A tomahawk is considered a very capable hand to hand weapon and has seen a resurgence on the market for those who are looking for tactical advantage in everyday work, for self-defense situations and in case of an emergency.
The utility of the best tactical tomahawks will be very high, and the versatility can be amazing depending on the situation at hand. The tactical tomahawk is more than a fighting weapon, it has literally evolved to be a rescue tool; a self-defense weapon, and a practical construction implement, among other things.
These multi-tools will be valuable when you have an applicable situation that requires their specific utility. As a weapon, they give you a last-ditch opportunity to defend yourself if you are properly trained to have the tomahawk within reach and are capable of wielding it with any real legitimacy.
The tomahawk in its most modern form has roots that extend back to the Algonquian tribe; a native American conglomerate of tribes that inhabited the Eastern seaboard and mid-north states including all around the Great Lakes, and much of middle and eastern Canada.
Their use of the Tomahawk was first recognized by “Westerners” in the early 1600s and enjoyed a very important role in early plains expansion for the American settlers.
It wasn’t until the 1960’s when the Tomahawk began to have a resurgence of popularity with special forces operators in Vietnam began buying them from a maker named Peter La Gana a man of Mohawk heritage who was a World War 2 veteran. The tomahawk has seen another rebirth in the age of the prepper as tactical tools have become more popular in the last 5 years or so.
What follows is a list of the best tactical tomahawks as compiled by us, weighing the benefits and the downfalls of the individual designs available for purchase on the broad market by major makers.
10 Best Tactical Tomahawks
1. CRKT Woods Nobo
Features
- Forged Tough: 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention
- More than chop: Beard on axe head tackles many useful cutting tasks
- Durable: Tennessee hickory is a dense material that withstands hard use
- Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Versatile Use: Make sure you have one for camping, hiking or other outdoor activities
The Nobo has a pretty comfortable handle made of beautiful wood that offers a hand-filling profile that can be very helpful during the swing and contact of a tomahawk action.
Pros
- This is a simple straightforward design for a tomahawk
- Multiple tools make this more versatile than just as a fighting tomahawk
Cons
- Feels somewhat cheap in the hands at times
Why It’s Recommended
This is an inexpensive and well-balanced tomahawk with a straightforward and intuitive design. The CRKT company is well known in the segment and in the knifemaking business and the credibility of the company for edged weapons is high.
2. Walther 50748
Features
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
- Made in China
- Hand Wash
- unisex-adult
Walther has been a name in firearms for many years and this is a natural extension to grow the brand, but it is not as straightforward as some of the other fighting tomahawks on this list.
It is also not as durable or useful (functionality-wise) as some of the other tomahawks and so, therefore, it occupies a practical but not super versatile spot on this list.
Pros
- Can be used as a defensive weapon very easily with the hooked ax head
- Can be used easily as an offensive weapon with the spiked point
- Excellent balance with the swing
- Inexpensive
Cons
- It May not be the most durable tomahawk on the list with some failure points available in extreme conditions
Why It’s Recommended
A unique design and some legitimate performance dealing aspects including some distinctly offensive and distinctly defensive elements that will make this an effective tool for actual fighting. It also has a few other tools available to it and maybe a good car tomahawk due to the glass breaker on the handle.
3. Gerber Downrange
Gerber Downrange
Features
- Features beveled axe head, hammer and pry bar - Included sheath
- Made in the USA; 420Hc Steel body with cerakote in desert tan with G-10 composite scales on handle for grip
- Included MOLLE-compatible sheath protects the blade when not in use and readily attaches to your pack, standard webbing or body armor
- Great for any hunter, soldier, tradesmen and perfect addition to survival kit; Break through any barrier.
- Overall length: 19.27 inches, weight: 36 ounces; Included limited lifetime warranty
Unfortunately, while this one should easily be the most useful tool on this entire list it is one of the least useful, and yet it still makes the list. The Gerber is well built and offers a plethora of tools, but it lacks a fundamental trait of a true tomahawk: balance throughout and leverage on the head.
All that said: it is still probably worth every bit of its very expensive price tag for the benefits it does offer to a multi-tool user.
Pros
- Longer than most on this list, making it a good defensive tool
- The innovative design (even if it is still not effective as it could be)
Cons
- Bad balance and leverage
Why It’s Recommended
As mentioned above, it is not a true tomahawk because of the lack of strategic balance and leverage. But despite its shortcomings, the handle is well built, the tools are thoughtful, and the lifetime warranty alone probably makes it worth every penny, because if you have it near you, you can always use it for something.
4. Estwing
Estwing
Features
- OUTDOOR VERSATILITY - Designed for chopping logs, small trees, branches or splitting firewood & kindling, making it the perfect backpacking hatchet.
- GENUINE LEATHER GRIP – Hand sanded and lacquered for a durable yet comfortable finish, this handle doesn't have to sacrifice function for timeless style.
- FORGED STEEL CONSTRUCTION – Engineered for maximum strength and durability for a lifetime of hard work from this survival axe.
- HEAVY DUTY SHEATH - Includes ballistic nylon sheath to protect hand sharpened cutting edge.
- MADE IN THE USA – Since 1923, our tools have been proudly American made in Rockford, IL using only the finest American steel.
Easily the most capable (strictly) fighting tomahawk in this list and from the least likely candidate to make it that way. Estwing makes daily hard use tools though, and if you think about it, the tomahawk is just an edged hammer.
Estwing makes some of the best hammers in the world. Now we know, they also happen to make some of the best fighting tomahawks in the world. For the money, this is the best tactical tomahawk for actual real-world use.
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Exceptional grip
- Exceptional balance
Cons
- No real cons to speak of
Why It’s Recommended
Extremely well built, lightweight, and has perfect swing and balance. The Estwing is like an extension of your arms.
5. SOG
SOG
Features
- SOG AXE WITH BITE: At 15.75 inches, these hatchets and hawks are built to swing fast and true; these hawk axes feature a razor-sharp 420 stainless steel hatchet blade
- 24 OUNCE AXE: Light yet heavy-duty, hatchet is a superb survival axe and fire rescue tool; hawk boasts a sleek black blade finish for added durability
- EMERGENCY AXE WITH SOG TOMAHAWK SHEATH: This woodsmen-meets-urban tactical tomahawk snaps securely in its ballistic nylon sheath; includes belt loop for 1.5-inch belts
- HAMMER AXE EDGE AND PIERCING SPIKE: FastHawk tactical survival axe features a flat edge for hammering and a spike for chipping; an emergency kit tool first, but versatile to handle small wood chopping tasks.
- SOG FOR LIFE: Take care of your SOG tomahawk throwing axe and we’ll take care of you; we gladly consider repairs and replacements for your properly maintained SOG FastHawk hatchet
A good budget tool, or a great first tomahawk for fighting use, the SOG is a good beginner tomahawk due to its simplicity and durability, combined with the lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Simple
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Maybe too simple
Why It’s Recommended
SOG has a great reputation and the lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt; despite its somewhat simple design, it is still a very effective tool.
6. M48
Features
- COMBAT FIELD AXE - This hawk is securely attached to the handle with three bolts and is great to handle with the no-slip ridged grip featuring a lanyard hole
- LIGHTWEIGHT TACTICAL TOOL - Three weight reducing holes in the axe head along with the 30% fiberglass handle keep this piece of equipment light and easy to use
- RAZOR SHARP - A 3-⅞” precision cast 2cr13 stainless steel blade is highlighted by an upswept blade and needle-sharp piercing spike on the back end
- SAFE TO CARRY - The durable nylon sheath comes with a snap-on cover to protect the ax head while moving through the fields or forest
The M48 is to be used for an occasional use weapon. It is capable of easily incapacitating an opponent but if it were to be used daily for legitimate tasks, the durability would constantly be in question.
Pros
- Good looking
- Sharp out of the box
- Nice balance and a decent handle
Cons
- Not an everyday tool
- Low durability
Why It’s Recommended
Yes, durability is a huge factor, and this one has none of the durability that is needed for daily use, but if you plan on having this in a defensive weapon location it is well capable of killing someone in a single blow.
Everything about this tomahawk is top-notch except the durability. If you want a single-use backup item the M48 tomahawk is a great choice but doesn’t use it daily.
7. Cold Steel War Hawk
Cold Steel War Hawk
Features
- Drop forged 1055 carbon steel
- 8.5 inch hawk length
- Polypropylene Handle
- 19 inches overall
- Secure-EX sheath
Cold Steel is normally quite a durable option. In this case, the tomahawk suffers from a lack of a full tang. It is, however, a very capable defensive weapon in a close-quarters battle, and as such, still retains high marks for the lethality of a single swing.
Pros
- Lightweight and well balanced
- Sharp out of the box
Cons
- Not full tang
- Prone to breaking when used in extreme conditions daily
Why It’s Recommended
The low price and the capability of single blow incapacitation make Cold Steel a powerhouse of balance and leverage. It scores low marks for durability though, so if you want a daily tool, do not pick this one.
8. CRKT Freyr
CRKT Freyr
1 used from $104.00
Features
- Forged Tough: 1055 Carbon steel provides durability and edge retention
- More than chop: Beard on axe head tackles many useful cutting tasks
- Durable: Tennessee hickory is a dense material that withstands hard use
- Designed by Elmer Roush in Brasstown, North Carolina
- Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details
The CRKT Freyr is a good-looking ax type tomahawk that is perhaps better for small kindling type work than it is for fighting, but certainly capable of delivering a decisive blow to end a conflict if needed.
Pros
- Nicely shaped head for practical work on wood; especially for kindling work
Cons
- Not as durable as some options on this list
Why It’s Recommended
The use as a bushcraft tool is what makes the CRKT Freyr a contender. It is not as durable as it could be but it’s not horrible either. The ax type head is utilitarian, and the swing is heavy on the leverage.
9. Smith & Wesson
Features
- 15.9 Inches overall length
- 1070 High Carbob Steel
- TPE & Steel Handle
- 2-lbs, 11.0 ounces
- Nylon Sheath Included
The Smith & Wesson SW671 is a good option for the price, but you will want to have practice with it. It’s heavy and hard to swing without practice. That said, it’s very durable and offers great coverage against a knife attack. The potential for blunt force trauma is admirable.
Pros
- Strong; full tang and usable for more than just as a defensive tool
- Good for deflecting knife attacks if you have the strength to properly wield it
Cons
- Very heavy
Why It’s Recommended
The full build is bulletproof if you don’t do something stupid with it. The heavy ax type tomahawk offers some good bushcraft angles, but it may not be the tomahawk for everyone due to the heavyweight.
10. Columbia River
CRKT Kangee
Features
- High performance steel: SK5 carbon steel holds an edge well
- Strong And Lightweight: Glass reinforced nylon handle is durable and lightweight
- Boltaron sheath w/MOLLE compatible strap system
- Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Versatile Use: Make sure you have one for camping, hiking or other outdoor activities
CRKT has a great tool here, but it is a bit one-note, a bit heavy and a bit unbalanced for true tomahawk leverage. That said, it’s an admirable performer with one of the best grips in the game for a tactical ax.
Pros
- Decent balance for such a heavy construction
- Great handles
Cons
- Fairly expensive
Why It’s Recommended
The handles alone could make this a contender, even with the rich price point and the relatively awkward balance. This is a long-life tool if you treat it right and the CRKT has a pretty good warranty.
Why would you want a Tomahawk?
A Tomahawk can be a very effective tool, even more so than a knife or any other hand to hand weapons. It is multi-purpose in most cases and can act as both a specific offensive weapon and a strictly defensive weapon. The balance of the two, with the experienced operator, will allow the user to have a distinct upper hand in CQC (Close Quarters Combat).
It’s not a gun, and it is not a long sword, it will require you to get up close and personal with an enemy combatant should you choose to implement a tomahawk in your defensive or offensive strategy. It is an implement of close-quarters combat and as such requires some knowledge and experience to wield well in a combat situation.
Furthermore, a tomahawk in the tactical sense is not just a weapon first and foremost, instead, it is a multi-faceted tool that has distinct abilities as a breeching tool a hammer, and a rescue device among other duties depending on the specific manufacturer and product. Not all tomahawks are multi-tools and not all are straight fighting tomahawks.
That is what made this list so hard to compile: The Tomahawk has many interpretations on the open market and if it wasn’t for the benefits of having a choice, it might be quite annoying to narrow down the best candidates for the top tactical tomahawk.
In the grand scheme of things, you want a tomahawk because of leverage. The design of a tomahawk allows for excellent swinging capabilities; the handle allows for defensive use; the sharp edge makes it easy to injure/or kill an opponent and the strength of the design makes it a legacy tool with long-lasting potential.
In the case of a fight, there are many weapons that are commercially available that one would rather replace with a tomahawk and that effectiveness is what keeps a tomahawk relevant. It has timeless qualities of versatility and lethality and provides easy, intuitive use for the new tomahawk owner.
Hand to hand and close quarter combat
Close Quarters Battle (CQB) or CQC (Close Quarters Combat) which is a term we will use interchangeably in this article; is a messy proposition and it is about as primal and raw as one can get in a defensive scenario.
This is not the protected position of the long-range shooter. It is not even as comfortable a place to be in as the sword-wielding fighter will have. The length of the tomahawk for fighting purposes will require you to get up close and personal with your combatant.
In a close-quarters battle, you don’t want to lose the upper hand by bringing the wrong tool to the fight. A tomahawk is usually the better weapon if it comes down to that, with the abilities it has as a defensive weapon and the multiple angles of attack as well as the superb leverage it can enjoy.
A tomahawk has multiple sharpened edges generally; and yet it is still primarily prized for the amount of energy that can be achieved through swinging it. It also features a pick type head or a hammer as is the case with most of these list items, this is a particularly brutal way to inflict injury on a combatant, but it can be quick and decisive in hand to hand conflict.
The long handles can deflect or parry knife blades to the benefit of the user and the heavy head weight of the tomahawk can easily deal with a killing blow to your opponent.
With proper training and practice, an experienced tomahawk user will almost always have the upper hand if a fight ever gets to a hand to hand situation. But make no mistakes, hand to hand combat with edged or swung weapons is not a clean experience. So, understand ahead of time if you are willing to utilize a tomahawk so you don’t find yourself questioning the choice when you need to be decisive.
Practical aspects of the Fighting Tomahawk
The heavy-duty metal and materials that are part of the modern fighting tomahawk provide a long defensive perch with which to deflect knife strikes or to block a fist or other weapon.
Every tomahawk on this list offers a handle and head in the traditional style which can easily be used to increase leverage to stop a hand to hand threat easily with practice.
Not all tomahawks are fighting tomahawks, however, and many can be used for more than just swinging at the head or arms of an opponent in a life or death situation.
The tactical ax design gives even more room to breathe in a close fighting situation, but more realistically, if you have a proper plan for defensive combat, you will be trying to avoid conflict/threats in a close-quarters type of scenario. Ideally, you will have used a firearm to mitigate the threat well before it gets to that point.
Therefore, then, even a fighting tomahawk is rarely if ever, used against another human being. So, it has evolved into a battlefield tool and a tool of multiple uses because having one around in case of a defensive need is good, but having a tool that can be used daily is even better.
The best tomahawk will be the one that performs the most useful set of duties with the best possible traits for those tasks and acts as an effective last-ditch offensive weapon and a strong defensive implement.
Learning to use a tomahawk
It would be ridiculous to get a gun and never shoot it or practice it. Worse than that, a gun is much easier to use in a defensive situation than a tomahawk because of the level of threat that exists at the distance common to actual usage. With a gun, even a handgun you can realistically engage as far as 50 yards away and reasonably expect to deter or disable the threat.
The tomahawk requires a few feet to engage with it. By the time the conflict gets that close to you, you will be wishing you were an expert at using a tomahawk.
There are many options for learning how to use a tomahawk in the most basic sense, but what you absolutely must do, even if you don’t take some form of a formal lesson (whether it be in person or watching a video on YouTube or some other format), is you must know what it feels like in the hands and you must feel comfortable with it.
Knowing how the heft is in your hands; and what a true swing feels like and how slippery it will get when you are sweating and full of adrenaline are all important factors. Knowing what it feels like to strike a legitimate target with it will be an important factor.
Knowing how to deflect a bladed weapon by understanding hand placement and using the leverage of the length of the weapon will be an important factor. Understanding that there are many ways to utilize a tomahawk both from a cutting perspective and as a blunt force tool will give you unique insight into the capabilities of your weapon.
No matter what you do, learn how to use your tomahawk at least as a tactical tool for having around when you might need the utilitarian aspects of it. But better than that, take a combative class that focuses on de-escalating a CQB conflict and wielding a fighting tomahawk, your newfound knowledge could mean the difference between life and death.
Bottom Line
When you need a last-ditch defensive tool that can protect you in a knife fight, a tomahawk may be a perfect choice. The key is to find one that has enough leverage and durability in the build quality to ensure that you can withstand direct hits and be protected under stress.
As an offensive weapon, any of these tomahawks are capable of killing another human being, but close-quarters combat is a nasty thing, so make sure you have the conviction to proceed with it, and the stomach to handle the outcome if you decide to go into battle in close proximity.
As a tool for daily use though, these tomahawks are more than capable of chopping wood opening doors to breaking windows in a rescue need to offer a strong cutting option. A tomahawk in the modern era is more than just a tool to fight with: it can be much more. The best tactical tomahawks are something more than just a single job performer, and this list is full of versatile tools.
Check out all the other tactical gear articles put together by the expert team at Guns & Safety Reviews below;
The Review
Best Tactical Tomahawk
There are many tactical tomahawks to choose from. Be sure to figure out what it is you want to use it for then read through our detailed reviews!
Review Breakdown
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CRKT Woods Nobo
-
Walther 50748
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Gerber Downrange
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Estwing
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SOG
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M48
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Cold Steel War Hawk
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CRKT Freyr
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Smith & Wesson SW671
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CRKT Kangee
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