At first glance, there are not a lot of fundamental differences between tomahawks and axes. Both have a handle, a metal head, and a sharp edge on one side. However, there are some important distinctions that set these two tools apart, and it may surprise you to learn that the tomahawk may end up being the better option.
Axes Have One Job
An axe is designed to do one thing: Chop wood. The thick blade is ideal for gouging out large chunks of wood while making it easier to pull it out after each swing. Handles on axes are also typically shorter, thicker and curved whereas handles on tomahawks are longer and straight. This helps to give swings incredible power and force as the blade impacts wood. Axes can also be used as improvised hammers by striking the object with the side or the back of the blade whereas this may not always be possible with a tomahawk.
Tomahawks are Multi-Tools
Tomahawks have sharper, narrower blades and their handles tend to be narrower as well. Most tomahawks also have a large spike on the back of the head. While they can be just as good at chopping as an axe, it will probably take more swings, and a little bit more effort, to get the job done.
One of the biggest advantages that tomahawks have over axes is they can be used to cut things like rope and wire, smash glass, pry latches open or break up hard dirt or concrete. They can also be used to breach doors. Tomahawks are also ideal for handling smaller chopping, shaving or trimming jobs that require a degree of precision or “polish” that is hard to get from an axe or hatchet.
Some tomahawks with wooden handles can also be easier to repair in the field. This is because the head is designed to slide over the handle from the bottom up instead of the top down like most axes. This is a hold-over from some early, rudimentary versions of tomahawks that used leverage to lock the head in place as they are thrown. Another benefit of this design is that the head can be removed from the handle and used as a hand tool, which was particularly useful for cutting meat or scraping hides.
Tomahawks can also be used as a weapon in close-quarter combat or thrown at a target that is farther away. In fact, it can be argued that tomahawks were intended to be weapons before they became a popular multi-tool. While anyone can use an axe as a blunt object, the blade on the tomahawk is more-likely to cause serious injury because it is designed to penetrate the skin and smash bones.
They also tend to be lighter and more-compact than axes, and this makes them easier to carry.
Good tomahawks or axes are going to be built strong and designed to put up with a lot of abuse, but a tomahawk is probably going to need a little bit more care and maintenance than an axe. However, this usually involves little more than making sure that the blade is kept sharp and that you’re not dinging it while chopping.
Remember that portability, weight and versatility are key factors to consider when choosing tools for bushcraft survival situations. While axes may be more-recognizable and popular, tomahawks are likely to provide you with more benefits in the field.
