I was able to chop logs for a weekend camping trip, we forgot our ax. I was able to chop 16" round logs about 18-20" long into perfect fire logs. It was a lot harder than just using an ax but it made me fall in love with this tool even more.
The fasthawk is an amazing tool. Had mine for only a few months, but I'm loving it. It's survived several extended camping trips in eastern Canada in the harshest winter we've seen in a long time up here, and now it's summer, and there's barely a scuff with the abuse I've put it through. Regular maintenance goes a long way. Now that I've seen it's big brother, I'm picking that up too!
I've had my SOG fast hawk for 2 weeks now, I have the digital camo version and I love it so far. I have been putting it through its paces whacking green tree limbs, dead wood, rotten wood and id saw it competes best with green wood best although the edge holds up really well for 420 sSteel as for the spike I love it, breaks through cinder block, concrete slab, brick, fire brick and glass like a charm I decided to add it to my bug out bag because I was in the market for a safe Hawk that is tactical and yet practical and let me say for $25 I wouldn't mind shelling out $45 or $50 for this hawk light 19 ounces 2" blade length and (grn) handle Glass Reinforced Nylon buy it and don't be afraid to do so :)
2:50 Good to finally see a reviewer who actually knows how to use an axe. I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen people chop horizontally without putting the blade at an angle and they then complain about the blade.
Well the Black Ronin Tomahawk is a great low budget practice throwing hawk. Maybe get that to practice throwing and then something bigger like a Trench Hawk for the other duties. As for the knife, maybe a Blackhawk Tatang.
I have a Tactical, have carried it for years and it has served very nicely in every situation I needed a chopping device (and the knurled hammer section on the side is great for tent stakes) it's a softer steel so yes it will get chunks in it eventually but it's easy to sharpen and it's weight is ideal.
The smaller one was on sale for like $15 during the holidays, I think the bigger one is around $25-30 on Amazon. haven't seen them sold as a set anymwhere
I love hatchets! I have their carpenter's hatchet, I would like their Rigger's axe and that Splitter hammer they have. Yes, I saw the Condor, I like big blades like that.
The Mark 2 has a cast aluminum guard, which isn't very durable. The Ronin is better for throwing because it's one-piece steel construction, handle won't break.
I just came across this site and noticed you are comparing the SOG Tomahawks and wanted to pitch in that I have had the Tactical Hawk for 8 yes eight years and no it is not a throwaway after several trips even many trips because what you failed to mention is that it is VERY easy to sharpen due to the slightly softer metal. Again, with care and maintained your Hawk will last a long time. I do own "Hults Bruk Kisa" and a "Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe" which are about as good as an ax can get. Of course, I use the 2 better axes but I use the Tomahawk when I backpack as it is much lighter and easy to carry, in fact, I have a tip and blade cover and I just carabiner the hawk through the hole then to my pack for easy release in case of need, defense, etc. I know one thing I had to finish off a Hog I shot with my Bow and when I got close thinking he was dear... he was not so I hit it in the head with the pointed ended in he died immediately. So it doesn't have to be sharp to do serious damage. Great vid my friend and I am glad I found this video, I will share it for sure. Just maybe you could do a simple edit and mention the facts about sharpening to make it last quite a while. Thanks again.
I bought one of these for camping trips and ended up taking my cold steel entrenching tool. You can beat the crap out of that thing. I agree with you, these tomahawks are cheap, but they may be a good way to escape a vehicle. They may also be a good addition to a budget bugout kit.
Just chopped up a rotted tree with a ridiculously strong wooden core. I decided to try and break the Fasthawk and the Jungle Machete I purchased on the cheap from Amazon to test them out before taking them camping. Surprised that both survived. I was ramming the spike into the hard wood and twisting the handle, it is a effective log splitter. The head is a little loose now, but I tightened the set screws and that took care of the problem. I've lost a good amount of the black finish chopping with both ends and splitting logs, unbelievably impressed I though it would break. The grip is trash though, I need to wrap it like yours.
I put ranger bands in mine so it wouldn't fly out of my hand. Also I added a lanyard. It is a serious chopper. Hammer is perfect for driving wood stakes for a tarp. Next cheap fasthawk I see....I am getting another one.
HAWK TALK: the perfect sidekick for a full sized SOG 'hawk is the Condor Kumunga knife! spent a lot of time narrowing the search and this knife is the perfect companion piece in the same price range - similar materials, full tang construction, light weight yet durable, matching finish, long blade with straight edge, too... Condor Kumunga, Google it!
Def combat ready, mine saw Thailand and DMZ Korea a few months ago, still good to go! My bro would take it to Afghanistan in Jan, but opted for the ka-bar this go round.
I got the fast hawk a week ago at walmart for $20 bucks. It is awesome for the price and is pretty light when hooked to the belt. The nylon sheath is ok but not the best its ok. Also its really good to practice and increase your skills with if you dont want to ding up your more upgraded gear or purchase a expensive piece of gear yet. Or if you just want a decent hawk with out breaking your wallet. Plus you get a life time warranty (atleast thats what it says on the box it came in).
the fast hawk is best in a zombie outbreak. it takes up less weight and space it also still holds full lethality like the fusion and in the right hands is a great tool for Breaking a door or other infiltration tactics also the spike will go through a Kevlar helmet such as the one the military issues. i like to put baseball bat grip tape over the bottom half till 1" from the SOG logo and another patch by the neck the same length away from the logo to increase the life span of the hawk.
i wrapped the handle on mine with 2 layers of parachord, to increase the diameter of the handle, the increased surface area gives you a more secure grip, and you have paracord on hand should the need arise
@ Peed 58 - that's an improved model of the wartime V-Tac 'hawk from Vietnam. Trust me, it's combat ready... however, if you want something a little less "utilitarian" looking, check-out the new SOG Voodoo 'hawk
I have the united m48 hawk and the SOG fast hawk. I like my fast hawk better. It's a nice thrower too. And the holes "whistle" when you throw it. I was throwing at about 10 feet. I can hear it whistle twice as it rotates. And the bladed side sticks just as good as the spike when thrown.
i like both of them, but i like the fasthawk for backpacking, due to the smaller size, lighter weight, and lower cost. There is one drawback for it, though; since it's lighter, it's also a little less powerful than the full-sized tactical. You have two choices there; portability and economy, or power and reach.
great review man, thanks. Just need a smallish hawk that I can use for a few different tasks and not worry about nicking it up a bit, sounds like one of these might be the ticket
I tried using the Fast Hawks digging spike on a brick. Not a good plan. Blunted the tip pretty badly with two hits and did NOTHING to the brick. Good for digging and biting into wood but it's far from indestructible. I still like it though.
i've had one for while. the only complain i have is that the blade isnt holding an edge that well. Probably because of the rocks and stuff that its hit when throw
I have one and i have punctured a washing machine like it was nothing and all the damage was pant from the washing machine that easy washed off. I recommend this tomahawk compactly. :)
Nice video mate, got me thinking : should I buy this or should I stick with my first idea : The Vietnam model tomahawk ? Thinking you held it in your hand, what's your say ?
I remember when these were all the rage among my peers. Their good, but durability in my opinion is really low. I had the Cold Steel trench hawk too. I liked that one because I could cut the handle down to the length of the fast hawk, but the blade and spike was 1075 carbon steel vs 420 stainless. Currently I have the S&W Extraction and Evasion, which aside from the weight, is extremely durable. Its like the RMJ tomahawks, but like 2x as thick. Not exactly a great thing, but its also about 1/4 the price.
The steel types can be misleading. I bought the KaBar Kukri which is 1085 carbon steel. The first time I got done chopping wood with it the blade has chunks missing out of it, you would think i was hitting it on concrete or something. The blade was much sharper than the SOG hawk so i guess that is an excuse but its still disappointing.
i got one for my son the first thing you want to do when you get it in your hand is throw it chopping comes 2nd. Let me know if felt the same thing when first holding it?
hey imlooking for a good fixed blade that isnt over 70 dollars, right now i have the ka bar black fighter and i absolutly love it (you should reveiw it) and i would like to expand on that blade with another high quality knife, what would you recommend
I ended up fixing the collar with a vice and sold it. My preferred hawk is a Cold Steel Trail Hawk with a custom handle I made for it. 17 inches instead of 22 inches. And the wood has been sanded and varnished to last longer. The head has seen extremely heavy use and had one chip so far where I hit a nail. I fixed it out with a good stone.
I was able to chop logs for a weekend camping trip, we forgot our ax. I was able to chop 16" round logs about 18-20" long into perfect fire logs. It was a lot harder than just using an ax but it made me fall in love with this tool even more.
The fasthawk is an amazing tool. Had mine for only a few months, but I'm loving it. It's survived several extended camping trips in eastern Canada in the harshest winter we've seen in a long time up here, and now it's summer, and there's barely a scuff with the abuse I've put it through. Regular maintenance goes a long way. Now that I've seen it's big brother, I'm picking that up too!
Yes it could handle a small or thin tree. The back is a spike for breaking up hard ground or window rescue.
I've had my SOG fast hawk for 2 weeks now, I have the digital camo version and I love it so far.
I have been putting it through its paces whacking green tree limbs, dead wood, rotten wood and id saw it competes best with green wood best although the edge holds up really well for 420 sSteel
as for the spike I love it, breaks through cinder block, concrete slab, brick, fire brick and glass like a charm
I decided to add it to my bug out bag because I was in the market for a safe Hawk that is tactical and yet practical and let me say for $25 I wouldn't mind shelling out $45 or $50 for this hawk
light 19 ounces
2" blade length
and (grn) handle Glass Reinforced Nylon
buy it and don't be afraid to do so :)
2:50 Good to finally see a reviewer who actually knows how to use an axe. I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen people chop horizontally without putting the blade at an angle and they then complain about the blade.
Thanks! I haven't tried throwing them, but yes 3-4 people have told me that they use them as throwers and that they work well.
420 steel....isn't that the best type of steel? It has a really mellow feel to it right?
Nathan Edwards it's one of the absolute worst.
Nah, this axe has been great. They all work , lol with a sharp edge and a little weight
The4cp and you have no concept of a joke. Damn.
I have one of these - it's a terrific and tough little 'hawk! This 'hawk always amazes my fellow campers with what it can do.
that has got to be the coolest chopping noise ever!
Thanks! I'd recommend the CS Trench Hawk and Rifleman's Hawk. Also, an Estwing Carpenter's Hatchet.
Check out the Ontario Utilitac II Tanto, Kershaw S30V Blur, or Benchmade Doug Ritter Griptilian.
Why is it so satisfying seeing someone smash stuff with an axe?
It is best used just for casual short term camping.
Well the Black Ronin Tomahawk is a great low budget practice throwing hawk. Maybe get that to practice throwing and then something bigger like a Trench Hawk for the other duties. As for the knife, maybe a Blackhawk Tatang.
They are for if you have to hammer something with them, it won't slip off as easy.
I have a Tactical, have carried it for years and it has served very nicely in every situation I needed a chopping device (and the knurled hammer section on the side is great for tent stakes) it's a softer steel so yes it will get chunks in it eventually but it's easy to sharpen and it's weight is ideal.
I agree. I have the fast hawk and I have been pretty shocked at it's usefulness.
Great review! Finally someone stated it, they are budget hawks and semi disposable. They were never designed for a lifetime of heavy use.
I used some grip wrap I found at the sporting good's store. Can't recall what brand, but check out the grip sections for baseball, hockey, and tennis.
The smaller one was on sale for like $15 during the holidays, I think the bigger one is around $25-30 on Amazon. haven't seen them sold as a set anymwhere
I think a heavy hatchet is best for chopping, most tomahawks are more of a compromise, they are light enough to hike a long distance with more easily.
I need this...because of reasons.
Sticking with Ka-Bar, the ZK Famine Tanto is a nice blade for the price.
Try an Aranyik E-Nep, nothing phases that edge.
in my opinion you have some of the very best reviews out there
dont want to have an axe-ident
Wohoho gooooood meme my dood
💀💀💀
That was an axe-illent comment my guy 5 years ago
I love hatchets! I have their carpenter's hatchet, I would like their Rigger's axe and that Splitter hammer they have. Yes, I saw the Condor, I like big blades like that.
The Mark 2 has a cast aluminum guard, which isn't very durable. The Ronin is better for throwing because it's one-piece steel construction, handle won't break.
Cool, the Fast Hawk would work pretty well with Eskrima moves, since it is very light.
I just came across this site and noticed you are comparing the SOG Tomahawks and wanted to pitch in that I have had the Tactical Hawk for 8 yes eight years and no it is not a throwaway after several trips even many trips because what you failed to mention is that it is VERY easy to sharpen due to the slightly softer metal. Again, with care and maintained your Hawk will last a long time. I do own "Hults Bruk Kisa" and a "Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe" which are about as good as an ax can get. Of course, I use the 2 better axes but I use the Tomahawk when I backpack as it is much lighter and easy to carry, in fact, I have a tip and blade cover and I just carabiner the hawk through the hole then to my pack for easy release in case of need, defense, etc. I know one thing I had to finish off a Hog I shot with my Bow and when I got close thinking he was dear... he was not so I hit it in the head with the pointed ended in he died immediately. So it doesn't have to be sharp to do serious damage. Great vid my friend and I am glad I found this video, I will share it for sure. Just maybe you could do a simple edit and mention the facts about sharpening to make it last quite a while. Thanks again.
Thank you for your input, buddy!
I bought one of these for camping trips and ended up taking my cold steel entrenching tool. You can beat the crap out of that thing. I agree with you, these tomahawks are cheap, but they may be a good way to escape a vehicle. They may also be a good addition to a budget bugout kit.
the tactical tomahawk is used to breach metal doors/frames, etc. I've seen one breach a fire proof home size safe.
These are better than the United Vietnam Hawk, I am not sure how they compare to Cold Steel's version though.
Just chopped up a rotted tree with a ridiculously strong wooden core. I decided to try and break the Fasthawk and the Jungle Machete I purchased on the cheap from Amazon to test them out before taking them camping. Surprised that both survived. I was ramming the spike into the hard wood and twisting the handle, it is a effective log splitter. The head is a little loose now, but I tightened the set screws and that took care of the problem.
I've lost a good amount of the black finish chopping with both ends and splitting logs, unbelievably impressed I though it would break. The grip is trash though, I need to wrap it like yours.
I've got the fast hawk. I like how light it is and it's size cause it easily fits in a small backpack and it's pretty fun using it too.
the fast hawk is my favorite thrower because of the collar ive been beating the hell out of mine for a year and its still holding up
Cold Steel Trench Hawk or the Estwing Tomahawk
The spike is not very pointed, so I am not sure.
I haven't re-sharpened mine yet but hmm, maybe check out/search Tomahawk Sharpening on youtube, I would use my friend's belt sander.
The Fasthawk is better for throwing since it is lighter and spins faster, but as you said, they were not intended for only throwing
Excellent video and review. I just got my fast hawk delivered, and so far agree with everything. It's a cool lil hawk. I am proud to own it.
The Estwing Carpenter's Hatchet and Rigger's Hatchet, those are built to last!
I put ranger bands in mine so it wouldn't fly out of my hand. Also I added a lanyard. It is a serious chopper. Hammer is perfect for driving wood stakes for a tarp. Next cheap fasthawk I see....I am getting another one.
Tennis racquet grip
Great score, at those prices you can't go wrong!
Thanks! I am glad the 'hawk is working for you!
They are around $30 but sometimes on sale for much less!
HAWK TALK: the perfect sidekick for a full sized SOG 'hawk is the Condor Kumunga knife! spent a lot of time narrowing the search and this knife is the perfect companion piece in the same price range - similar materials, full tang construction, light weight yet durable, matching finish, long blade with straight edge, too... Condor Kumunga, Google it!
Def combat ready, mine saw Thailand and DMZ Korea a few months ago, still good to go! My bro would take it to Afghanistan in Jan, but opted for the ka-bar this go round.
Awesome, glad to know it has worked for soldiers!
The CS Trench Hawk is pretty good, too, for the price.
SO can't wait for them to release the VooDoo Hawk
Thanks, Tristan
I got the fast hawk a week ago at walmart for $20 bucks. It is awesome for the price and is pretty light when hooked to the belt. The nylon sheath is ok but not the best its ok. Also its really good to practice and increase your skills with if you dont want to ding up your more upgraded gear or purchase a expensive piece of gear yet. Or if you just want a decent hawk with out breaking your wallet. Plus you get a life time warranty (atleast thats what it says on the box it came in).
the fast hawk is best in a zombie outbreak. it takes up less weight and space it also still holds full lethality like the fusion and in the right hands is a great tool for Breaking a door or other infiltration tactics also the spike will go through a Kevlar helmet such as the one the military issues. i like to put baseball bat grip tape over the bottom half till 1" from the SOG logo and another patch by the neck the same length away from the logo to increase the life span of the hawk.
The cut out work well if stick your finger through it helps to choke up on the hawk for fine work.
They can be used as hammers too. the texture on the side of the head.
i wrapped the handle on mine with 2 layers of parachord, to increase the diameter of the handle, the increased surface area gives you a more secure grip, and you have paracord on hand should the need arise
I think so.
@ Peed 58 - that's an improved model of the wartime V-Tac 'hawk from Vietnam. Trust me, it's combat ready... however, if you want something a little less "utilitarian" looking, check-out the new SOG Voodoo 'hawk
I have the united m48 hawk and the SOG fast hawk. I like my fast hawk better. It's a nice thrower too. And the holes "whistle" when you throw it. I was throwing at about 10 feet. I can hear it whistle twice as it rotates. And the bladed side sticks just as good as the spike when thrown.
It comes sharp enough to chop stuff with.
Condor Kumunga - perfect, matching SOG 'hawk sidekick
i like both of them, but i like the fasthawk for backpacking, due to the smaller size, lighter weight, and lower cost. There is one drawback for it, though; since it's lighter, it's also a little less powerful than the full-sized tactical. You have two choices there; portability and economy, or power and reach.
I am ready
Welcome!
a Condor Kumunga makes the perfect sidekick to match the full-sized SOG 'hawk
Probably my Cold Steel Rifleman's Hawk, it is bigger and heavier than even the Trench Hawk.
great review man, thanks. Just need a smallish hawk that I can use for a few different tasks and not worry about nicking it up a bit, sounds like one of these might be the ticket
Excellent
Nice review
I tried using the Fast Hawks digging spike on a brick. Not a good plan. Blunted the tip pretty badly with two hits and did NOTHING to the brick. Good for digging and biting into wood but it's far from indestructible. I still like it though.
I don't have the S&W. But the CS is better than the SOG.
and that would be good to go out and hunt or camp? what is wrong with the commando knife and you recommend the black ronin over the SOG?
i've had one for while. the only complain i have is that the blade isnt holding an edge that well. Probably because of the rocks and stuff that its hit when throw
I have one and i have punctured a washing machine like it was nothing and all the damage was pant from the washing machine that easy washed off. I recommend this tomahawk compactly. :)
Now i want one of those.
The fast hawk is like the best 20 dollar tomahawk
About $80 in uk
the larger one, because it can do more work
Is this strong enough to cut down some small, thinner trees? Also what is on the back.... a hammer?
I be throwing that not chopping shit up
They have the large one on sale at SMKW for $25, i want one really bad now
i enjoy your videos man keep em coming
if u had a choice to only get one which one would you get
I'll definitely try one
you should put it throught the same tests that cold steel does and see how well it stands up.
Nice video mate, got me thinking : should I buy this or should I stick with my first idea : The Vietnam model tomahawk ? Thinking you held it in your hand, what's your say ?
Is this good for home defense. I don't want to use a gun cuz I live in an apartment with very thin walls.
I HAVE A REALLY IMPORTANT QUESTION, WHICH HAWK BETWEEN THESE TWO COULD HANDLE MORE ABUSE?!
Awesome, I'm glad it helped.
What about this vrs the coldsteel trenchhawk for only a few more dollars and has a carbon steel blade ?
I love SOG Tomahawks, their inexpensive and very high quality.
thank you
I'll check it out.
@WeAllJuggleKnives which do you feel is better the cold steel hawk, sog fusion or the smith and wesson evasion hawk thanks
I remember when these were all the rage among my peers. Their good, but durability in my opinion is really low. I had the Cold Steel trench hawk too. I liked that one because I could cut the handle down to the length of the fast hawk, but the blade and spike was 1075 carbon steel vs 420 stainless. Currently I have the S&W Extraction and Evasion, which aside from the weight, is extremely durable. Its like the RMJ tomahawks, but like 2x as thick. Not exactly a great thing, but its also about 1/4 the price.
The steel types can be misleading. I bought the KaBar Kukri which is 1085 carbon steel. The first time I got done chopping wood with it the blade has chunks missing out of it, you would think i was hitting it on concrete or something. The blade was much sharper than the SOG hawk so i guess that is an excuse but its still disappointing.
i got one for my son the first thing you want to do when you get it in your hand is throw it chopping comes 2nd. Let me know if felt the same thing when first holding it?
hey imlooking for a good fixed blade that isnt over 70 dollars, right now i have the ka bar black fighter and i absolutly love it (you should reveiw it) and i would like to expand on that blade with another high quality knife, what would you recommend
i just got the fasthawk should i sharpen it first
You ever have the problem with the collar not holding well? Mine has bumps on the side and the head shifts a little. I use it for target throwing.
I ended up fixing the collar with a vice and sold it. My preferred hawk is a Cold Steel Trail Hawk with a custom handle I made for it. 17 inches instead of 22 inches. And the wood has been sanded and varnished to last longer. The head has seen extremely heavy use and had one chip so far where I hit a nail. I fixed it out with a good stone.
Mine came in a lifetime warranty
Which would be better for just throwing