Tomahawk ax: types and photos. A simple way to make a do-it-yourself throwing tomahawk Do-it-yourself tomahawk for an Indian

11.03.2020

The modern viewer has already managed to get bored. Film fans want something new and more spectacular. What could be better than such a mystical and at the same time formidable weapon as a tomahawk ax?

With this name alone, pictures of Indian wigwams, the exotic life of freedom-loving people surrounded by beautiful wildlife, appear in the imagination of the layman. And of course, bloody and very brutal battles. But no matter how realistic the film was made, it remains just a director's fiction, a product, although in demand by a demanding audience, but far from real life. The tomahawk ax has its own real history, which does not quite coincide with the cinematic one.

The history of the appearance of weapons

The word "tamahaken" first appeared in the everyday life of Indian tribes. Initially, it was used to refer to “what they cut” - an object that looks like a sharply sharpened stone attached to a short stick, which was used in Indian villages for both military and peaceful purposes. “Tamahaken” as a result of English pronunciation gave a new word, which is now known to everyone as “tomahawk”. The ax, which, according to historians, was used by the native inhabitants of America in peacetime and as

The first steel axes

The British, whose settlement was located side by side with the Indian tribes, were the first to see the tomahawk. The ax was used by the Indians for hunting and in close combat. The Europeans suggested that this tool would be more effective if it was not made of stone, but of steel. Thanks to the British, the first iron axes were brought to the American continent, which later became the most popular commodity.

The tomahawk ax improved by Europeans began to be in special demand among the natives of America. The Europeans exchanged it for furs mined by the Indians. The production of these axes was put on stream.

Over time, they created a certain technology that can significantly speed up and reduce the cost of the production process. It consisted in the fact that tomahawks were made from an iron strip twisted around a steel bar, the ends of which were subsequently welded to each other, forming a blade. But there was also a more expensive option - between the welded ends of the steel strip, the craftsmen clamped a hardened steel plate. In such axes, it was a blade and performed a cutting and chopping function.

Products were mass-produced in Europe, mainly in France and England, and brought to the local natives. Previously, this tool was used mainly for household needs and, in rare cases, for hunting. After modernization, the tomahawk Indian battle ax became a formidable weapon used by the British Marines.

The use of tomahawks: the beginning

The Europeans, having studied the Indian ax, realized that for close combat it was more convenient and effective than a knife or spear. This is due to the design feature that the tomahawk possessed. The ax of the Indians had a short handle used as a lever. This made it possible to use this weapon to a weakened or wounded soldier. The length of the handle made it possible to wield a tomahawk in a crowd or in one-on-one combat.

Based on the existing design, the Europeans, having replaced the sharp stone with iron, created their own significantly improved one. They began to actively use it during boarding and close combat. It was also used to hit targets at a distance. The tomahawk throwing ax has become an effective weapon, hitting a target at a distance of up to twenty meters. At the same time, the Indians themselves were trained in the art of war. Those acquired professional skills, which made it possible for them to conduct military operations using the tomahawk. The ax became an element of combat and hunting equipment. It was used if it was necessary to finish off the shot animal.

Ease of use has made the tomahawk (axe) very popular with the local population. The photo below shows the features of the external design of the product.

On the nature of the damage caused by the Indian ax

Archaeological excavations in the territories of Indian settlements indicate that the skull, collarbone, ribs and left forearm bone are most susceptible to mutilation from tomahawks. According to the nature of the damage to the skull of the examined corpses of soldiers who died from the tomahawk, it was believed that the blows with an ax were applied from top to bottom along an arcuate trajectory. Collarbone injuries were apparently produced in cases where a chopping blow to the head did not achieve its goal. Injuries to the left or right forearm were less common. In all likelihood, they could have been produced when a person covered his head. The second technique used by the warriors of that time was an arcuate slashing blow to the body. It was applied along a horizontal path. In such cases, the ribs received damage.

Types of Indian Tomahawks

Celt. It is one of the first models. Its shape resembles a similar stone tomahawk. These products did not have special holes that facilitate putting the working part on the handle. The blade was inserted into the shaft with the help of a sharpened butt. This Indian tomahawk was widely used from the 16th to the 17th century.

Celt with a point. The blade of this Indian hatchet has the shape of an elongated triangle passing through the shaft so that one of its sharpened corners is located on the back side of the hatchet, forming a point. The design of the tomahawk gave the impression that the steel sheet had split the shaft. For its reliable fixation, special bindings were used.
Missourian type. This Native American tomahawk was used until the 19th century. It was distributed throughout the Missouri River. The working part of the ax was placed on an ordinary ax handle with an eye. The blade was not hardened and was of enormous size. Its surface had various cuts and holes for decoration.

tubular type. Tomahawks of this type are the most common. A feature of the tubular hatchet is the presence of a special through channel in the shaft, which stretches along the entire length of the handle. In the butt part of the tomahawk there is a special cup designed for tobacco. The hole located in the upper part was closed with a horn, metal or wooden plug, which could be pulled out at any time and this model could be used as a smoking pipe. The blade of the hatchet was decorated with engraving. The tomahawk had an elegant appearance and was often used as a gift in order to establish diplomatic relations between Indians and European settlers.
Espontonic type. The chopping parts of these axes could have various shapes and sizes. The handles at the base were often decorated with decorative processes. The blades were removable. If necessary, they could be removed and used as a knife.
Spade tomahawks. These are products, the butt part of which was equipped with points and hooks. A similar form originated from boarding axes. Peaked tomahawks were widely used by settlers for household work. This option gained wide popularity among the Indians, who eventually began to use it as a weapon.

Hammer Tomahawks. These products, like tubular tomahawks, were widely used in trade. They were in special demand among the shooters-colonists and Indians. But the difference between the tomahawk-hammers and the tubular variants was that in the first, the butt part had hammers. Their designs were not as ornate as those of the tubular ones, so they were not used as diplomatic gift items.

trade ax. The product does not have an elegant shape. The butt, which has a rounded shape, was used as a hammer. The handles of these axes are inserted from below the holes, and in some models - from above. Since this version of the ax was predominantly used by women, it was called the “tomahawk squaw”. The sizes of trading axes were various. Small dimensions were convenient to wear behind a belt. Therefore, the products were also called "belt ax", or "bag". This item was used for trade between North America and Europe. In Indian villages, the trading ax was used as a household tool and as a military weapon.
Halberd type tomahawk. The hatchet consists of a chopping part and a long handle, at the end of which there is a long bayonet hammered into it. This model was made from a monolithic steel plate, mainly a wide arcuate or semicircular shape. The butt was equipped with two additional tips. In some models, instead of these flat points, metal spikes or semicircles for tobacco are inserted. The head of the halberd hatchet can be collapsible and attached to the top of the product on the thread. Handles can also be fastened using threads, mainly in cases where the ax handle is made of wood. If the handle is metal, then it can be a single whole with the top. Brass was also used to make the handles. In such models of halberd axes, the tops were inserted into special sockets in the handle and fastened with rivets.

tactical weapons

The battle axes that American soldiers were equipped with have undergone a thorough modification in our time. There were modern and more advanced versions of tomahawks. Since these products were intended not only to perform combat missions, they began to be called tactical.

Tactical axes and tomahawks were in great demand among American soldiers during Operation Desert Storm. Without a compact and handy device for breaking doors, the soldiers were forced to carry huge fire axes with them. Tactical axes are much lighter and more maneuverable, besides, in addition to their main task (chopping), they perform a number of additional functions. They can knock down padlocks, wring out doors, break windows in cars, etc. In a combat situation, such an ax is considered indispensable, especially when it is undesirable to use firearms. Similar situations can arise if the battle is fought near combustible and explosive substances, pesticides.

Tactical axes and tomahawks are especially popular in the special forces of the United States of America. In the army of the Soviet Union, these models did not take root. The military command of the USSR initially planned to equip personnel with tactical axes, but over time considered that this would be too expensive. An analogue of the American tomahawks in the Red Army was which, according to the Soviet leadership, is no worse.

Modern variants of Indian tomahawks

Nowadays, combat and tactical hatchets are made from solid sheets of metal. Such a product according to the drawing is cut out of a metal sheet, subjected to further processing on machines and has a monolithic structure. There is another way, which consists in the fact that only the chopping part of the ax is cut out. Tool steel is also suitable for it. The handle is made separately. It is best if it is made of polymer material, as this can significantly reduce the weight of the weapon.

Tactical M48

The chopping part in such a product as the M48 Hawk tomahawk ax is made of 440c stainless steel, which is subject to further processing in the factory in the form of applying a black coating to it.

The length of the hatchet is 39 cm, the blade length is 95 mm, and the thickness is 2 cm. The M 48 Hawk tomahawk handle is a reinforced polypropylene product, to which the chopping part is attached with the help of power bolts and a steel rim that increases the stability of the blade fit. The length of the handle is 34 cm. The tactical hatchet weighs 910 grams. It comes with a special nylon sheath.

Advantages of handicraft production. Why is a forged tomahawk better?

It's easy to do. The product will turn out to be of truly high quality, as a classic ax should be, only if it is produced in a forge. In it, you can forge both a standard ax, necessary for carpentry work on the farm, and a very aesthetic exclusive tomahawk.

It can be used as a gift, souvenir or interior decoration. According to their technical characteristics, forged products are much better than cast factory ones. This is due to the peculiarities of the crystal lattice of metals, the structure of which can be changed during forging. As a result, a tomahawk made in the forge with changes in the crystal structure can withstand power and shock loads well, the blade of such a tomahawk remains sharp for a long time. The service life of do-it-yourself axes is much longer than that of factory products.

Buy a tomahawk ax in Novosibirsk

Axes, tomahawks and shovels in any city of the Russian Federation can be purchased through an online store. Usually, specialized sites sell tools with delivery throughout Russia in the optimal time. Courier delivery is ordered at a convenient time for the client. Or you can pick up the goods yourself by contacting the point of issue of orders.

Prices of goods under the order - from 1300-1800 rubles. up to 30,000 rubles and more.

We could not afford to just leave this topic, and decided to figure out in detail what it is - tactical tomahawk Where did it come from and where is it used? You will be surprised, but the tomahawk as a special tactical weapon exists in the armies of the world almost in the mid-50s.

History of the tomahawk

The Tomahawk is an extremely unusual weapon for its pale-faced brethren. Having a huge history, this type of edged weapons remains a highlight supplied to the troops in small batches. But this unusual weapon today, he is increasingly winning the hearts of the military as a convenient and practical weapon for close combat. Why? Let's go back to history...

Tomahawk(tomahawk in English), or in other words "battle ax" is a cold weapon used by the Indians of North America.

A real Indian tomahawk looked completely different from what we used to see them in films about Indians. However, he is not even "Indian". In pre-Columbian America, the word "tomahawk" (tomahiken, tomehogan, tummahakan, tomahak, tumahguak, etc.) denoted a cudgel with a pointed stone tip, often serving as a smoking pipe at the same time. So, during the war - a weapon, in peacetime - a pipe of peace. And the very name of the hatchet "tomahawk" in general, in fact, is not Indian, but rather European. It comes from an English transliteration of the term in various Eastern Algonquian languages. Initially, this was the name of a variety of combat clubs and clubs, later - small iron, bronze or brass axes on a straight handle. Used by the natives of America as a melee weapon and for throwing.

white man's gift

The Indians did not initially use tomahawks en masse in combat or hunting, as we are used to seeing in feature films. It was the Europeans who brought iron axes to the American continent, which made an indelible impression on the locals and became one of the most popular goods: the natives gladly exchanged them for furs. Tomahawks were produced right there or imported from Europe.

Those that got to the Indians from Europe were steel, slightly modernized

battle axes of the British Marines.

The Indians turned iron tomahawk axes from a working tool into a formidable weapon. They were used in close combat, they learned to throw them with amazing skill, while the Indians were taught to fight with a tomahawk by European settlers who owned the technique of using an ax during a boarding battle. The natives of America turned out to be very diligent students, and soon trained Indian warriors threw the tomahawk at a distance of up to 20 meters, while accurately hitting the target. At the same time, the Indians appreciated the new weapon of the white man, because in close combat the tomahawk was more convenient than a knife and a spear, since due to the lever handle, even a weak person could inflict a terrible wound, for example, cut off a limb. Plus, due to the ax handle, not long and not short, it was easy to wield both in a dense crowd and in one-on-one fights.

Tomahawks were used not only in war, but also in hunting - to finish off wounded animals.

The preferences of certain forms of tomahawks by the Indians of different tribes changed over time and were determined by the proposal of the manufacturers. In the Missouri River region, until the middle of the 19th century, very wide, but with a relatively short handle, "Missouri battle axes" were popular. Another type, in the form of a spear or pick, often with decorative swirling processes at the base of the blade. This "spontaneous (spontaneous) tomahawk" came from a polearm of the same name, which was armed with sergeants in European armies.

To expand the market and increase demand, European blacksmiths tried to please the tastes of the natives: blade and handle decorations became more sophisticated and luxurious, more and more new original models were invented. For example, tomahawks were made for diplomatic purposes: with artistic engraving, inlaid with gold and silver. They were offered to Indian chiefs as gifts emphasizing peaceful intentions. The blades were made at first from simple iron, later from iron or brass with a steel insert of the cutting edge, from brass. On the butt (back side of the blade) they made a sharp spike, a hammer. The most popular were tomahawks with a hollow handle and a butt with a shank for smoking tobacco.

The Indians themselves began to master blacksmithing only at the beginning of the 19th century, but they preferred not to bother with ore mining and iron smelting, but most often they simply reforged the “iron scrap” of Europeans. They polished the handles, inlaid them with various materials, cut out and burned patterns, wrapped them with strips of leather or fabric, copper wire, and painted them. And, of course, various (often symbolic) decorations were attached: feathers, porcupine quills, pieces of fur, beads, hair, human scalps. Tomahawks become a symbol of power and status among the Indians by the middle of the 19th century. Dancing and ceremonial tomahawks had various suspensions at the end of the handle in the form of beaded leather triangles with fringe, bells, strips of cloth or fur. Round mirrors could be sewn onto the latter. Tomahawks became so much a part of the spiritual culture of the North American Indians that even peace pipes, which were made from the sacred red stone of Minnesota, began to be made in the form of this battle hatchet. Gift and souvenir tomahawks-pipes had handles trimmed with silver, where even the silver mouthpiece was closed with a cap on a chain.

Vietnamese tomahawk by Peter LaGrana

The tomahawk was used by European settlers: hunters, pioneers and, until the middle of the 19th century, by the military, along with a “belt ax” (“half-axe”) close to it in terms of parameters. They were in service with American troops during the Revolutionary War, the wars of the North and South, and the "Indian" wars.

For a long time, this weapon was not remembered, considering it lagging behind and not effective, however Peter LaGana (Peter LaGana ), a true descendant of the Mohawk Indians, convinced the world otherwise. A former member of the Marine Corps, he took part in World War II. After the war, he taught hand-to-hand combat. However, in addition to teaching unarmed fighting techniques, he also taught the work of a tomahawk. Information about this reached the higher authorities, as a result of which in the winter of 1965 he was called to the Pentagon to demonstrate the potential of this weapon.

« Tomahawks themselves, even after playing a huge historical role during more than one hundred clashes between Indians and colonists, were used by soldiers of the American army in significant quantities during the Vietnam War in the period from 1966-1975 and gained fame as an indispensable tool and weapon for a fighter».

Despite the successful performance, the battle with the tomahawk was not included in the official training program for the US military. But Peter LaGana was already on fire with the idea of an army tomahawk and did not want to retreat. A few months later, he made his own tomahawk, which has a specially shaped head section that significantly increases the combat capabilities of the weapon.

The blade of the LaGan tomahawk on the butt had the most pointed shape and could pierce a Kevlar helmet or light body armor (which, alas, was not available to the knife). And thanks to its high penetrating power, coupled with its weight, the tomahawk inflicted serious damage, even if the blow was delivered from the elbow, without investing body weight in the blow. Consequently, it could be used in narrow passages and thickets, where the fighter simply did not have room to swing.

Interestingly, five of the seven edges of the sharp part of LaGan's tomahawk were sharpened, so a hit with a tomahawk along any trajectory inflicted a wound on the enemy. But the most amazing thing about this ax was its balance. Peter himself calmly threw any sharp object so that it stuck, but what was an unprepared fighter to do?

Peter LaGana offered to throw his tomahawk to unprepared people, mostly women and children. As a result, a total of 870 shots were made from a distance of 4.5 to 6 meters. After processing the data and making calculations, those proportions and weights were found that provided almost any person with a successful hit at such a range, even without special training.

Demonstration of the capabilities of the LaGrana tomahawk

The ax turned out to be so successful that the demand for it was hundreds of times higher than the supply. Therefore, LaGana opened his own company, the American Tomahawk Company, which on April 16, 1966 produced the first serial battle ax. Now LaGana offered the tomahawk to the Marines, and on October 3, 1966, at a military base in Quantico, Virginia, he conducted the most realistic demonstration of the capabilities of the new tomahawk ever held by the US military.

The first test consisted of confronting two Marines who were armed with rifles and bayonets. LaGana insisted that the protective scabbards be removed from the bayonets. A minute later, he disarmed both attackers, although he received a cut on his right hand, but he continued the demonstration anyway. Then LaGana disarmed the fighters with a machete, and in the third test he easily defeated the attacker with a knife. The possibility of chopping properties of the tomahawk was demonstrated on dummies.

At the end of the tests, he showed how easy and effective it is to throw a tomahawk, including at a moving enemy, for this his best friend Kon Novak put a wooden shield on his chest. Upon completion of the tests, all eighteen representatives of the Marine Corps, who were part of the commission, bought themselves tomahawks. But the response of the command of the US Marine Corps was the following: “ In order for the tomahawk to be accepted into service, it must replace one or more elements from the individual set of equipment of the Marine, so this weapon will not be accepted into service.».

However, thanks to the efforts of commissioned officers, the military was allowed to purchase tomahawks privately and carry them as weapons. Of the more than 4,000 tomahawks manufactured by the American Tomahawk Company before its closure in 1970, 3,820 were purchased by Marines in the Vietnam War. Thanks to this, LaGan's tomahawk was given the nickname "Vietnamese tomahawk".

Tomahawk in the modern army

It is interesting that the Soviet command considered the tomahawk as a weapon, however when conducting tests sapper shovel almost as effective as a battle ax, so it was decided to leave everything as it is.

Tomahawks resurface only during the US Operation Just Cause in Panama. There, gangsters of drug cartels actively used in hand-to-hand skirmishes not only machetes, but also battle axes, from which more than forty fighters were injured or killed. A light and maneuverable ax in dense thickets was several times more effective than a bayonet.

During the "Desert Storm" fighters are faced with the difficulty of entering the premises, the doors have to be broken into improvised means or blown up. The complaints of the fighters do not reach the command, or the command does not attach any importance to them. Therefore, soldiers wearing huge red fire axes were not uncommon.

Tomahawk VTAC

The tomahawk experiences a true revival only after 2000, this time already as a full-fledged element of a fighter's equipment. A year later, the American Tomahawk company, headed by Andy Prisco, begins to function again, which, with the support of the already elderly Peter LaGan, begins the mass production of the “Vietnamese Tomahawk” - VTAC.

The popularity of this ax exceeds all conceivable levels and a true boom in this weapon begins. However, major changes have been made to the design of the modern tomahawk, and are available in two versions:

tomahawks with handles consisting of a polymer that significantly reduces the weight of the ax, and the ax itself is made of tool steel;
tomahawks, which have a one-piece design, where the ax and ax handle are cut from a single sheet of metal.

The first version of the ax is more mobile, as it allows you to quickly and easily replace one blade with another, for example, with a different blade shape, and is also ideal in hand-to-hand combat as it is light, while the second option provides high structural strength and is more suitable for hard work. opening doors or breaking through barricades.

Since 2003 tomahawk VTAC along with a sledgehammer, wire cutters and a crowbar, it is included in the so-called Modular Entry Tool Set (a modular set of tools for penetration), which is included in the equipment of every detachment of the US Army Special Forces. In addition, VTAC tomahawks are included in the equipment of a number of infantry units and the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Also, the VTAC Tomahawk was assigned the state inventory number NSN 4210-01-518-7244, that is, it is included in the list of equipment approved for purchase by US government agencies. Tomahawks from other manufacturers also find their customers among military personnel and employees of various law enforcement agencies.

Prospects for the tomahawk as a tactical weapon

Currently, countless modifications of these axes (including the "Vietnamese" one) are produced by Western firms. Many modern models of axes with this name are designed for military use. Magnificent steel army tomahawks were widely used by the Americans in Afghanistan and Iraq.

But what did the military find in the tomahawk? Of course, first of all, its versatility. With an ax, you can perform a wide range of work, and not just demolish the heads of the enemy. The pointed spike on the butt of the tomahawk easily opens both metal barrels and truck tires reinforced with steel tapes. You can cut through the doors of houses, knock down locks, make holes in brick walls with a long spike, climb walls (rocks and trees) and simply use them for household needs and as a survival tool, along with the same tactical knives or "multitools".

Well, as a melee weapon, the tomahawk is several times superior to the usual bayonet-knife, especially when it is impossible or undesirable to shoot from a rifle or pistol (where ammunition or fuel depots are).

The most common modern tactical army tomahawks today weigh a little less than 500 g, the length of the handle is 14 cm, on the butt there is a pointed spike about 8 cm long, which can be used as a chisel when landing doors.

Of course, the tomahawk is a weapon that is not suitable for everyone and not for every occasion. But taking into account the need for a high skill in working with such weapons, and the opportunities that it gives, we can definitely say that the tomahawk is the choice of only professionals.

In this publication, I will tell you how to make a real tomahawk from an ordinary tomahawk, which are sold in large quantities at Internet auctions, and which do not differ in beauty and originality. tomahawk ax, with the blade of a real combat, battered ax.

Tomahawk modification

I once bought a mass-produced tomahawk overnight. I've always wanted to get one, and I stumbled across the site and found that they were really affordable. About $30 with shipping. And several different styles to choose from. I chose Cold Steel Trail Hawk.
It came in the mail and I was shocked at how boring it looked. So I decided to make a few changes. How beautifully everything turned out - you be the judge.

Step 1. Raw Materials

So this is what I got in the mail. Blade with a simple handle (I ordered a spare too). The ax blade is painted black. Like I said... boring.
The first step is to remove the blade from the handle. My model had a small hex bolt on the side of the blade. I found the right hex wrench and unscrewed it. Using a mallet, I removed the blade from the handle.

Step 2: Remove paint from the blade

So the first thing I did was remove the paint from the metal blade. I used a paint remover that I purchased from a hardware store. I smeared the metal with the compound and then wrapped it in plastic wrap. The paint was some kind of hard, but it completely disappeared after a few procedures.
Be careful with this composition - if it comes into contact with the skin - it causes a chemical burn!
After all the paint was off, I washed it with plain soap and water.

Step 3: Boil the Ax Blade in Vinegar

Yes, you read it right. I wanted to finish the blade so that it looks old. After searching the topic online, one of the easiest and least toxic methods I found was to simply boil it in white vinegar.
I don't have any photo of the ax before processing, but the ax was plain metal color. I boiled it in plain white vinegar for 20 minutes and the blade took on a black ashy coating.

WARNING: Boiling vinegar will fill your home with an indescribable odor. I didn't mind it, but my wife did!

I used an old camping kettle that was about to retire anyway.
Once the blade was cool, I used a regular kitchen sharpener to sharpen the blade. This gave brightness to the metal along the chamfers of sharpening.
Processing will also reveal marks and markings on the blade.
Some other finishing methods include the use of "blueing" or "phosphating". Heck, you can even just repaint the blade any color you want.

Step 4. Putting the blade on the handle

At this point, I noticed how the ax fits the handle. To be honest, it was done ugly - the sharp edges around the hole where the handle went through the blade left marks on the handle. I used a thin file and removed the excess metal around the hole.
I also used a sander, with fine sandpaper, to change the leading edge. This not only improved the look of the wide bevel, but also made the ax sharper.
I also sanded down the old grip finish and sanded the grip again to a high gloss finish. But keep in mind, you can not remove too much wood from the handle and metal from the hole - otherwise the blade will simply slip off the handle.

Step 5. With the handle on

At this point, I've sanded down the factory piece and intend to finish with the handle. I used my stain to get the deeper color I wanted. Two layers.
I also used a wood carving kit to draw the four direction ray symbol. But you could draw or cut out any character you like.
I would also like to have a lanyard hole at the end of the handle so that the tomahawk can be held more securely in the hand. I went to a hobby shop and bought a 1/4" OD brass tube. I drilled a 1/4 inch hole, cut a piece of pipe to match the length. I used a fine file and then just sandpaper to shape the brass so it was flush with the handle.
Once I did all that, I covered the handle with polyurethane varnish to give it a waterproof finish. Two layers. I used hangers as shown in the photo while I was applying the coat.
You can use a wide range of pen paint materials. There are various staining methods to add or change color. Inks, paints, etc. Instead of using varnishes, you can also coat the handle with various penetrating oils.

STEP 6. Finally all together.

After all the details have been well modified, it's time to put the ax on the handle. Slide the blade over the top of the handle until it feels tight. To get a snug fit, grab the handle directly under the axe. Now hit the base of the handle with a rubber or wooden mallet. This will land the ax on the handle. Further use will occur with this landing, so secure the blade with a screw and you're done!
Insert a lanyard or sling into the brass hole at the base of the handle, there are a great many of their options and varieties! Your tomahawk ready!

At the word "tomahawk" many people immediately remember the Indians. Indeed, this type of ax was masterfully used by North American natives. Reading books about the Indians, it is difficult to get rid of the impression that the small steel hatchet is a native Indian invention. In fact, the Indians only gave their name to this ax, and he himself arrived in America along with the colonists.

The first axes among the Indians of the pre-Columbian era were stone, impaled on a long handle, often flexible or wicker. Such an ax was a hybrid of an ax with a club and was used in war and in everyday life. Naturally, due to the unreliable design, such weapons were inferior to spears. Seeing the sharp steel axes of the settlers, and having received a few in exchange, the Indians were delighted and called them "what they cut" (tamahaken). Europeans, having heard this word, pronounced it as "tomahawk".

Varieties of the Indian tomahawk ax

Although the tomahawk for the townsfolk is associated with the so-called "Missouri ax", the type of tomahawk could be different, in particular:

Celts. The very first tomahawks made of iron, which were hammered into the handle with a butt. To the same group can be attributed the Celts with a point, more like klevtsy;
Ear tomahawks. Exactly those that advertised the cinema and books about the Indians. In another way, they were called "Missouri axes" and were a traditional form of an ax with an eye. They were used for military operations, very rarely in everyday life (mainly for quickly cutting carcasses);
Pipe tomahawks. They could be of any type, but they had a feature - a channel along the entire length of the handle. Often richly decorated, they were rarely used in battle because of the hollow handle. Their main purpose was in diplomatic ceremonies between tribes, often given as a sign of friendship;
Expontoon tomahawks. They were a mixture of esponton and an axe. Most likely, they were remade from espontons taken away in battles with settlers;
Halberd tomahawks. They were brought from Spain, they were either shortened halberds, or hatchets made according to the same scheme. The rarest variety, the North American Indians had mainly among the leaders, emphasizing their status.

Along with these models, there were homemade tomahawks. Usually they were made from standard models.

The appearance of steel tomahawks among the Indians

The first metal axes were traded by the settlers for furs. Quickly learning how to wield tomahawks, the aborigines surpassed their teachers in this art. The Indians received the basics of owning a tomahawk from British sailors who used axes in naval battles during boarding. Moreover, the Indians were able to master the throwing technique forgotten in Europe since the time of the Franks and even surpass the ancient Europeans. Throwing masters could throw several tomahawks in a couple of seconds. For throwing, the Missouri type of ax was most suitable. The Spanish halberd-type ax was only good for close combat. It was possible to throw an ax at a distance of up to 20 meters.

A new surge in the popularity of tomahawks came in the 2000s, in connection with the fighting of the US Army in the east. He was perfect for opening doors. Now the so-called "tactical" tomahawks are produced by many companies and everyone can choose an ax for themselves, taking into account their needs.

Disadvantages of modern models

The modern industry produces many types of tomahawks for every taste. From the frankly predatory SOG m48, to the quite peaceful looking Jenny Wren Spike, advertised as feminine. In general, modern tomahawks can be conditionally divided into three groups:

Identical. Such axes are produced only by Cold steel. They are a forged hatchet on a wooden handle, put on by the reverse drive;
Tomahawks attached to a plastic handle. This is the notorious SOG m48 and similar models;
Tomahawks carved from a single piece of metal, with overlays in the handle area.

Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

The identical tomahawks are a classic ax design that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Usually made independently or ordered from blacksmiths. Despite their unprepossessing appearance, they are formidable weapons, proven by many battles over the centuries. They are distinguished by a simple design, perfect balance, the ability to adjust the handle specifically to your hand and ease of repair. The ax itself is “indestructible”, and the handle is easy to make with your own hands.

Tomahawks on a plastic handle have a very menacing look. Due to their low weight, they can work at high speed. The butt is often made in the form of a pick, a hammer, or even a second blade. These axes during operation revealed many shortcomings. The round handle often twists in the hand on impact, resulting in a slippery impact. Absolutely not suitable for throwing, despite the assurances of the sellers (the handle breaks after several hits against a tree). Practically unsuitable for household work. This type of tomahawk is more suitable for scaring than for serious work.

One-piece tomahawks can be called an ax with a big stretch. Rather, they are blades shaped like an axe. Due to the design features and the low weight of the working part, they are not able to play the role of a powerful penetrating weapon. Very rubbing on the hand when using. Their only plus is in the one-piece construction, which is very difficult to break.

If you want to buy a really real combat tomahawk, choose identical Cold steel firms, or better do it yourself or order from a blacksmith.

Cold steel tomahawks

Cold steel has become famous for the production of knives, axes, swords and other weapons, which is a symbiosis of the best old models with the latest developments. Cold steel tomahawks are forged from 1055 steel and are capable of handling chopping and throwing. Despite a good reputation, like any serial product, it may need to be improved. It is not uncommon for the backlash of the ax on the handle, it happens that it does not lie well in the hand. When buying, you should carefully inspect the purchased product, and after the purchase, conduct a test cabin. If you need to plant an ax more efficiently, put the skin on and smear it with epoxy. If possible, try to make a tomahawk yourself.

Drawing for making a tomahawk with your own hands

There are two ways to make your own tomahawk:

Forging method;
With the help of a donor ax, a grinder and an electric sharpener.

Let us consider in detail these two methods, after which we will figure out how to make a handle.

For forging an ax you will need a forge and an anvil. A hearth can be made from an old pan by drilling holes in the bottom and partially cutting off the side walls. To blow air, you can use an old vacuum cleaner or a fan from a computer. A piece of an old rail is suitable as an anvil.

For an ax, metal grade 65g is suitable. As an alternative source of steel, a car spring can be reforged. First, a rectangle of suitable thickness is forged, and an eye hole is made in it with a chisel or punch. Then, with a forging (or ordinary) hammer, the workpiece is given the desired shape. The workpiece is hardened, after which metalworking is performed.

The hardening of a forged tomahawk should be zone-hardened - the blade is hardened, and the butt is usually not hardened. After locksmith processing, the ax is mounted on a previously prepared ax handle.

To make a tomahawk, you need a donor - an ordinary ax. As the first prototype, you can take a cheap Chinese ax. Only a quality tool will not work out of it. Although if you are afraid to ruin a quality ax, you can try it in Chinese.

If you want a quality tomahawk, use old Soviet forged axes. Axes from army warehouses of the forties and fifties of release enjoy good fame.

First you need to make a drawing of a tomahawk. To do this, a donor lies on a sheet of paper and is outlined along the contour. Then this drawing is given the desired shape. The next operation will be to transfer the drawing from paper to an ax. Having drawn the desired shape on the ax, you should cut off the excess metal with the help of a grinder. Be sure to use protective goggles and gloves when cutting. Don't cut too fast or the metal will overheat and lose its hardness. It is recommended to periodically cool the part with water. After trimming, the workpiece is sharpened on an electric grinder and polished. If you have a dremel, you can decorate the ax with an inscription or pattern. If the metal overheated during the work, the ax must be re-hardened.

Making a handle for a tomahawk

Usually ax handles are made of birch, but for a tomahawk it is better to choose another wood. Cold steel uses hickory wood for tomahawk handles. In our latitudes, the best wood for an ax handle is ash. It is not inferior in strength to oak and at the same time has good flexibility. You can use dogwood, pear and cherry plum.

I am fond of martial arts with weapons, historical fencing. I write about weapons and military equipment because it is interesting and familiar to me. I often learn a lot of new things and want to share these facts with people who are not indifferent to military topics.

Among the other variety of homemade edged weapons on this site, we have not deservedly deprived of attention such a peculiar weapon as an Indian tomahawk. Only at first glance, this throwing ax seems to be an anachronism. In fact, this is a weapon worthy of a detailed description, it is very interesting in terms of sports throwing at a target. Throwing a tomahawk is in many ways different from throwing, for example, the same throwing knife. For the time being, we will not focus on the methods of throwing the tomahawk and will not get into the descriptive history of the creation of this weapon by ancient Indian masters. Our goal is to try to make a tomahawk with our own hands at home, so to speak.

First of all, for those who decide to make a tomahawk, you need to purchase a forge. But since purchased horns are generally quite expensive, you can make a mini horn yourself. Secondly, you need, if you are not already a blacksmith, to acquire some blacksmithing skills. To do this, contact familiar experts, or read special literature, training on scraps of any metal.

Some metal forging technology is described in the sword making section. I think it will not be too different from forging a tomahawk hatchet.

So, in order to forge a hatchet, you need to find a piece of high-carbon steel grade 1095 and 15N20. You can ask the experts and try another brand of steel. But the author of this tomahawk, someone Joe Shilaski, recommends this one.

Before proceeding to forging, let's see what the tomahawk hatchet actually consists of. Look at the drawing and study all its parts, I think it is necessary to clearly imagine what you want to do.

Next, we heat the steel billet in the hearth

In theory, in order to forge a quality billet, the billet is made from several layers, forged separately and welded together by forging. The author forged a billet of 400 layers, first laying layers of steel grade 1095, and then grade 15N20. But, for such a complex forging technology, you must be a highly skilled blacksmith. We are ordinary do-it-yourselfers, and it is excusable for us to forge a tomahawk hatchet from a single piece of metal. Let's assume that you have already done this and forged a billet.

Now this workpiece must be upset to increase the diameter of the steel, heating one end for this and tapping it with a hammer.

Next, we make the workpiece flat, after adding a flux to the steel and placing it in the hearth to bring the required heating temperature. When forging a workpiece, constantly inspect it from the sides and from above to achieve a symmetrical shape. To give the desired shape, make a wooden template and constantly check the size and shape of the hatchet against it.

After you have achieved the shape you need, the steel must be "normalized". To do this, the workpiece must be heated to a "non-magnetic" state and cooled at room temperature. Then heat again and put to cool in a hot box filled with sand or sawdust.

Now that the draft blank is finished, let's proceed to its further processing, that is, giving the final shape according to the wooden template

But first you need to remove the scale and do a rough grinding.

With a large drill, make a hole for the ax handle strictly at an angle of ninety degrees relative to the head of the hatchet.

Now we clamp the workpiece in a vise and process the hole with a file, achieving the desired shape.

In general, a rather laborious and tedious work with a file will now begin in order to select and shape the neck, chevron, butt, molding. But here it really depends on the desire to give beauty and authenticity to your tomahawk.

If you are in a bummer, you can leave the work with a file like this (although in this case the balancing of the tomahawk will be disturbed, so if you want to throw a tomahawk, and not chop poles with it, hammering nails along the way, I advise you to complete the work. Balancing is achieved by reducing the metal layer by neck of the tomahawk head), proceeding to the manufacture of the handle.

I think it is not necessary to describe in detail how to make a tomahawk handle. If you have coped with such a complex process as forging, then carpentry is “seeds” for you.

Another labor-intensive process that we face when processing a tomahawk is rough and fine grinding. How to properly grind is described in the same section on making a sword, so I will not repeat myself and erase the fingertips on the keyboard for nothing.
After giving the final shape to the tomahawk, the ax must be hardened. You can harden metal in used engine oil by heating it to a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, for example with a torch. A more detailed description of steel hardening is described in the steel hardening section.

The tomahawk hatchet can also be polished to a mirror finish, or given a beautiful color by chemical treatment of the metal.

And later I will lay out the methods of color that are mentioned above.