Best Tactical Tomahawk

A tactical tomahawk is kind of like a tactical knife; no-one can quite agree what “tactical” means, but everyone agrees that a “tactical” version is better than a non-tactical version.

Traditional tomahawks, as used by Native Americans, were weapons of war, and weren’t designed to have any other useful function. So when we talk about a tactical tomahawk, we’re talking about a modern tomahawk that has multiple uses. Basically, we’re looking for a tomahawk that isn’t exclusively a weapon.

As a result, when we set out to find the best tactical tomahawk, we looked for tomahawks that were useful for as many things as possible. Breaking down doors, chopping wood, doubling as a knife, or even opening bottles. These are just a few different things you can do with the right tactical tomahawk.

So which one of these is the best? It depends what exactly you’re looking for. Read on, and see what you like.

Best Tactical Tomahawks Available Online

1. Gerber Downrange

The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is purpose-built for breaching and demolition work.

Key features:

• High carbon steel head
• G10 polymer handle
• Integrated pry bar
• Hammer on back side of head
• MOLLE sheath

The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is better suited for law enforcement, military, and construction work than it is for camping or survival. This is essentially three tools in one: a tomahawk blade, a hammer on the back side of the head, and a pry bar on the bottom of the handle. You can bust through drywall, drive a nail, or pull up floorboards with equal ease.

However, there are a couple of issues. For one, it arrives dull. You’ll need to sharpen it before you can use it. For another thing, the pry bar makes the handle bottom heavy, making it poorly balanced for chopping.

The construction itself is high quality, with a high carbon head, a tough polymer handle, and a MOLLE sheath for easy carrying. If you need a breaching tool or an all-purpose demolition tool, it’s a great choice. But there are better options for chopping firewood.

Pros:

• Tough and durable
• Purpose-built for breaching
• 3 functions in 1 tool

Cons:

• On the pricier side
• Bottom-heavy
• Needs sharpening out of the box

This is a high quality tactical tomahawk, just like you’d expect to get from Gerber.

2. Smith & Wesson

The Smith & Wesson Extraction and Evasion Tomahawk is ideal for cutting, chopping, and poking holes in things.

Key features:

• High carbon head
• Thermoplastic rubber handle
• Spike on the back of the head
• Nylon sheath with belt loop

The Smith & Wesson Extraction and Evasion Tomahawk is more or less the antithesis of the Gerber Downrange. This tactical tomahawk is designed exclusively for cutting, slicing, and punching holes. It has a high carbon steel head, with a sharp cutting edge and a large spike on the back. The thermoplastic rubber handle is easy to grip and features a full tang.

This is a well balanced hatchet, with most of the weight towards the top. This makes it easy to swing if you’re cutting branches or chopping up small bits of wood for a campfire. It’s tough as nails so it will stand up to deep woods use.

That said, it weighs almost 2 pounds, which is heavier than most tomahawks. While it comes with a nylon sheath and a belt loop, the sheath has flimsy snaps that don’t always stay shut when you need them to. Carry it inside your pack if at all possible.

Pros:

• Durable
• Well balanced
• Affordable

Cons:

• Heavy
• Flimsy sheath

This is a well-designed survival tomahawk for your bug out bag or regular camping.

3. SOG Outdoor Survival

The SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet is designed to be easy to carry, and easy to cut with.

Key features:

• Stainless steel head
• Claw spike on back of head
• Includes fire starter
• Paracord-wrapped nylon handle
• Includes nylon sheath

The SOG Outdoor Survival Hatchet is a bit of a strange beast. On the one hand, it’s a great camping and survival tool. The 3-inch blade is razor sharp and is ideal for cutting firewood and kindling. The paracord wrap on the bottom of the handle provides some extra grip, as well as an emergency source of paracord. There’s also a magnesium fire starter built into the bottom of the handle.

On the other hand, the claw spike is a bit out of place on a survival tool. Are we supposed to be pulling nails in the woods? We’re not sure. The paracord is also a little bit loose. It tends to slip a bit as it gets used.

That said, this is a well-engineered tool overall. The stainless steel head is corrosion resistant, and the nylon handle is durable, with plenty of grip even without the paracord. It also includes a ballistic nylon sheath with a belt loop and all of this at a very reasonable price.

Pros:

• Arrives very sharp
• 3-inch cutting edge
• Affordable

Cons:

• Paracord on handle is a bit loose

This is a tough survival tomahawk that even includes a fire starting tool.

4. CRKT Chogan Tomahawk

The CRKT Chogan Tomahawk is a survival tomahawk that’s ideally suited for urban environments.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• Hammer on back of head
• Textured nylon handle
• MOLLE compatible thermoplastic sheath

The CRKT Chogan Tomahawk is as solid as a rock, with a tough, carbon steel head and a glass-reinforced, full tang nylon handle. It comes with a MOLLE compatible thermoplastic sheath that’s tougher than most of the sheaths on the market.

This tomahawk is very well balanced, with a heavy head that’s easy to swing. It has paracord holes on the bottom of the handle, so you have an alternate way of carrying it. It comes with Colombia River’s limited lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

The blade is too steeply sharpened for chopping wood. This is an urban survival tool, with a hammer on the back of the head for smashing car windows, and a blade profile that’s better for slicing than it is for chopping. It’s also not designed for extended use; the diamond texture on the handle provides excellent grip but gets uncomfortable fast unless you’re wearing gloves.

Pros:

• Durable
• Well balanced
• Paracord holes on bottom of handle
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Uncomfortable handle
• Poorly sharpened blade

This is a quality tomahawk for emergencies at home or in your car.

5. Browning Shock N’ Awe

The Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk is a razor sharp hatchet with a curved spike on the back.

Key features:

• High carbon steel head
• Spike on back of head
• MOLLE compatible thermoplastic sheath
• Paracord-wrapped handle

The Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk is tough and well designed. Its head is engineered from high carbon steel and arrives with an edge that’s sharp enough to shave with. There’s a curved spike on the back, which is ideal not just for punching holes, but also for hooking and grabbing things.

This is a single-piece hatchet, with no plastic on the handle. Instead, it’s wrapped with paracord, which gives you an emergency supply if you need to tie something off. It grips surprisingly well, with a good, top-heavy balance. The thermoplastic sheath is tough enough to take a lot of abuse and is MOLLE compatible for easy carrying.

The overall weight is on the heavy side, at about two pounds. This makes it a bit heavy to swing for extended periods. However, it’s an affordable choice, and well worth your money.

Pros:

• Arrives sharp and stays sharp
• Well balanced
• Affordable

Cons:

• Heavy

This is a high quality tomahawk that’s well suited for any survival situation.

6. Boker Plus

The Boker Plus Vox Tomahawk is designed for chopping wood and cutting rope.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• Rope cutter on back of handle
• Nylon handle
• Nylon sheath
• Comes with paracord for wrapping handle

The Boker Plus Vox Tomahawk is a well engineered camp tomahawk. The carbon steel head and handle are all one piece and are powder coated with a corrosion resistant finish. The G10 nylon plates on the handle provide a solid grip, and you also get two lengths of paracord. If you want, you can unscrew the plates and replace them with a paracord wrap, making this one of the more versatile tomahawks we’ve looked at.

The nylon sheath has a belt loop for easy carrying. However, it’s a bit flimsy, with single stitching that won’t stand up well to extended use. That said, the tomahawk itself is well balanced for cutting branches. It also has a rope cutter on the back of the handle, making it ideal for most camping applications.

The Boker Plus Vox is made in Germany and comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty on parts and workmanship.

Pros:

• Corrosion resistant coating
• Well balanced
• Made in Germany
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Sheath is not very durable

This is a solid camp hatchet that will stand up well to foul weather.

7. SOG Voodoo Hawk

The SOG F18-N Voodoo Tomahawk is an all-purpose tomahawk with a lifetime warranty.

Key features:

• Black stainless steel blade
• G10 nylon handle
• Steel butt cap
• Spike on back of head
• Nylon sheath included

The SOG F18-N Voodoo Tomahawk has a matte black stainless steel head with a straight, 3 ½-inch blade that arrives sharp out of the box. The back of the head features a vicious steel spike that’s great for punching holes or grappling.

The overall construction is good, with a full tang G10 nylon handle and a steel butt cap that can be used to drive nails in a pinch. It’s well balanced for chopping, grabbing, and defending against zombies. However, the handle doesn’t stand up to abuse and is prone to cracking under extreme stress.

This is a high quality tomahawk, especially considering the low price. It comes with SOG’s lifetime warranty on parts and materials so you can buy with confidence in the materials and workmanship. All in all, a very good deal.

Pros:

• Well balanced
• 3 ½-inch cutting edge
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Affordable

Cons:

• Handle is not very durable

This is a solid tomahawk for camping, breaching, or demolition.

8. SOG Tactical

The SOG Tactical Tomahawk is affordable and rust-proof.

Key features:

• Stainless steel head
• Spike on back of the head
• G10 nylon handle
• Includes nylon sheath

At first glance, the SOG Tactical Tomahawk looks almost identical to the F18-N Voodoo. It has the same stainless steel construction, complete with the matte black finish and the spike on the back of the head. It also has a similar G10 nylon handle. But that’s where the similarities end.

Make no mistake, this is a budget tomahawk. To begin with, the blade is shorter than the Voodoo’s, at only 2 ¾ inches. It’s also thinner. While this tomahawk has good balance, it evens out the lighter head by only having a partial tang in the handle. This makes for a flimsy design that has a lot of flex to it.

That said, it still comes with SOG’s limited lifetime warranty. If it breaks, you can always just have it replaced. It includes a nylon sheath, complete with belt loops for easy carrying.

Pros:

• Well balanced
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Short tang
• Short, 2 ¾-inch blade

This is an inexpensive tomahawk that gets the job done.

9. M48 Tactical

The United Cutlery M48 Tactical Tomahawk is a budget tomahawk that comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Key features:

• Stainless steel head
• Spike on back of the head
• Reinforced nylon handle
• Nylon belt sheath

The United Cutlery M48 Tactical Tomahawk looks like quite a beast, with a matte black stainless steel head that features a curved blade, an edged top, and a spike on the back. It also has a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle, with ridges to make your grip as secure as possible.

However, it’s not as much of a beast as it looks like. To begin with, like many Chinese-made blades, it needs significant sharpening right out of the box. The steel is good quality, but it wouldn’t cut butter the way it’s shipped. The tang is also very short. While it’s secured with three bolts, we still wouldn’t trust it in a life and death situation.

On the other hand, this is a well balanced tomahawk that weighs in at only 7 ounces. You can cut branches with it all day without your arm getting sore. It’s also very inexpensive and comes with United Cutlery’s limited lifetime warranty on parts and workmanship.

Pros:

• Well balanced
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Partial tang
• Needs sharpening out of the box

This is a solid budget tomahawk that’s best suited for camping.

10. United Cutlery

The United Cutlery M48 Apocalypse Tactical Tomahawk is inexpensive and good enough to get the job done.

Key features:

• Stainless steel head
• Spike on the back of the head
• Reinforced nylon handle
• Nylon belt sheath
• Paracord wrapped handle

The United Cutlery M48 Apocalypse Tactical Tomahawk has a black oxide coated stainless steel head with a large, vicious spike on the back. The fiberglass reinforced nylon handle is both durable and easy to grip. That said, this is basically a souped-up version of the standard M48, with all the attendant issues.

The partial tang is a serious weak point. While it’s held in place with three bolts, it still tends to wobble. It’s also dull when you receive it, so you’ll need to do some sharpening before you put it to use.

It’s lightweight and well balanced and comes with a paracord wrap on the bottom of the handle, which is something you won’t get on the basic M48. The Apocalypse is backed by United Cutlery’s limited lifetime warranty and is very affordable. All in all, a good deal, provided you don’t intend to throw it.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Well balanced
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Partial tang
• Needs sharpening out of the box

This tomahawk has everything you need for camping, including emergency paracord.

11. CRKT Kangee

The CRKT Kangee Tactical Tomahawk is tough enough to stand up to even the most demanding users.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• Spike on back of head
• Textured nylon handle
• MOLLE compatible thermoplastic sheath

The CRKT Kangee Tactical Tomahawk has a carbon steel head, with a curved blade on the front, an edge along the top, and a chisel-point spike on the back. The fiberglass reinforced handle features a full tang for durability and has a diamond texture for a secure grip.

The MOLLE compatible sheath is crafted from solid thermoplastic that won’t dull your blade. Unfortunately, the blade itself is dull when it arrives, which is common in Chinese-made blades. The grip is also uncomfortable; the points on the diamonds dig into your hand, so you’ll want to wear a glove if you’re using it for more than a minute or two.

This is an extremely durable tomahawk, and it’s well balanced for chopping or grappling. The paracord holes on the bottom of the handle give you an alternative to wearing the sheath on your belt. CRKT also offers a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.

Pros:

• Durable
• Well balanced
• Paracord holes on bottom of handle
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Uncomfortable grip
• Blade requires sharpening out of the box

This is a well engineered tomahawk that’s equally well suited to camping or emergency use.

12. Cold Steel Trail

The Cold Steel Trail Hawk has a long, hickory handle that gives you plenty of leverage.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• Hammer on back of the head
• 22-inch hickory handle

The Cold Steel Trail Hawk is a bit different from other tactical hatchets since it has a hickory handle, not a steel or nylon one. Don’t mistake this for low quality, though; hickory is one of the hardest, strongest woods available. The 22-inch length gives you enough leverage to do a lot of damage with relatively little effort.

The carbon steel blade comes razor sharp out of the box and has a hammer on the back side for driving nails. Because the handle is so long, it’s exceptionally well balanced. It’s also lightweight, at only 1.4 pounds.

The Trail Hawk is a very affordable tomahawk, but it doesn’t come with a sheath. Consider this a solid construction tool, but a poor camping accessory.

Pros:

• Plenty of leverage
• Well balanced
• Affordable

Cons:

• Sheath sold separately

This is a functional hatchet that also drives nails.

13. CRKT Woods Chogan

The CRKT Wood Chogan breaks wood and drives nails with equal ease.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• Hammer on back of head
• Hickory handle

The CRKT Wood Chogan is yet another wood-handled tomahawk. It features a carbon steel head with a blade that’s specifically designed for chopping wood. Combined with the 19-inch handle, this would make it a fantastic camping hatchet, except there’s no sheath. You’ll need to buy that separately, which drives up the – admittedly low – price.

There’s a hammer on the back of the head, which is perfect for driving nails or tent stakes. The Chogan is well balanced, with most of the weight in the head. The handle is smooth, and is both easy and comfortable to grip.

One thing we really like about this tomahawk is the downward curve of the blade itself, which has a sharpened inner edge. This makes it useful as a hook. If you’ve ever had a piece of firewood fall just out of easy reach while you were chopping it, you’ll appreciate this feature.

Pros:

• Long, 19-inch handle
• Well balanced
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Sheath sold separately

This is a well-built tomahawk for construction and demolition.

14. Camillus Cutlery

The Camillus Cutlery Sin Tomahawk is inexpensive, and specifically designed for chopping wood.

Key features:

• Titanium bonded stainless steel head
• Spike on back of the head
• Reinforced nylon handle
• Includes nylon belt sheath

The Camillus Cutlery Sin Tomahawk has a titanium bonded stainless steel head that’s purpose-built for cutting firewood. Its fiberglass reinforced handle is tough and wrapped with paracord that both provide an excellent grip, and provides an emergency supply of 550-pound paracord.

The head has not one, but two spikes. One on the back, for punching holes, and one on the bottom of the blade for snagging stray branches and logs. The edge itself is 4 inches long. It arrives sharpened at an ideal angle for chopping.

The Sin is a very affordable piece of equipment. Unfortunately, it has a partial tang handle that only extends past the 3 bolts at the top of the handle. This makes it a bit lose, and prone to snapping under heavy use.

Pros:

• Long, spiked blade
• Durable
• Paracord wrapped handle
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Partial tang

This is a good tomahawk for chopping, grappling, or punching holes.

15. Hardcore Hardware

The Hardcore Hardware G-10 Tactical Tomahawk is ideal for any survival situation.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• G10 nylon handle
• Spikes on back and bottom of the head
• Includes MOLLE compatible thermoplastic sheath

The Hardcore Hardware G-10 Tactical Tomahawk is one of the most durable tomahawks we’ve seen. The carbon steel head is almost a third of an inch thick, with a half-inch chisel spike on the back. The blade measures 3 ½ inches in length, with a swooped-down spike on the bottom for snagging and grappling.

This tomahawk isn’t just made for camping, although it’s more than tough enough for the job. It’s made for any survival situation. The G10 nylon overall length is just over 18 inches, and the head is nice and heavy, providing plenty of leverage for chopping wood or breaking your way out of a crashed car.

Of course, all that durability comes with a drawback. In this case, a hefty weight of 2 pounds, 8 ounces. It’s easy to carry, though, thanks to the MOLLE compatible thermoplastic sheath. The Hardcore Hardware tomahawk is very expensive, but you’ll get more than your money’s worth.

Pros:

• Very durable
• Well balanced
• Long handle

Cons:

• Heavy
• Very expensive

This is a tough survival tomahawk that will last a very long time.

16. Promithi Camping

The Promithi Camping Hatchet is razor sharp and comes at a low price.

Key features:

• Carbon steel head
• Spike on back of the head
• Sanded wood handle
• Includes nylon sheath

The Promithi Camping Hatchet has a tough, carbon steel head that’s also beautiful. It has a wolf’s head etched into the steel, with a curved spike on the back. The handle is crafted from beautifully sanded wood and is built with a full tang that can stand up to as much chopping or picking as you want to do.

A lot of people want a tomahawk that’s made to be a beautiful wall hanger but can work in an emergency. If that’s what you’re looking for in a tactical hatchet, this is one of the best choices on the market. It’s well balanced, but heavy, weighing in at 2 pounds.

The nylon sheath is nice to have for protection. However, it doesn’t have a belt loop, making it difficult to carry outside of a backpack. Worse, there’s no stitching to reinforce the grommets, and the sharp top point of the blade can easily poke through the top of the sheath. Be careful when taking it out.

Pros:

• Razor sharp
• Beautiful design with wolf-etched head
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Heavy
• Poor sheath design

This tomahawk looks like a show piece, but it’s more than tough enough for actual use.

17. SOG Throwing Axe

SOG Throwing Hawks make a great gift for anyone who’s into throwing axes.

Key features:

• Comes in a 3-pack
• Black stainless steel construction
• Spikes on back of the heads
• Designed specifically for throwing
• Includes 3-pocket nylon sheath

SOG Throwing Hawks are constructed as a single piece of black stainless steel. The heads have a straight edge, with a straight spike on the back. The handles are wrapped with paracord to provide comfort and extra grip. They ship with a 3-pocket nylon belt sheath.

In the course of these reviews, we’ve seen a lot of negative user reviews for other tomahawks stating that they’re not good for throwing. This isn’t surprising. Most tomahawks are designed for chopping, cutting, punching, or demolition. To be properly thrown, a tomahawk needs to be perfectly balanced for the purpose, and as lightweight as possible.

SOG Throwing Hawks fit the bill. They weigh only 7 ounces each, making them heavy enough to drive into your target, but light enough to throw with one hand. The steel is surprisingly tough, considering the low price, and will sink into a tree stump again and again without dulling The only downside is that the paracord wraps are a bit loose, and come undone after being thrown for a while.

Pros:

• Durable
• Paracord wrapped handles
• Lightweight and well balanced
• Affordable

Cons:

• Paracord wrap comes undone quickly
• Not for chopping

These tomahawks are designed for throwing, and are perfect for the job.

18. Ottoza Damascus

The Ottoza Handmade Damascus Tomahawk has a durable head and a long, ergonomic handle.

Key features:

• Damascus steel head
• Leather wrapped wood handle
• Includes leather sheath

The Ottoza Handmade Damascus Tomahawk’s most striking feature is the Damascus steel head, with its characteristic whirls and layering. The wood handle is curved, an ergonomic shape that’s ideal for chopping. It’s wrapped in leather, which makes it both beautiful and comfortable to hold.

The blade itself is sharp enough to slice through sheet metal and has a long, 5-inch edge for ease of use. When combined with the 17 ½-inch handle, it has plenty of leverage. Ottoza also includes a high quality leather sheath, which protects your blade without dulling the edge.

At 3 pounds, this tomahawk may be too heavy for some people to swing for extended periods. It’s also more expensive than some strictly utilitarian hatchets. But all in all, it’s a good value and looks great on your wall when it’s not in use.

Pros:

• Wide blade
• Long handle
• Arrives very sharp
• Gorgeous appearance

Cons:

• Pricey
• Heavy

This is a top-quality tomahawk that’s beautiful enough to display in a museum.

19. Snake Eye Tactical

The Snake Eye Tactical Compact Tomahawk is sharp, durable, and easy to throw.

Key features:

• One-piece, stainless steel design
• Spike on back of the head
• Balanced for throwing
• Includes nylon sheath

The Snake Eye Tactical Compact Tomahawk is one solid piece of stainless steel. The head has a curved edge, with a large spike on the back for balance, while the handle is stamped with round cutouts to give you something to hold on to.

These tomahawks come in a 2-pack, which includes a nylon belt sheath for easy carrying. They’re designed to be thrown, so the balance is equal between the top and bottom of the tomahawk. This keeps you on target when you throw them but makes them ill-suited for chopping.

The blades on the Snake Eye Tactical are extremely sharp and will sink into any target when they hit. However, the handle is very uncomfortable, without any kind of plastic or paracord to soften the grip. They’re inexpensive, though, and are a good value.

Pros:

• Comes as a 2-pack
• Very sharp on arrival
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Uncomfortable grip

This is a well balanced tomahawk for throwing enthusiasts.

20. Gerber Bear Grylls

The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet is designed primarily for camping and survival.

Key features:

• Carbon steel blade
• Classic axe shape
• Finger indents on handle for scraping
• Rubberized grip
• Includes nylon belt sheath

The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet is designed as a classic camping hatchet. The head is forged from tough carbon steel, with a curved edge and a wide back for extra heft. The ergonomic, curved handle has a soft, rubberized grip. It includes a nylon sheath with two belt loops for easy carrying.

As you’d expect from a hatchet that’s endorsed by the master of survival himself, this tool has more than one use. The back of the head is crosshatched, ideal for hammering in tent stakes or cracking nuts.

The Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet is affordable, and very sturdy for the price, with a full tang for added stability. This is an inexpensive tool, so it does have a flaw: the beveling on the edge is inconsistent from top to bottom. You’ll want to re-sharpen it with a file or grinder before taking it into the woods.

Pros:

• Ergonomic
• Works for hammering
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Inconsistent edge

This is a good hatchet for cutting firewood or driving tent stakes.

21. Mtech Hatchet

The Mtech Lightweight Survival Tomahawk is designed for chopping, punching holes, and throwing.

Key features:

• Stainless steel blade
• G10 nylon handle
• Chisel on back of the head
• Spike on bottom of the handle
• Includes nylon belt sheath

The Mtech Lightweight Survival Tomahawk is constructed from matte black stainless steel. The blade is curved on the forward edge, with a straight chisel on the back edge. The bottom of the handle features a sharp spike, with curved cutouts in the top of the head to serve as a grip. The full tang handle is sandwiched between two pieces of textured G10 nylon, and the tomahawk is easily carried in its nylon belt sheath.

This is a lightweight tomahawk and is designed for multiple purposes, including chopping, picking, and throwing. It’s also very inexpensive. However, it’s not ideally suited for any single purpose. A sturdier, stockier build would deliver more chopping force, while a better weight balance would be better for throwing. The thin design and stainless steel material are ill-suited for prying since they won’t stand up to a lot of torque.

Pros:

• Sharp out of the box
• Lightweight
• Full tang
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Flimsy design

This is a multi-purpose tomahawk that fits any budget.

22. Z-Hunter Tactical

The Biohazard Z-Hunter Tactical Tomahawk has a 5 ¾-inch blade that’s longer than any other we’ve looked at.

Key features:

• Stainless steel head
• Vicious, curved blade
• Serrated shoulder
• Includes nylon belt sheath
• Paracord wrapped handle

The Biohazard Z-Hunter Tactical Tomahawk is part of Biohazard’s “Zombie Hunter” line of survival tools. It’s designed for looks as much as functionality, with a long blade that’s swept back in a wing shaped like a medieval war axe.

That said, it does work. It’s crafted from a single piece of black stainless steel, with a paracord wrap around the handle for better grip. The shoulder is serrated, and functions as a saw in a pinch. It also includes a nylon belt sheath for easy carrying.

This tomahawk is very inexpensive, so it has its share of issues. For one, it arrives dull and will need to be sharpened. For another thing, it’s thin, and the stainless steel is brittle if you try to use it for prying. Biohazard offers a no questions asked guarantee, though, so it’s worth trying to see if you like it.

Pros:

• Ergonomic design
• Very inexpensive
• No questions asked money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Needs sharpening out of the box
• Not very durable

This is an inexpensive tomahawk that will cut wood or zombies with equal ease.

23. Camillus Ravenous

The Camillus Cutlery Ravenous Tomahawk is sharp, lightweight, and easy to carry.

Key features:

• Titanium bonded stainless steel head
• Spike on back side of the head
• ABS plastic handle
• Includes nylon belt sheath

The Camillus Cutlery Ravenous Tomahawk has a titanium bonded stainless steel head that’s both razor sharp and durable. There’s a large spearhead spike on the back of the head for punching holes or breaking windows. The ABS plastic handle is durable and crosshatched for easy grip. This tomahawk comes with a nylon belt sheath.

The Ravenous Tomahawk weighs just over 1 pound, making it easy to carry and easy to swing, although you’ll have to swing it harder than a heavier tomahawk to get the same effect. It’s very reasonably priced. That said, the head is held in with only 4 bolts, with no tang whatsoever. This gives us some doubts as to its durability.

Pros:

• Very sharp
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• No tang

If you’re looking for a cheap breaching tomahawk, look no further.

24. DH corp

The DH Corp Tomahawk is durable, easy to swing, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Key features:

• Carbon steel construction
• Hammer on back of the head
• Ergonomic wood grip
• Includes leather belt sheath

The DH Corp Tomahawk is everything you could ask for in a camp hatchet. The carbon steel head and handle are forged as a single piece, and the blade is sharp right out of the box. The back of the head features a hammer head. The wood grip has a full tang and has a slight curve for improved ergonomics. It ships with an attractive, heavy duty leather belt sheath.

This tomahawk weighs just over 2 pounds, which is heavier than average, but the weight is well balanced, making it easy to swing whether you’re chopping wood, driving tent stakes, or breaching a door in an emergency. It’s easy to sharpen and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers not only materials and workmanship, but also satisfaction. Don’t like it after 2 years? You can still send it back.

Pros:

• Sharp and easy to sharpen
• Very durable
• Well balanced
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons:

• Expensive

This is a top quality camp hatchet that will last you for years.

25. Red Rock Riflework

The Red Rock Rifleworks Tactical Tomahawk is top heavy and designed specifically for breaching.

Key features:

• One piece carbon steel construction
• Sharp, grooved blade
• Spike on the back of the head

The Red Rock Rifleworks Tactical Tomahawk is forged from a single piece of carbon steel, with no tang, bolts, or attachments. The head has a sharp, grooved blade on one side, and a curved spike on the back end for breaching windows or punching tires.

This is strictly a breaching tomahawk. It’s not made for camping and doesn’t even come with a sheath. It’s extremely durable, made in the USA, and has a balance that’s severely biased towards the head so you get the highest possible impact force with a minimum of exertion. All of this comes at a steep price, but it’s well worth the money for such a rugged tool.

Pros:

• Durable
• Well balanced
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Expensive
• Sheath not included

This is the ultimate breaching tomahawk.

Bottom Line

No matter what you need your tactical tomahawk to do, chances are at least one of the options on this list will get the job done. Whether you need a tactical hatchet for camping, a tactical axe for breaking down doors, or a survival tomahawk for your bug out bag, we like to think we have you covered.

One other thing we’d like to mention: no matter what you’re using your tomahawk for, you’ll want to consider the type of steel it’s made from.

Low carbon steel (usually stainless steel) is incredibly hard and rust-proof. It stays sharp longer but is difficult to sharpen. High carbon steel is softer and prone to rusting. It also dulls faster, but it’s much easier to sharpen. In addition, because high carbon steel is softer, it tends to bend rather than break when you’re prying with it.

Both types of steel have their place, but choosing the right type can make the difference between a disappointing purchase and a treasured tool.