When people think of being out in the wilderness and trying to survive, or even if they are just out camping and hunting, they don’t always think about having a tactical tomahawk along with them. In fact, there are likely many out there who have no idea what a tactical tomahawk is or how to find a good one to add to their gear. While knives are certainly useful, they are not the only option.
The tomahawks of today can be the ideal tool to have on hand when you are out in the bush, and we’ll be going over some of the very best options that are available. We’ll also be covering what you should be looking for when you are on the search for a quality tactical axe to take along with you. Below, you can find information on the best modern tomahawks to choose. You can then add one of these to your tactical, survival, hiking, or hunting kit.
Best Tomahawk List: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
1. Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
Gerber is a well-known company that makes a range of different types of gear, including high-quality knives and tomahawks. This tomahawk from Gerber features a quality, rugged design that is built to last and that will work well for you no matter the environment, weather, or situation.
This Gerber tactical axe provides a simple and effective design without any fancy elements or moving parts that could get in the way. One of the benefits is that the design of the tomahawk can serve multiple different purposes.
First, this axe features a beveled head, which can easily chop through drywall and many types of doors, which can be helpful when breaching a room. The backside of the axe head works well as a hammer, which can work out well for busting through locks or hinges, and as a survival aid out in the bush. At the end of the handle, you will find a pry bar, which can be controlled and leveraged easily thanks to the grip that’s located in the head of the tomahawk.
The tomahawk is made from 420HC steel, which means it is not going to bend and break. It has a quality handle that can provide a good grip for that remains tight in your hands no matter where you are using the axe. In addition, the tactical tomahawk comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath. This allows it to attach easily to other gear.
2. CRKT Chogan T-Hawk Tactical Axe
CRKT, or Columbia River Knife & Tool, is another popular brand when it comes to tactical, hunting, and survival tools. They have a solid reputation, and this SK5 carbon steel tactical tomahawk is no exception when it comes to quality, style, and versatility in the field. This particular option was designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical.
This is a high-quality piece of tactical equipment. It features a glass-reinforced nylon handle, and it has a textured grip, so users will not have to worry about it slipping in their hands when they are wielding the axe. In addition, this comes with a Kydex sheath, which is MOLLE compatible and features a buckle strap.
The tactical tomahawk has been made from a single piece of steel. It’s nice and strong, and it’s not something that users will have to worry about breaking when they are out in the field and need it the most. The tool is very well-balanced, and it should be capable of handling anything that comes your way.
Keep in mind that there are two versions of this tactical tomahawk available from CRKT. There is one that has a flat back that will act as a hammer, as well as one that has a spike on the back. If this combat tomahawk interests you, make sure you are clear as to which of the options you will be choosing.
3. Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife
The Browning tomahawk knife is made from a single piece of high-quality, durable steel. It has the Browning name backing it up, as well. This tool features a paracord-wrapped handle, which helps to make it easier to hold onto whenever it is being used. The cording is also comfortable and helps to dissipate any shock that travels through the steel during use.
This Browning tomahawk, black powder coated, also has a polymer belt sheath, making it easy to carry the tomahawk along with you. It features a spiked pommel, which has a slight curve and will be able to dig into many types of surfaces.
This tomahawk could be a good solution for those who are camping and need to split their kindling, or for those who are in need of a quality survival tool. It is durable, highly reliable, and it is relatively small and easy to carry compared with other tools of the same caliber. It could be a good tactical tomahawk to bring home.
4. SOG Tomahawk Tactical Axe with Sheath
SOG is known for making quality knives and tools of many different styles, including tomahawks. This SOG tomahawk is certainly one of the most popular options on the market, and it is one of the best, which is why it makes this list.
This stainless steel tool can work well for hiking and hunting, survival needs, tactical use, and for just about any outdoor use imaginable. It can work just as well for breaching, chopping, camping, and more. The heavy-duty axe also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath, which makes it easy to carry with the rest of your equipment.
Elements that help to make this one of the top tomahawks on the market is the fact that it has both a hammer edge and a piercing spike, along with the blade. SOG is a trusted company in this field, and they will consider repairs and replacements for items they offer, as long as they have been properly maintained.
The glass-reinforced nylon handle is just as high quality as the blade. It has a textured grip that is anti-slip. This means that it will be easier to make sure you keep hold of the tomahawk properly no matter how or where you are using it.
5. M48 Ranger Tomahawk Axe with Lensatic Compass and Sheath
This tactical tomahawk from United Cutlery is a quality tool that fits in nicely with the other items on this list. One of the differences is that this set also comes with not only a black nylon snap button sheath but also a lensatic compass. It has a black finish, and the handle is green.
The handle for this tomahawk is 30% reinforced, and it has nylon cord wrapping on the handle that can help to improve the grip. The handle is attached to the steel via three bolts, which should help to provide it with the strength and durability that you require when you are out in the field.
This particular tomahawk can work well for a range of needs in the field. It not only works well as a tactical tomahawk that can help to infiltrate or exfiltrate from dangerous areas, but it also works well for cutting, slashing, chopping. It can work just as well for those who are simply going out for a short hike or a camping trip who want to have a quality tool with them.
While the included compass can be handy, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not of the same quality as if you were to buy a dedicated compass. Just think of this as a nice extra but focus on the quality of the tomahawk if you are considering this option, not the added compass.
Throwing Axe
While it is technically possible to throw any of the tomahawks that are on this list, not all of them are billed to be throwing axes. However, this one is, and it could be a good option for you to consider, particularly if you are considering throwing competitively… or even just in the backyard.
This is a balanced hatchet that works well for throwers. The heads are forged by hand from blacksmiths working traditionally. The heads are then set into hardwood hickory handles, which have been coated in beeswax for added protection. Keep in mind that sheaths and spare handles are sold separately.
Keep in mind that the best throwing tomahawks are not necessarily going to be good at much else. These are not ideally suited for breaching, chopping wood, or taking with you as a dedicated survival tool. They are meant for throwing, and that’s how these should be used.
As always, be careful when you are using any type of tomahawk and be doubly careful before you throw these. Know where you are throwing and be sure that the head is affixed properly and tightly. If you will be throwing the tomahawks, you may want to have more than one on hand, and you might want to have some extra handles, as well.
6. CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe
This offering from Columbia River Knife & Tool could be a good solution if you have been looking for a traditionally style tomahawk rather than a tactical tomahawk. This is a lightweight option designed by Ryan Johnson from RMJ Tactical that can make for a quality camping axe.
These modern tomahawks have a classic, traditional look and feel to them. It features a comfortable and smooth handle, along with a large blade that can chop through wood without much trouble at all. The wooden handle itself is made from hickory, which is hard and built to last.
The tomahawk has excellent balance, which can provide users with swings that are nice and steady. This can make it easier to cut up your wood or take care of other little tasks around the camp or around the house.
Something to keep in mind is that the sheath for this tomahawk is sold separately, but it will be an item that you will want to pick up. This will protect the blade, and it will protect your hands and fingers.
In addition, you can choose from three different options with the CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk. You can choose the traditional option, a tomahawk with a hammer on the opposite side of the blade, or a tomahawk with a spike on the opposite side.
7. United Cutlery M48 Apocalypse Tactical Tomahawk
United Cutlery is a popular name when it comes to blades of all types, and this tactical tomahawk has a lot to like about it. If you have been looking at some of the other options on the list, you might have noticed that they are often black, or they have natural colors to help them to blend in with the surroundings.
Blending in is all well and good until you put your tomahawk down and misplace it. This tactical tomahawk has a nice, bright green color along part of the handle, so it should never be difficult to find if you lay it down for a moment. In addition, this lightweight tactical tomahawk can be carried without it adding too much weight to your gear or fatiguing you.
The lower portion of the 30% fiberglass reinforced handle has been wrapped in paracord. This will help to provide the users with a better grip when they need it the most. In addition, having some extra paracord around is always good for any survival situation.
The tomahawk has a spike at the back, and it also comes with a snap button closure nylon belt sheath. This keeps the tomahawk and you safe, and it is easy to put right on the belt.
8. M48 Tactical Tomahawk Axe with Snap On M48 Sheath
This option from United Cutlery can work quite well as a tactical tool and weapon when needed. This lightweight tomahawk has a wide, upswept blade, which really can help to make chopping through wood and debris much faster and easier. The tomahawk also has the ability to cut and slash very well.
This tomahawk axe can work well as a personal defense tool and a breaching tool. Of course, it can be a good choice to have around the campsite, as well. It is quite versatile, which helps to make it so popular. The handle is nylon reinforced fiberglass, and it is made to have a nice and comfortable grip for long periods of use.
Another one of the reasons that you might want to consider this tactical tomahawk is the fact that it comes with a durable nylon sheath. This can be a good tool to consider adding to your gear.
9. Estwing Tomahawk Axe
This high-quality tomahawk from Estwing is made from quality forged steel, and it is built to be highly durable and able to stand up to a lifetime of use. This tool is highly versatile, as it can be used for excavation and extrication, breaching, chopping wood around the camp and much more.
These tomahawks are proudly made in Rockford, IL, and they have not only a quality design, but they also come with a heavy-duty sheath. The ballistic nylon sheath will help to make sure that the blade is safe and that it stays sharp. It also helps to keep people from cutting themselves.
The handle is durable, and it is comfortable to hold and use even for long periods. The handle itself has a shock reduction grip, and it can actually reduce the vibration of impacts by up to 70%. This can really help to reduce fatigue for those who are using the tomahawk for things like chopping wood.
The tactical tomahawk is made from one piece of steel, and it has a spike at the back. When buying this hatchet, you can choose from several different colors. In addition to the black option, there are also blue and desert camo, as well a “leather” option to consider.
10. Cold Steel 90RH Tomahawk, Rifleman’s Hawk
When looking for the best tomahawks, do not overlook Cold Steel. The Rifleman’s Hawk could be a good option for those who are on the search for a tomahawk they can take with them out to the woods while they are camping.
This is a good option for cutting up some firewood, it could be used for defense, and it could be a good option for surviving in the wilds if need. While it could be thrown, as well, it is heavier than some of the other throwers.
The handle is nice and smooth, and it is made from American hickory. It’s made to last and stand up to the elements. The tomahawk has a nice cutting edge, and the design and handle make it possible to absorb blows without causing too much painful vibration. Keep in mind that this item does not come with a sheath.
11. SOG FastHawk Tactical Tomahawk Axe
This tactical SOG survival hawk can do just about anything that you might need. It works very well for chopping, as well as piercing and hammering. It can even be thrown with good accuracy.
The handles are made from high-impact glass-reinforced nylon. This helps to make the handles durable and strong, and you will find that the design of the handle can provide you with a good, solid grip. It is also comfortable to use for long periods.
The relatively small size of this tomahawk is another one of the reasons that it is popular. It is very lightweight, and it is easy to carry along with you when you are out in the field. The tactical tomahawk features a sharp straight edge along with a spike at the back. It fits easily into the hand and can be used for anything that you need, including defense.
Another nice feature of this tomahawk axe is the fact that it also comes with a sheath that can help to keep the blade safe and secure. As with other SOG products, those who take proper care of their tools could get them repaired or replaced if something goes wrong with them.
What Are the Main Benefits of Tactical Tomahawks?
The tomahawk has been around for centuries. It is still popular because it remains such a viable tool. The technology that is available today helps to make these tools better than they have ever been, and you will find that they can be used for a wide range of different things whether you are in military or law enforcement, or you are a civilian who needs a quality, versatile tomahawk.
Tomahawks can be used for throwing competitions, they can be used as survival tools and hammers, they can be used for defense against animals or other people, and they can make it nice and easy to get the wood chopped up for your campfire. Because there are many different types, as evidenced above, you can see just how versatile they can be.
Therefore, when you are looking to buy a tactical tomahawk or a thrower for that matter, you need to make sure that you are buying the right one for your needs. Below, you will find some tips that will help to guide you on the types of things that you should be looking for when you are making your choice.
You might be wondering why you couldn’t just use a hatchet instead of a tomahawk. While there are certainly some similarities, there are also differences when comparing the tomahawk vs. the hatchet. The hatchets are excellent for providing a compact chopping tool. However, the tactical tomahawks of the past and today can also be used as defensive tools far more easily than a hatchet.
Tips for Choosing the Best Tomahawk
First, you need to realize that there are differences between the basic types of a tomahawk. There are those that are built mainly for throwing, and there are tactical tomahawks. You will find that the tactical tomahawks can also be thrown, but the throwing tomahawks might not always be as versatile as their tactical cousins.
You should also consider the head shape of the tomahawk. There are those that have a single head with a blade, along with options that have other tools, such as a spike or a hammer, as seen from the options above. When you are choosing your tomahawk, think about the various ways that you might need to use it, and then consider those that have a head shape that will match your needs.
Also, consider the cutting edge of the throwing or tactical tomahawk. Having a longer cutting edge will generally add more weight to the axe head, and more weight to the overall piece. Finding those that have cutouts in the head can ensure that you still have a long cutting edge, but you get to keep the weight down.
Those that have larger cutting edges can be great for those who have a lot of chopping that they will be doing. For example, they work well for those who are going to be heading out into the bush to go camping and who need to cut wood and take care of other chores.
Those tactical tomahawks that have shorter cutting edges will be able to pierce deeper when it strikes a surface. This is because there is less resistance. These tend to be a good option for those who may need to pierce strong materials, or who work in a field where vehicle extraction is part of the job.
The length of the tomahawk is important to think about, too. You will find that those that have longer handles are good for splitting wood, chopping trees, opening doors, breaking through locks, helping to butcher large game, and helping to open vehicles for rescue. Those that have short handles work well for throwing, as well as precision chopping and butchering small game. They can also be helpful for vehicle extrication.
The weight of the tactical and throwing tomahawks need to be considered, as well. Older tomahawks tended to be heavier and unwieldy compared to the options that are on the market. The quality of the tomahawks and the designs have helped them to keep the weight down to where they are easier to carry and use.
If you worry about the weight of the tomahawks, be sure to check the weight of those you are considering before you make a purchase. You will find that most are under 2.5 lbs. today.
Should You Buy More than One?
One of the questions that you might have when you are buying your tomahawk is whether you need to get more than one. When it comes to the first tactical tomahawk that you choose, it’s generally best to get just one to start. This way, you will be able to determine whether you like the way it feels and how it works and whether it meets your needs or not in practical use.
However, once you have that one, great modern battle axe in your arsenal, and you are happy with it, then you might want to consider getting one or two more. Of course, you might be wondering why you would need to have more than one of these available to you? The answers are simple.
First, it’s nice to have several for your different locations or kits, so you don’t have to haul it from one place to another. For example, you might want to have one at your home, one in your vehicle, one in a go bag, and one at your cabin or camp. Just make sure you don’t lend them out to people, as you might not get them back.
Everyone will have different needs and locations where they might want to have one of these tactical tomahawks. It could also be nice to have an additional one or two on hand, just in case someone else needs to use it, as well, and they don’t have one. This way, you have enough to go around. This could be especially helpful for survival.
It might even be a good idea to have one with a short handle and one with a long handle to cover your bases.
Take Your Time and Choose Right
One of the mistakes that many people make when they are looking for their survival tomahawks or military tomahawks is that they find something that they think they like and that looks like it will work. They don’t spend enough time looking at all of the variables that go into these products. The weight and length can make a lot more of a difference than you realize.
It is highly important that you take your time when you are choosing which of these items you might want to use in your own tactical kits or your survival gear. Don’t choose one based only on the brand or the “look” of the tomahawk. Take your time and find the one, or ones, that will work the best for your needs.
The information that has been provided above should help to make your search much easier. These are the top options that you will find on the market for tactical tomahawks. Let these be your starting point on your search.