21 Best Survival Tomahawks For Tactical Bushcraft 2023
Survival tomahawks, often likened to axes or hatchets, are versatile tools adept for diverse tasks—be it splitting logs for a campfire, ensuring personal defense in the wilderness, or gracing your living space as a decorative emblem. Their evolution from indigenous armaments to contemporary bushcraft essentials is a testament to their enduring appeal and functionality.
Whether you’re camping, hunting, or preparing for any outdoor ordeal, a well-chosen tomahawk can be your most versatile ally. In this guide, we delve into tactical applications, durability, and handling—key criteria that set these indispensable tools apart.
So whether you’re searching for a camping companion, a sports-throwing star, or a modern tactical tomahawk to face the toughest challenges, our list of the 21 best survival tomahawks will help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Best Survival Tomahawks To Take Home Today
Some tomahawk brands truly stand out for their quality and functionality. Now, let’s dive into the top tomahawk picks that have earned this reputation.
In This Guide
The 21 Best Survival Tomahawks For Tactical Bushcraft
Searching for the best survival tomahawks can be overwhelming given the plethora of choices. To simplify your hunt, we’ve curated a list of 21 best ones in the market.
- Thick tang
- Built to last
- Excellent weight balance
- Cheap plastic MOLLE strap buttons
The beveled axe head of this Gerber Tomahawk is designed for chopping through drywall and turning doors into splinters, while the backside functions as a hammer to get through hinges, locks, and doorknobs.
And let’s not forget the pry bar at the end of the handle, perfect for when you need extra leverage!
But the Downrange Tomahawk isn’t just about brute force. It’s also incredibly practical. It comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath that attaches easily to your backpack or body armor, keeping the blade protected and always within reach.
It’s the perfect addition to any survival kit, ensuring you’re ready to break through any barrier life throws your way.
- Sturdy build
- Very sharp out of the box
- Lightweight
- Attachments sold separately
The Hogue Tomahawk is built to last for years and features a razor-sharp edge and a solid handle that allows you to strike with crushing force.
Plus, the brand has a great reputation for quality. It also has a unique sheath design and impressive sharpness right out of the box.
Sure, this tomahawk has optional removable hammer, spike, and pry bar attachments that might seem pricey, but remember — you’re investing in a great tool that’s not only lightweight but also one of the best performers in its class.
- Sharp out of the box
- Excellent ergonomics and grip
- Great balance
- Quite heavy
With the CRKT Kangee Tomahawk, you’ll have an edge that stays sharp and a glass-reinforced nylon handle that’s both strong and lightweight. It comes with a MOLLE-compatible strap system and a Boltaron sheath that protects the blade while keeping it easily accessible.
You can use this as your go-to belt axe for outings in the woods. We love its full-tang construction, ergonomics, and perfect weight and balance.
Plus, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials or workmanship.. Just remember to handle it with respect, as it’s razor-sharp straight out of the box.
- Very sharp
- Sturdy build
- Has a nice balance
- Uncomfortable grip
- Poor quality screws
The HX Outdoors multifunctional axe features a great size, full-tang construction, and 440C steel. So it’s perfect for getting that much-needed leverage for any situation. The axe head even features finger grooves for more delicate tasks.
It offers most of the benefits of high-end tools like the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk, but at a fraction of the cost. Its size makes it perfect for carrying around and tackling smaller tasks, like making kindling and chopping, hammering, or prying.
Just a heads up, the sheath is decent, and while it may not be as high-quality as the axe itself, it should last you a good while.
- Durable double-bladed design
- Very sharp
- Solid handle
- Sheath looks cheaply made
This M48 United Cutlery tomahawk, with its double-blade design and cast stainless steel construction, offers that and more. The black oxide blade finish adds to its menacing appearance, making it the perfect companion in those tense moments.
It’s a bit top-heavy for a one-handed weapon, but it’s sturdy and can pack a punch. This tomahawk is very sharp.
The handle might feel a bit flimsy and thin, but it’s held up well during some rough use. So if you’re looking for a functional showpiece, this tomahawk is perfect for you.
- Sharp and ready to use
- Sturdy handle
- Great for throwing
- Thick blade
This CRKT Woods Nobo axe is forged tough with 1055 carbon steel, ensuring exceptional durability and edge retention.
This is no ordinary axe. It’s made with Tennessee hickory, a dense material that can withstand the hardest use. With its sturdy wooden handle, quality blade, and ideal weight, it’s also great for throwing.
And while the head may not arrive razor-sharp, this actually gives you the opportunity to sharpen it to your own liking. You can create an edge that’s sharp enough for various tasks but not as fine as a knife’s edge.
- Solid construction
- Can withstand abuse
- Sharp edges
- Heavy
This M48 Ranger tomahawk has a cast stainless steel axe head with a spike and a 30% nylon reinforced handle that has been tested in real-life situations and has proven its reliability.
This tomahawk, with its nylon cord-wrapped handle, can demolish a garage, chop through ice, or even slice tomatoes. It’s versatile and tough, and with a little practice, you’ll find its unique balance perfect for your needs.
It also comes with a snap button sheath and a handy directional compass, making it an essential part of any truck emergency kit.
- Blade is easy to sharpen
- Full tang blade
- Lightweight design
- Too short and small for some
This 19.5-ounce portable multitool SOG Survival Hawk axe is light yet tough, making it the perfect backpacking hatchet and survival tool.
Plus, it’s packed with additional features like a checkered hammer edge, a claw for prying and wire cutting, and an in-handle ferrocerium firestarter rod — perfect for those essential camping tasks.
Though it’s primarily designed for combat, it’s more than capable of handling survival situations, especially with the handy paracord handle wrap.
- Sharp blades
- Built to last
- Well-balanced
- Heavy head
The M48 Tactical Tomahawk is a lightweight and powerful axe you can carry all day without added muscle fatigue. It boasts a wide, upswept blade for incredible chopping, slashing, and cutting potential.
The secondary edge is sharpened on both edges for a fierce cutting and hooking attack. Together, the spike and axe head make an efficient personal defense and breaching tool that you can rely on when facing the unknown.
Although the axe may feel head-heavy and the handle too slim at first, the aggressive and sturdy construction will win you over in no time.
The sheath might need some modifications to fit your platforms and bug-out bags, but don’t let that hold you back. This outstanding and fierce little axe is perfect when you need a reliable and powerful tool by your side.
- Sturdy handle
- High-quality blade
- Good cutting surface
- Sheath feels cheap
- Slippery handle
CRKT products are meticulously crafted by Ryan Johnson, an expert known for seamlessly blending modern engineering techniques with age-old weapon concepts. You’ll know they’re RMJ Tactical products as they are lightweight, comfortable, made of high-quality and functional.
The CRKT Chogan is forged tough with 1055 carbon steel for durability and edge retention, and it features a beard on the axe head that tackles many useful cutting tasks.
The ability to take it apart and pack it inside your bag is a fantastic feature. However, this product could use some improvements, like a wider hammer pull and a sharper blade out of the box. But it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a versatile tool.
Ultimately, if you’re a seasoned tomahawk user, you might want to consider investing in a custom-made tool that meets all your needs. But if you’re looking to test the waters and explore the benefits of using a hawk, the CRKT Chogan could be a good option.
- Sharp blades
- Great for throwing
- Made of durable, modern materials
- Grip can be slippery
- Not for chopping wood and other heavy-duty use
At 15.75 inches, this tactical tomahawk is designed to swing fast and true. Built with a razor-sharp 420 stainless steel hatchet blade, it offers you the cutting power you need when it matters most.
Weighing only 24 ounces, this lightweight yet heavy-duty hatchet doubles as a superb survival axe and fire rescue tool. And when it comes to storage, the urban tactical tomahawk snaps securely into its ballistic nylon sheath, complete with a belt loop for 1.5-inch belts.
It’s important to remember that this is a tactical axe, not necessarily designed for wood chopping. However, for self-defense and emergency situations, this SOG tomahawk throwing axe is a strong contender.
- Easy to land
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable handle
- Blade is too small for some
Each hard cased black throwing hatchet in this set features a 1.75-inch full tang tactical blade. You’ll be amazed by how easy they are to throw and stick, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
With a 10.75-inch full-tang construction, these bad boys are built to last and come as sharp as any other SOG tactical tomahawk.
And guess what? You can carry all three tomahawks in the all-in-one ballistic nylon hatchet sheath. With a convenient 3-pocket design and Velcro straps, you’ll never have to worry about losing one of your prized possessions.
- Lightweight
- Blade is set sturdily
- Easy to throw
- Plastic handle
Weighing in at just 19 ounces, this tactical hawk is designed to swing fast and true. What makes this hawk truly versatile is its hammer axe edge and piercing spike.
Whether you need to hammer in tent stakes, chop small pieces of wood, or pierce through tough materials, the SOG Hawk has got you covered.
This tomahawk is a reliable tool for a range of tasks — from trimming cacti to defending themselves in close-quarters combat. Its lightweight design and exceptional durability make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike.
Not only is this Cold Steel Trench Hawk axe incredibly useful, but it also comes with a durable Secure-Ex sheath to keep it safe and secure during transport and storage. The carbon steel blade and polypropylene handle ensure you have a reliable and durable tool in your hands.
This axe is also designed for throwing. With its differentially-hardened, drop-forged 1055 carbon steel head, you’ll find that it has a sharp edge for cutting and a soft steel body that absorbs impact when thrown.
Although the handle may be a bit slick, you can easily modify it for a more secure grip. And while it may be on the heavier side, it’s still a functional and effective tool for various tasks — even gardening!
- Excellent grip
- Durable full-tang construction
- Well-balanced
- Handle may be too short
The CRKT Jenny Wren Axe is not only perfect for clearing bushes and making kindling, but its sharp blade, comfortable grip, and cool appearance make it a great addition to your outdoor gear.
It features a Trifecta Triple Edge Head, a blade that offers excellent cutting ability, and a glass-reinforced nylon handle that offers the durability you need without weighing you down.
And with the Boltaron sheath and MOLLE-compatible strap system, you can easily attach it to your backpack, belt, or chest rig for quick access when you need it most.
- Comfortable to use
- Made of high-quality materials
- Has an assortment of tools and tips
- Blade isn’t sharp
- Black paint chips easily
This Estwing camper’s axe features a patented Shock Reduction Grip, which is proven to reduce impact vibration by as much as 70%.
It is made with forged steel construction, ensuring max strength and durability for a long time. You won’t have to worry about it letting you down when you need it the most.
Plus, this axe includes a heavy-duty ballistic nylon sheath to protect the hand-sharpened cutting edge. That means you won’t accidentally dull the blade or injure yourself while carrying it around.
- High-quality carbon steel head
- Well-balanced
- Easy to carry, throw, and swing
- Slippery handle
This Cold Steel Drop Forged Tomahawk features a 3-1/2-inch cutting edge and a wedge-shaped spike. And to ensure your safety, it comes with a durable, patented Secure-Ex sheath for secure transport and storage.
This axe is not just for emergencies, though. It’s also great for camping, axe throwing, carpentry, and wood cutting, thanks to its carbon steel blade and highly shock-resistant polypropylene handle.
This Tactical Survival Axe might be heavier compared to some throwing hawks, but that’s what makes it so powerful and efficient when you need it most. Plus, when it hits, it sticks nicely, and both ends are incredibly sharp.
- Solid construction
- Excellent grip
- Well-balanced
- Axe isn’t sharp
This USMC Tactical Axe has a heavy head perfect for chopping wood or, heaven forbid, breaking bones. With its shorter and thicker handle, this axe is great for swinging in tight spaces.
It has a light and has a long handle, making it perfect for swift slashes, hooks, and repetitive strikes. However, it might not be the best choice for one-handed use in self-defense, as its weight could throw you off balance.
As for the axe’s sharpness, be prepared to do some serious sharpening when you receive it. Once it’s ready, though, you’ll have a tool that won’t let you down in even the most uncertain situations.
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Durable build
- Sharp out of the box
- Small sheath
- Attached lanyard is made of poor quality
Weighing just around 2 lbs, this Promithi Camping Hatchet is incredibly easy to carry around. The nylon head sheath with snap closure ensures your safety, and the hole at the end of the handle allows you to attach a lanyard or hang it up for easy storage.
Its double-ended blade is made from high-carbon alloyed steel. And did I mention the wolf head etched on the blade? It gives this hatchet an extra touch of uniqueness.
The handle is made of beautifully sanded wood with an etched blossom pattern, providing both an ergonomic and aesthetic design.
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Solid and sturdy wood handle
- Blade is easy to sharpen
- Handle isn’t cut to fit the head (needs sanding)
Inspired by an early frontier pattern, the Trail Hawk is not just an excellent chopping tool, but it also features a functional hammer poll with a hardened face, perfect for driving nails and hammering in stakes.
And the best part? It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, whether tucked under your belt or lashed to a pack or shooting bag.
And although its size may pose some challenges when it comes to chopping and splitting, you can simply use it as a wedge with a baton instead. The hammer poll might be small, but it’s mighty.
Don’t let its size fool you – the Trail Hawk is built to last, with a tough and durable 1055 carbon steel head and a strong American Hickory wood handle. Just keep in mind that the sheath is sold separately.
- Affordable
- Well-constructed
- Solid and sharp blade
- Holster is awkward to use
The Hitdudu axe is designed not only for close combat but also for outdoor tasks like wood splitting, pounding tent stakes, and breaking down tinder or stones.
Constructed of nylon-reinforced fiberglass, the handle provides an extremely firm and comfortable grip experience without slipping.
This outdoor camping axe has a lightweight, durable nylon sheath to protect the axe blade. With its sharp axe blade edge, sturdy handle, and protective axe head cover, you’ll be ready to face any challenge that comes your way.
What Is a Survival Tomahawk?
A survival tomahawk, rooted deeply in history, is a multi-functional axe that resembles a hatchet, optimized for wilderness challenges and self-defense. These once simple stone or antler tools of First Nations tribes have evolved into today’s modern, high-performance metal sidekicks. They come in various shapes and sizes to tackle different tasks. Some have a single sharp edge, while others feature a dual-purpose edge and spike or a handy hammer on the back.
Why Should I Get A Tomahawk?
Why opt for a tomahawk when you could settle for a conventional axe or knife? Beyond its formidable edge and intimidating silhouette, lies a tool of practicality and tradition. Understanding the unique advantages of a tomahawk can provide clarity in your selection process. Here are the reasons why you should have one:
Versatility
A survival tomahawk is a multi-functional tool that can be used for various tasks, such as chopping wood, breaking glass, and self-defense. Its versatility makes it an invaluable companion for camping, hiking, hunting, and emergency preparedness.
Portability
Survival tomahawks are generally lighter and more compact than traditional tomahawks, allowing easy carrying and handling during outdoor activities.
Durability
Tomahawks are designed to withstand harsh environments and heavy use, making them a reliable tool for survival situations.
What To Look For When Buying A Survival Tomahawk
Choosing a tomahawk isn’t a mere transaction; it’s an investment in quality and survival. Knowing what to look for when choosing your survival tomahawk is crucial. Here are some factors you need to look for:
Material
The choice of material, often high-grade steel or titanium, determines the tomahawk’s performance, especially in extreme conditions. The materials play a crucial role in its durability and effectiveness. Opt for a tomahawk with a high-quality steel head and a handle made from durable materials such as fiberglass or hickory.
Weight and Size
Balancing weight and size is crucial, as it dictates the tomahawk’s handling, swing, and ease of transport. While it may be tempting to opt for the heaviest model, consider that the weight and size should align with your physical capabilities.
The weight and size of the tomahawk should be proportional to your strength and the tasks you plan to perform. A lightweight tomahawk is easier to carry and maneuver, but it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Blade Design
A blade’s design, from its curve to edge sharpness, plays a pivotal role in its cutting efficiency and multi-functionality. A well-designed blade ensures that your tomahawk performs optimally in different situations, from chopping wood to self-defense. It should have a sharp cutting edge and a sturdy spike for piercing.
Handle
The handle’s ergonomics not only affects your grip but also your capacity to wield the tomahawk effectively. The handle should provide a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. Look for a handle with an ergonomic design and non-slip materials.
Sheath
An aptly designed sheath not only shields the blade but also facilitates easy accessibility and safe transportation. Make sure the sheath is durable and securely holds the tomahawk in place.
FAQ About the Best Tactical Bushcraft Survival Tomahawks
Is a tomahawk good for survival?
Yes, a survival tomahawk is incredibly useful in survival situations due to its versatility, lightweight design, and durability. You can use it to do various tasks, such as chopping wood, splitting logs, hammering stakes, and even digging.
Additionally, a tomahawk can also serve as a self-defense weapon against predators or in emergencies, making it a vital tool for anyone venturing into the great outdoors or preparing for potential crises.
What tomahawks do navy seals use?
Navy SEALs often use tactical tomahawks like the SOG FastHawk or the Winkler Combat Axe model. These tomahawks are designed for durability, ease of use, and versatility in various combat and survival situations.
What is a good bushcraft tomahawk?
A good bushcraft tomahawk should indeed have a sharp cutting edge for efficient chopping, carving, and processing wood. It should also have a construction to ensure that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor tasks.
It should also have a comfortable handle so you can use it for a long time without getting tired easily.
Is a tomahawk a good self-defense weapon?
Yes, a tomahawk can be an effective self-defense weapon due to its sharp blade and piercing spike. Its lightweight design allows for quick and powerful strikes, making it a formidable tool for personal protection.
What’s the difference between a tomahawk and a hatchet?
The main difference between a tomahawk and a hatchet is their intended use and design.
Tomahawks are typically lighter, more versatile, and often have a spike on the opposite side of the blade, making them suitable for various tasks, including combat and survival situations.
Hatchets, on the other hand, are primarily designed for chopping and splitting wood, with a broader, heavier head and shorter handle for efficient cutting.
Key Takeaways on the Best Survival Tomahawks
It’s clear that the ideal survival tomahawk is an adventurer’s trusty companion, seamlessly blending aesthetics and utility. Don’t let uncertainty and fear take over when you’re in the great outdoors or facing an emergency situation. Empower yourself by choosing the best survival tomahawk.
Remember, hypothetical scenarios can quickly become reality, and it’s better to be prepared than regretful.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply want to be ready for anything, investing in a survival tomahawk is a decision you won’t regret.
With the right tomahawk, you’ll have the confidence and capability to face whatever challenges come your way. So, make the wise choice today and equip yourself with the ultimate survival tool.