Tactical Tomahawk

Tactical Tomahawk resembles a hatchet or an axe with a straight shaft and it originates in North America. It was also used by European Colonials as well for hand-to-hand battle. Originally, it contained a stone head, but brass or iron heads were used afterwords. Tomahawk heads made of metal were originally used as trade items  for exchanging food and other provisions with Native Americans. The stone would usually be fastened to a wooden handle in different ways, like putting the stone through the hole in the wood or tying the stone to a handle. Native Americans would usually bury a tomahawk after peace treaty had been reached with an enemy and  “to bury the hatchet.” phrase originates from this custom and it is still in frequent colloquial usage today.

Tomahawk shaft is usually less than one metre in length and it is was originally made from maple or ash. Its edge is usually four inches from toe to head. Tactical tomahawk heads made of stone were originally made of polished soapstone and used in traditional Native American rituals. They also contained a pipe bowl used for smoking tobacco through the tomahawk. This strange pipe also came in its metal versions. Pipe tomahawks are North American artifacts sometimes also created by Europeans for trading or as diplomatic gifts

Tactical tomahawks have lost their original purpose and are nowadays used only in sport called tomahawk throwing entertained only among American historical re-enactment groups. There is also a category within a competitive knife throwing sport whereupon tactical tomahawks are used for this purpose instead of knives. Very few professional craftsmen in US can actually hand made hawks that resemble the traditional tomahawks in every aspect.

In 2001 American Tomahawk Company in collaboaration with professional custom knife makers made the Vietnam tomahawk that has gained in popularity since then. These modern day hawks had wooden handles and a leather sheaths. They were used by US forces during the Vietnam war and hence the name Vietnam tomahawk.