the handle so that you have steel going all the way to the end of the handle save 1/4" for conductivity purposes. This is where the sharpening stone is housed.
What is the final verdict for me personally? If I was buying one to carry downrange I would pick the S-13. Great close quarters piece that will take a ton of abuse for the stuff you really end up using it for most of the time. If I was buying one to keep in the car or around the house? The Kestrel, just because I think it is sexy.
Sorry for the long winded answer.
RMJ
 
A few of the guys I work whit carry the kestrel, the keep them under their jackets when on executive protection jobs. It think they are very good fighting axes, and they are very handy to have in the car.

Ryan, was the kestrel made to be more of a fighter? Could you give us a bit of the history on its design.

Thanks, its grate having you hear on the forum.
 
Thank you very much for the quick and detailed reply! The S13 Shrike seems to be the better fit for my needs.

My next question is: how different is the balance and feel of the S13 compared to the standard Shrike?

I have held a regular Shrike, and could appreciate it's size and somewhat atypical weight distribution (that is, it didn't feel so head-heavy to be slow or awkward). Size is an important factor for me, not so much in terms of concealment, but to remain unobtrusive on the gear it will be carried with. 15-inches isn't really too long, but 13 seems almost..too short(?)

On the other hand, I'd imagine the S13 would feel even more quick and lively in the hand(?)

Thanks again for any feedback or suggestions!
 
The center of gravity moves down a little on the shorter version of the Shrike, but not enough to make a noticeable difference. As for quicker, most people make the assumption that a shorter hawk is a quicker hawk. In terms of blade velocity into the target it is the other way around. This is important because the energy or force into the target increases geometrically with velocity, whereas it is only linear with mass. That is why you hit harder and faster with a longer handle. There are tradeoffs though - too long and you can't accurately control the swing. Too long and it becomes cumbersome to carry. As for the physics side of this, I'm writing an essay this week that goes into detail about the physics behind the tomahawk when it comes to handle length - stay tuned.
As for the length, we do offer different lengths of the Shrike between 13" and 15.5" for military folks - you just have to ask for it.
Edwood - I'm not ignoring your question, just boiling it down to a shorter forum friendly answer - thanks for your patience!
RMJ
 
RMJ Tactical said:
too long and you can't accurately control the swing. Too long and it becomes cumbersome to carry.
Click to expand...

To clarify, this is what I meant as a shorter 'hawk being "quicker" - that is, easier to manipulate and recover - and not necessarily in reference to the speed of the bit impacting the target.

For the average user, I don't believe a slight difference in length is going to have any practical significance. Although, as you mentioned, you will indeed generate more force with a longer weapon, assuming a full swing.

Again, thanks for your input and expertise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top