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STOP BY AND BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD
Posted on 04/15/2003 7:18:06 AM PDT by Wonder Warthog
Now I'm being filled with genetic memories of my ancestors and their tomohawks, so I don't expect to accomplish too much work now... thanks a lot... ;0)
The handle is a full tang construction, 3/8" thick. To break the handle, you have to break the steel. This ensures that you always have a handle to hold on to. There is no need to have a handle guarantee because unless you use a cutting torch or a chop saw, you are not going to break the handle.
The handle is also skeletonized. Not only does this reduce the weight, it also allows the handle to accept Micarta handles, or to be cord wrapped. Any Talon with Micarta handles can be cord wrapped - the handles come off with a standard philips screw driver.
The cord wrapped handle has over 21 feet of nylon parachute cord. The user can remove this cord for use, and still use the tomahawk effectively.
The Micarta handles are each laced with 2 feet of 4mm nylon cord. This cord can be removed for other uses. This lacing greatly enhances the gripping power available on the hawk.
The Micarta scales are shadow-boxed 0.050", that is they are inset so that steel always hits before Micarta. This offset also enhances the grip.
The handle is an overall oval shape. A round handle is difficult to index, and is not comfortable in the hand when swinging or chopping. Control is very important when swinging something razor sharp - the oval shape helps facilitate this control.
Materials
The Talon is made from 4140 Chrome-Moly steel. This material is often chosen by designers for its' toughness, and is used extensively in machinery, heavy equipment, even tanks. The tensile strength is much higher than commonly used knifemaking steels.
The Micarta handles are very tough having over twice the impact resistance of Acetal, hickory and other commonly used materials. Micarta also has a low moisture absorption rate, and excellent UV resistance.
The screw fasteners utilized on the handles are 304 stainless steel. This ensures that you will always be able to take the handles apart. Corrosion inside the screws is not a problem.
Spike
The spike is made long enough to inflict a death blow, short enough to keep the piece balanced. There is a lot of material directly behind the spike to ensure striking stability. The spike geometry is designed such that the best balance between penetration ability and strength is reached. The spike will penetrate through a kevlar helmet, easily punches completely through your typical steel clad door and eats tires for breakfast. In other words you stick it in an assailant or use it to punch holes in 55 gallon oil drums to string cable in making road blocks. ( A common Talon use )
Blade
The forward edge is designed for general field use. The blade geometry is designed for taking abuse. The concept in my mind was this: The spike and the beard are your killing edges, the forward edge takes care of chores and chopping around. One guy in Afghanistan used his to chop armament off of a downed Soviet MIG.
From top right to lower left: American Tomahawk Co. founder Peter LaGana's original 1966 design for the "Vietnam Tomahawk," with drop-forged head and hickory handle; today's Vietnam Tactical Tomahawk with synthetic handle; LaGana Titanium Tactical Tomahawk. (Courtesy of American Tomahawk Co.)
RMJ Forge's version of a modern tactical tomahawk, the Eagle Talon Special Forces Tomahawk. (www.rmjforge.com)
One of my favorite weapons is the hawk. I throw a hand forged 20oz, my 11 year old son is deadly with his 10oz mouse hawk. His favorite activity at vouz is to challenge older kids to a game of "Handles". He NEVER loses... still has the original handle on his hawk from over 18 months ago...
Like your tagline, BTW.
This design originated with the 15th to 16th century battle axes and hammers used against opponents in plate armor. It's a time-proven design.
Yeah they are a lot of fun, Hawk and Knife competitions are a part of the Rondezvous experience, trappers, mountain-men longhunters and native americans ALL used tomahawks as a main battle weapon because of their versatility and deadliness. We do it to keep history alive and because it is fun. Of course it never hurts to have another weapons skill under your belt either....
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