Best Tomahawks Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
SOG
Test Winner: SOG
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The tomahawk single-handed ax has its history rooted in North America and is a great general purpose tool. We’ve all seen those old movies where individuals would use these in hand-to-hand combat and throw them with pinpoint precision at stationary or moving targets. As fun and action-packed as that was in reality, many persons used this tool to trade for food and other valuable provisions.

Tomahawk throwing has developed into a very popular sport in places such as Canada and the United States with handcrafted designs being the norm amongst competitors. Many follow traditional Vietnamese design while others have used a fusion of practical options to create unique features and a higher level of performance. The best designs on the market today will be considered in this top 10 tomahawk review.

Standout Picks

SOG
SOG
The SOG is very versatile and can be used for breaching, chopping, camping, and backpacking. This tomahawk offers users a heavy-duty performance while still maintaining a lightweight feel. It is extremely versatile and can perform a wide range of tasks including domestic and utility. The handle is constructed from nylon that has been reinforced with glass for high impact conditions.
CRKT Woods
The CRKT Woods is constructed from carbon steel. This tomahawk has a classic 18th-century design with a handle made from hickory and a molded hot forged blade. The blade is made from grade 1055 carbon steel which is a carbon-manganese blend that gives the material a high shock resistance as well as increases its ability to withstand high wear.
Cold Steel
The Cold Steel hickory axe has a hawk length of 6 inches and its handle is made from American hickory. This tomahawk is constructed from grade 1055 carbon steel. Drop forging is used during the manufacturing process to ensure this product can withstand high impact conditions. This process eliminates gas pockets and imperfections that can lower the quality of the finished product.
Amazon Link
$27.70
United Cutlery M48
The United Cutlery M48 axe has 15 inches in total length and comes with a nylon sheath. This tomahawk can be used for both hunting and sporting events. It is lightweight and offers users a wide axe blade to increase the product’s cutting potential. The secondary edge is sharpened on both sides which allows you to both cut and hook objects. The handle is crafted from reinforced nylon.
Amazon Link
$54.99
Estwing
The Estwing features forged steel construction for maximum strength and increased durability. This tomahawk is designed to be used in sporting activities, however, it can also be effectively utilized by military professionals. It is extremely lightweight and offers users a shock resistant performance. The grip on this axe handle is very comfortable. It is perfectly balanced and forged from American steel.
Amazon Link
$51.94
Off Grid Tools
The Off Grid Tools demolition axe is a multipurpose hand tool with excellent shock absorption. This tomahawk can act as a hammer, axe, pry-bar and so much more. It is manufactured in the USA and constructed from carbon steel. The handle is made from fiberglass. Its axe head can chop, clear and bash objects while the reverse has a hammer heard and claw that can pry, pull and pound.
Amazon Link
$89.99
Sog Outdoors
The SOG outdoor survival tomahawk is a multipurpose axe with a 3 inch hard cased stainless steel blade. This has a total length of 12 inches and weighs only 19 oz with a 3-inch blade. Its lightweight structure makes it extremely portable, however, this ax offers users a heavy-duty performance. It comes with an in-handle fire starter and is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
Amazon Link
$49.00
Promithi
The Promithi weighs just 2 pounds and comes with a nylon carrying sheath. This has a double-sided blade. One edge is curved and can be used for tasks such as splitting while the chiseled edge can do tasks such as picking. The ax head is constructed from carbon steel which gives this blade anti-corrosive properties that increases its strength and durability.
Amazon Link
$34.88
CIMA
The CIMA has a total length of 11 inches and features oxide coated stainless steel. This tomahawk has 20mm thick steel and coated with titanium to provide anti-rust properties. The handles are made from nylon glass which is an extremely strong material that increases the durability of the product. It can effectively penetrate objects made of glass and stone.
Amazon Link
Condor Tool & Knife
The Condor Tool & Knife hammer tomahawk has a classic head finish and an American hickory handle. This tomahawk head is constructed from grade 1060 carbon steel. It is heat treated and annealed to produce a smooth and durable end product. This historically accurate design follows the craftsmanship found throughout history giving it a classic ancient look. Its heavy-duty sheath is handcrafted from leather.
Amazon Link
$83.52

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Accessories

A sheath is a common accompaniment for a tomahawk. It is used to cover the blade of your axe which is a means of protection for the owner as an uncovered blade can easily lead to unintentional injury. They also serve to protect the blade from being damaged or broken down from environmental factors such as rain. The moisture can cause damage such as rust. Other possible forms of corrosion include but are not limited to oxidation. This makes it necessary to be selective in choosing the type of material your sheath is constructed from.

Ballistic nylon is a much stronger more heavy-duty fabric than regular nylon and is designed for a high level abrasion resistance. It has a thread count of 1000 denier plus with a tight, dense weave that makes the fabric difficult to tear. This makes it an excellent material for tomahawk sheaths as these blades are extremely sharp and need to be protected by a material that is not easily damaged but smooth enough to protect the blade without damaging it.

Leather is another very strong contender when it comes to sheath construction. It has very high tensile strength and similar to ballistic nylon it is highly resistant to tear and can withstand high levels of wear. It is a heavy-duty material that can effectively protect your blade without succumbing to damage itself. Sheaths can feature a simple snap button while others can be attached to pant loops, for example, for easy transportation.

Materials

Grade 420 stainless steel is corrosion resistant with increased strength and hardness especially in its fully hardened form. This alloy includes metals such as carbon, manganese and silicon. It is dense, has exceptional tensile strength and is easily tempered. This makes it a great choice of material blades especially those of a tomahawk as it ensures the product is not easily broken and has the ability to withstand and absorb high levels of force. Stainless steel blades can be anodized to give the blade a more finished look as well as to increase its durability and resistance.

Carbon steel has less metals present than stainless steel, however, it certainly measures up when it comes to quality. Grade 1055 carbon steel is a very dense alloy and has ultimate tensile strength and yield. Other grades of carbon such as 1060 has also been used to create axe blades, however, it is a basic carbon steel alloy and does not possess the same corrosion properties as other grades. This type of carbon steel can be coated with materials such as black oxide to give it a cleaner finish but also go make it less susceptible to rust and other types of corrosion.

Tomahawk handles are typically made out of hickory wood or reinforced nylon. Hickory is one of the strongest types of wood available scoring an 1820 on the Janka rating system for hardness. This wood is extremely durable and has a high level of shock resistance. Nylon handles are typically reinforced with fiberglass which has excellent tensile strength and helps to create a lightweight end product. The weight of your axe can greatly increase your control and maneuverability during use. These are both great choices in material when looking at axe handle construction.

Size

A tomahawk acts as a single-handed ax. When it comes to size, they don’t usually cross 20 inches in total length. They are very lightweight to ensure user maneuverability and typically weight in under 2 pounds. This has a lot to do with the materials used to construct the product. The head is the smallest part of the structure and is generally around 1 pound. The blade can get up to around 3 inches.

The handle of the axe has the largest circumference and although sometimes made of wood, many manufacturers have switched out this product and replaced it with lighter materials such as nylon and fiberglass which are strong and durable yet very light. These dimensions play a large role depending on the purpose of your purchase. Persons in law enforcement, for instance, rely strongly on responsiveness and reaction times and the heavier an object is the slower your response time.

This also plays a role in self-defense. You want an object that is light and easy to maneuver. Weight also play a role in sporting events and the material composition of your tomahawk in this particular instance needs the most attention. If you’re going to be hunting or camping the size of the blade is most important, you’ll need a tang appropriate blade to ensure efficiency. The longer the shank the better the cut and the more leverage you’ll have as you slice through an object.

Style

Originally tomahawks were designed with a beautiful hardwood handle topped with an axe inspired head at the top of it. This classic design has been used for years and for good reason. It is effective giving users a solid base with excellent leverage and a large blade that can break through common objects such as wood and brick. Many manufacturers still use this design today. It may be ancient but it is by no means out of date.

In modern times some have adapted this design and opted for a smaller more lightweight product. They have switched out the wood and used synthetic materials such as nylon and fiberglass to enhance not just the look but the performance of your axe. These new versions use drop forged metal and alloy steel to increase the strength, durability and efficiency of this handy device and it has proven to beneficial with most designs having features such as shock absorption and anti-corrosive properties.

Many also come with unique designs and features that make them stand out from the crowd, for instance, some tomahawks have been coated with black oxide. Although this coat provides anti-corrosive properties, it also gives an axe a sleek smooth finished appearance. It also minimizes the degree of light reflected off the surface of the blade which makes it easier to work with in daylight or under powerful artificial lighting. Others have designs like skulls printed along the shaft of the tool or wolves and other animals engraved on the blade. This allows users to show their personality and select a product that best suits their personal preference.

Use

In the past tomahawks were mainly used as weapons for hunting or self-defense. They were also used to trade for goods and for everyday tasks such as chopping and cutting. In modern times this classic design has been adapted to suit a wide range of activities that have opened up this ancient tool to a wider range of uses. For example, tomahawk throwing has become a very popular sport which involves throwing an ax at a designated target. This sport is similar to archery although not quite as delicate.

These tools are often used by campers as an alternative to an ax and typically contain other tools on the axe head such as hammers and spikes. They may even have pry bars while some have fire starting kits hidden within the handles. This cements the use of the tomahawk as a multipurpose tool which also makes it a great product for around the home or in other personal spaces such as boats. Truck drivers also benefit from keeping these handy.

These versatile axes have also been utilized by law enforcement agencies. They can be used for defense in combat but are most commonly used to breach rooms. The pry bars and or wrench head makes this task easy and because these tools are so lightweight they are easily attached to belts and pant loops where they can easily be accessed.

10 Best Tomahawks

1. SOG

Where to buy
SOG
Amazon Link

The SOG is very versatile and can be used for breaching, chopping, camping, and backpacking. This tomahawk offers users a heavy-duty performance while still maintaining a lightweight feel. It is extremely versatile and can perform a wide range of tasks including domestic and utility. The handle is constructed from nylon that has been reinforced with glass for high impact conditions.

Sheath
The SOG tomahawk comes with a ballistic sheath that has been crafted from nylon. This sheath has a belt loop attachment which allows users to secure their ax and keep it handy at all times.

Stainless Steel Construction
The steel used to construct the blade of this tomahawk is grade 420 stainless steel which contains a minimum of 12% chromium which is what gives this product its anti-corrosive properties.

Cost and Value
The SOG tomahawk has a typical moderate price range. It comes with a SOG lifetime guarantee which ensures your product is maintained for a consistently high performance you can depend on.

2. CRKT Woods

Where to buy
CRKT Woods
Amazon Link

The CRKT Woods is constructed from carbon steel. This tomahawk has a classic 18th-century design with a handle made from hickory and a molded hot forged blade. The blade is made from grade 1055 carbon steel which is a carbon-manganese blend that gives the material a high shock resistance as well as increases its ability to withstand high wear.

Carbon Steel
The CRKT Woods is made from grade 1055 carbon steel which makes it shock resistant as well as increases its ability to withstand high wear. The handle of this selection is made from hickory.

Style
The two-handled is a two-handed camp ax. It has a classic 18th century designed that has been fused with modern engineering to improve product quality and performance. The design on this selection offers users a big swing capacity.

Cost and Value
The CRKT Woods has an affordable price range. It has a hammer finish that has both primary and secondary edge bevels which allows it to cut through lumber with ease.

3. Cold Steel

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$27.70
Cold Steel
Amazon Link

The Cold Steel hickory axe has a hawk length of 6 inches and its handle is made from American hickory. This tomahawk is constructed from grade 1055 carbon steel. Drop forging is used during the manufacturing process to ensure this product can withstand high impact conditions. This process eliminates gas pockets and imperfections that can lower the quality of the finished product.

Size
The Cold Steel hickory ax has a total length of 22 inches and the total weight of the entire structure is just over one pound. That makes this tomahawk not only strong and durable but very lightweight which makes it easy to use.

Drop Forged
This tomahawk is drop forged. The entire manufacturing process ensures that imperfections and gas pockets are kept at a minimum so the final product is of the highest quality.

Cost and Value
The Cold Steel hickory axe has a low price range and is differentially heat treated. This ensures a fully hardened hammerhead that is balanced and able to absorb the shock from high impact conditions.

Amazon Link
$27.70

4. United Cutlery M48

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$54.99
United Cutlery M48
Amazon Link

The United Cutlery M48 axe has 15 inches in total length and comes with a nylon sheath. This tomahawk can be used for both hunting and sporting events. It is lightweight and offers users a wide axe blade to increase the product’s cutting potential. The secondary edge is sharpened on both sides which allows you to both cut and hook objects. The handle is crafted from reinforced nylon.

Style
The United Cutlery M48 is extremely lightweight and designed to be carried around for extended periods of time without much effort or muscle fatigue. This product kit also includes a nylon sheath.

Use
The wide ax blade and sharpened secondary edge allows this tomahawk to be used for personal defense and breaching as well as hunting. It can also easily function as a sporting item.

Cost and Value
This low-cost ax from United Cutlery uses separate bolts to secure the head to the handle for increased durability and the snap button placed on the nylon sheath makes it readily available when you need it.

Amazon Link
$54.99

5. Estwing

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$51.94
Estwing
Amazon Link

The Estwing features forged steel construction for maximum strength and increased durability. This tomahawk is designed to be used in sporting activities, however, it can also be effectively utilized by military professionals. It is extremely lightweight and offers users a shock resistant performance. The grip on this axe handle is very comfortable. It is perfectly balanced and forged from American steel.

Use
The Estwing tomahawk axe has a wide range of applications amongst the military as well as sporting enthusiasts including brea, hing, excavation and extrication. It can also be used for personal tasks such as chopping and or cutting small trees or branches.

Accessories
Included in this product kit is a ballistic nylon sheath. This carrying case is ideal for protecting your hand sharpened blade and is durable enough to withstand heavy-duty wear and tear.

Cost and Value
The Estwing tomahawk axe has a low price range. It’s shock resistant grip reduces the force from impact by up to 70% increasing both user comfort and durability. It is manufactured in the United States.

Amazon Link
$51.94

6. Off Grid Tools

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$89.99
Off Grid Tools
Amazon Link

The Off Grid Tools demolition axe is a multipurpose hand tool with excellent shock absorption. This tomahawk can act as a hammer, axe, pry-bar and so much more. It is manufactured in the USA and constructed from carbon steel. The handle is made from fiberglass. Its axe head can chop, clear and bash objects while the reverse has a hammer heard and claw that can pry, pull and pound.

Carbon Steel
The Off Grid Tools demolition ax head is constructed from carbon steel which is a great shock absorber and its handle is made from fiberglass. These materials not only improve performance but increase product durability.

Use
There are two sides to this tomahawk making it a great multipurpose tool. On one side is the axe head which can clear or chop into objects and on the other side is a hammerhead, claw and pry bar.

Cost and Value
The Off Grid Tools demolition ax is a cost-effective product and easy to attach to backpacks and other carrying vessels for easy transportation. It has a powerful grip that offers users comfort as well as increased control.

Amazon Link
$89.99

7. Sog Outdoors

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$49.00
Sog Outdoors
Amazon Link

The SOG outdoor survival tomahawk is a multipurpose axe with a 3 inch hard cased stainless steel blade. This has a total length of 12 inches and weighs only 19 oz with a 3-inch blade. Its lightweight structure makes it extremely portable, however, this ax offers users a heavy-duty performance. It comes with an in-handle fire starter and is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.

Resistant to Corrosion
The SOG product has an ax head constructed from hard cased stainless steel which makes the product resistant to corrosion and wear. The handle is made from glass reinforced nylon.

3-Inch Blade
This tomahawk has a full tang design and is constructed with a 3-inch blade. The structure has a built-in fire starter in the handle with a grippy paracord handle for comfort and increased control.

Cost and Value
The SOG is low cost and comes equipped with a belt loop nylon sheath for safe and convenient transport of the product. This heavy-duty sheath is designed to protect the integrity of your blade.

Amazon Link
$49.00

8. Promithi

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$34.88
Promithi
Amazon Link

The Promithi weighs just 2 pounds and comes with a nylon carrying sheath. This has a double-sided blade. One edge is curved and can be used for tasks such as splitting while the chiseled edge can do tasks such as picking. The ax head is constructed from carbon steel which gives this blade anti-corrosive properties that increases its strength and durability.

Lightweight
The Promithi has a total length of 13 inches and weighs only 2 pounds which makes this handy lightweight axe easy to use. It comes with a nylon sheath that makes it safe and easy to carry around.

Versatile Tool
This tomahawk can be used for a wide variety of tasks including picking and splitting. It has a uniquely designed double-edged blade that is curved on one side and chiseled on the other.

Cost and Value
The Promithi has a low price range and a sanded grip to improve control and maneuverability. It can be attached to lanyard and hung or kept it its nylon sheath which features a reinforced snap closure.

Amazon Link
$34.88

9. CIMA

Where to buy
Amazon Link
CIMA
Amazon Link

The CIMA has a total length of 11 inches and features oxide coated stainless steel. This tomahawk has 20mm thick steel and coated with titanium to provide anti-rust properties. The handles are made from nylon glass which is an extremely strong material that increases the durability of the product. It can effectively penetrate objects made of glass and stone.

Style
The CIMA tactical ax has a perfect slash which allows it to cut through materials such as glass, brick and stone. The skull pattern printed on the handle gives it a touch of individuality.

Nylon Sheath
This tomahawk comes with a nylon sheath that is three layers thick and can be attached to pant loops for convenient access and easy transportation of the item.

Cost and Value
The low cost CIMA tactical ax has a 1-year warranty which allows you to replace your axe should it be unexpectedly damaged or become faulty. It can easily be used for activities such as camping or hunting.

Amazon Link

10. Condor Tool & Knife

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$83.52
Condor Tool & Knife
Amazon Link

The Condor Tool & Knife hammer tomahawk has a classic head finish and an American hickory handle. This tomahawk head is constructed from grade 1060 carbon steel. It is heat treated and annealed to produce a smooth and durable end product. This historically accurate design follows the craftsmanship found throughout history giving it a classic ancient look. Its heavy-duty sheath is handcrafted from leather.

Accessories
The Condor Tool & Knife hammer axe comes with a hand crafted leather sheath. This material offers a high quality durable performance and is able to withstand a high level of wear.

Materials
The head of this tomahawk is constructed from grade 1060 carbon steel and the handle is made from American hickory making a strong and highly durable product. Its sheath is constructed from handmade leather.

Cost and Value
The Condor Tool & Knife hammer axe is very affordable. It is 19 inches long and has a 3 inch axe head. Weighing just 2 pounds this lightweight axe is easy to transport and has a high level of maneuverability.

Amazon Link
$83.52