Following a recent comment, it seems that a point of clarification is required: The use of the word "Toy" in the title was a turn of phrase and the discussion is about whether this tomahawk is a useful item for use in a woodland context or whether it should be relegated to the props department of a re-enactment group. In no way do I wish to suggest that it should be considered a suitable Christmas present for your grandchildren!!

Great video! It is always fun to watch videos like this, seeing other opinions of tomahawks. In modern times I think the multi purpose aspect of the hawk is a bit lost. Most people these days are part time outdoor adventurers and make it a hobby to learn new tools for fun rather than need. We also have easier access to specialized tools along with storage and transportation. In the past when people (in reference to hawks) were more "full timers" and carried everything they owned on their back or a pack animal, multipurpose had more value. Things like a hammer poll for setting tent stakes, staking traps, mending horseshoes, a small utility blade for camp chores and being able to replace the handle in the field meant more self sufficiency on the trail with less stuff to carry. Quite an attractive package for the time. Today I think the things we do outdoors is quite different. We also tend to make simple things complex for the sake of enjoyment.

I used to own one but I sold it after I replaced it with a rinaldi sicilian pattern 350 gram head. its a better version with a slightly bigger edge and more of a wedge profile, also made in italy rather than taiwan, not that i have a problem with the quality or the Taiwanese just like to support European makers first if i can. I think super light axes have a place and historically you see quite a lot of  'belt axes' used by outdoorsmen. its not a replacement for a proper axe but far closer to being a one tool option than anything else really and imho makes a mockery of big knives in effectiveness

Portable and once sharpened effective and capable.
It still exists due to its usefulness being proven over Centuries. for protection, food ,fire, and building.
it ticks all boxes and proves itself again and again.
Its a true pioneer tool.

Well presented video. I liked the way you highlighted the ease of carry by making a handle in the field. I don't own one  but have always admired the American Tomahawk.

For a cheap project tool I like it. I've carried one for a few years, mainly for processing kindling. But also managed to use it as my main tool on a bowyer course. Gets the thumbs up from me.

As a Black Belt, I see the hawk as an effective weapon, lethal and non.  As a camper and hiker, I see the multiple uses around camp and light weight to carry.  As you mentioned, probably not driving too many nails with it in the field, but maybe a few tent stakes, or even wooden dowels.   I haven't done it, but it would probably split a deer ribcage open effectively.   I have stuck a rod on it and sparked a fire.  I carry one in my get home bag.  Also have the Norse hawk inside the home as a self defense option.

I have one, I think it's great as long as you consider the limitations.  It chops better than a knife, weighs less than a hatchet or axe, so if it fills the need for a particular outing then it's perfect.  Weighs very little, chops well, hammers well, and in the USA they're super cheap.

It’s pocket portable and better than a shard of flint. It can make its own handle and it’s, definitely, better than nothing. I can see a place for it. It’s its own thing. Seems like it may be a good froe. Once your into something you may be able to pry it apart. If a large animal got it in its head to make a meal of you, a hard swat with that could change its mind.  I think I’ll get one. Thanks for the review.

It's very useful,  I have almost stopped using my hatchet for kindling. It's got a quick swing and lightweight.  I like it.

The best word to describe trail hawk purpose would be "one tool option". It is jack of all trades and master of non, it can do most things a knife can (if sharpened the same way of course) and most the axe can.

I've got one of the cold steel pipe hawks, I've had it over 10 years and still rockin the original handle. It's a great little piece of kit in the woods, you have to remember though... these arnt axes, they're tomahawks. Not made for the same chores as axes but can work in a pinch and much lighter if you're only goin out for a few hours or a day. It's a great multi tool in my opinion if you really wanna cut wieght on kit. I've used it for blazing trails, splitting firewood in camp, making kindling and alot of other wood chores. But I've also skinned out game such as squirrel and deer with mine and scaled fish, along with dozens of other things. Years ago I used to always like to test myself and see how something would work for other rolls. Wether taking just a pocket knife to the woods or just a hawk or axe. Pretty cool to see what you can do.

Dad gave me one when I was a kid. Still have the head. Makes a better weapon than tool, but I've done some work with that little axe.

After seeing this video I've decided that I'm switching from scandi knife to this tomahawk. That was a good decision.

Toy that can be used as a tool. If that's what you've got, make it work.  It can.

The reason its a smaller head and longer handle is because youre supposed to hold the handle at the end, and swing hard and it will produce the same inertal force as a larger head axe with a shorter handle, and wont drive itself into the piece and get stuck.

Much people justify carrying a huge knife because is good at chopping. The small tomahawk will outchop any knife for a little fraction of the weight and will do detail work a huge knife or hatchet can't do. I believe the mistake of many of tomahawk users actually is thinking they will have more benefits from a bigger tool. You don't need any bigger than the TH because the narrower blade helps in digging and the fine profile is advantageous for knife tasks. As any tool is a compromise, and as somebody mentioned is a great one tool option, and is not only since the fur trade or frontier times, this tool is  old as mankind. You can carry a more powerful chopper, but then you loose some functionallity for small tasks and portability. If I have this tomahawk you reviewed, first thing I do is to cut off the hammer. Thanks for the video.

Just bought the trail hawk here in Alaska but it's an off brand twin of the cold steel called American tomahawk company (made in Taiwan). Haven't used it yet but have many choppers for many chores and this one I picked as a lightweight versatile packout tool for Bushcraft adventures or tinkering around a campsite. Great job showing how easy it is to make a new handle.

Thanks for Sharing.

Nice video!!!! BRAVO!!!!