10 Best Tactical Tomahawks 2023
Whether you are an avid camper or a practicing survivalist, you know the value of a good camp axe. While indispensable for its job, once its work is done, it’s somewhat less useful; this is a problem for serious survivalists and backpackers, since an axe is usually heavy and takes up a lot of room.
That’s where a tactical tomahawk comes in. It can still function as a camp axe for chopping and splitting wood, but it has many uses beyond that.
With so many different options out there, however, how can you be sure that you are getting the best tactical tomahawk? Just take a look at our list!
We have put together and tested ten of the best tomahawk models on the market, as well as reviewed the top three to make your purchase easier.
Top 10 Tactical Tomahawks Table
| Picture | Name | Length | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Estwing E6-TA Black Eagle Tomahawk Axe with Blue Finish & Shock Reduction Grip | 16 ¼ | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. SOG Tactical Tomahawk F01TN-CP - Hardcased Black Axe Head, GRN Handle, Nylon Sheath, 2.75" Blade | 15 ¾ inches | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Browning Shock N' Awe Tomahawk Knife | 13 ¼ inches | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 4. SOG Voodoo Hawk Mini F182N-CP - Satin Polished Axe Head, GRN Handle, Nylon Sheath, 2.75" Blade | 12 ½ inches | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 5. Columbia River Knife and Tool 2725 Kangee T-Hawk Tomahawk with Spike | 13 ¾ inches | $$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 6. United Cutlery UC2765 M48 Hawk Axe with Nylon Sheath | 15 inches | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 7. Gerber Downrange Tomahawk [30-000715] | 19 ¼ inches | $ | 4.3 |
 | 8. Geneva Supply Home Improvement United Cutlery M48 Apocalypse Tactical Tomahawk(Model:UC2946) | 15 inches | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 9. US MARINE Officially Licensed USMC Elite Tactical Bruiser Survival Tomahawk Axe | 15 inches | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 10. MTech USA MT-AXE8 Camping Axe, Black Stainless Steel, Cord Wrapped Handle, 15-Inch Overall | 15 inches | $ | 4.0 |
Buying Information
Whenever you purchase any new piece of equipment, there are several key factors to consider. This is also true when you are looking for the best tactical tomahawk.
- Length. There are two ways to think about the length of a tomahawk. The longer it is, the more force you will be able to apply while chopping or hammering. However, the smaller it is, the easier it is to pack and bring along with you and not be too much of a burden.
- Weight. The weight of the tomahawk presents the same questions as the length. A heavier tomahawk will allow for more force when chopping or hammering. However, the heavier the tomahawk, the more it will weigh you down.
- Uses. Since we are talking about tactical tomahawks here, you should not settle for one that can only chop wood. The tool you select should be able to serve multiple functions. Functions such as:
- Woodcutter. This is the first and most crucial job of any axe or tomahawk. You want one with enough stability and striking power to be able to at least clear brush from your campsite.
- Hammer. This can be used to fix equipment and put up tents. It can also be used to build a more long-term shelter.
- Digging. You should look for a tomahawk that can be used for digging. Usually, this will be done with a backward facing pick.
- Knife. While chopping is the primary job of a tomahawk, you should also look for one that can be used easily for more delicate jobs like slicing.
- Self-Defense. Tomahawks started as a fighting tool and still can be used with serious results. The smaller size of the tomahawk makes it a better choice for close quarters combat than a regular axe.
Top 3 Best Tactical Tomahawk Reviews
1. Estwing E6-TA Black Eagle Tomahawk Axe
Out of all of the tomahawks that we tested, this one definitely earns the title of the best tactical tomahawk. It is definitely the biggest, coming in at 16 ¼ inches in length. It gives it great leverage when chopping and digging, and provides it with plenty of power for splitting wood as well.
Unlike other tomahawks that we tested, the Estwing’s head and handle are not two separate pieces. They are one piece, which is made out of reinforced steel; this adds to the weight of the tomahawk, but also makes it extremely strong and durable. The handle is covered in a nylon vinyl grip, which was comfortable to hold.
The axe head has a chopping blade and a pick. This allows the user to utilize it for both chopping and digging. The flat side of the axe head also worked well as a hammer.
Summary: This is a relatively large tactical tomahawk. Its length provides the user with great leverage for a variety of outdoor applications. Since it is made from one piece of reinforced steel, it is extremely durable.
2. SOG Tactical Tomahawk Hardcased Black Axe Head
This tomahawk is extraordinarily versatile and has a multitude of uses and comes in a relatively small package.
It has a reinforced stainless steel axe head, which has several different parts. The chopping blade can be used to cut wood. The back of the blade is formed to a point to be used as an excavation tool, akin to a pick. On the side of the axe head is checkering which can be used as a hammer.
The handle of the tomahawk is made out of glass-reinforced nylon, which makes it extremely light. The handle is shaped so that it is ergonomically comfortable to use. It is only a little more than 15 inches in overall length, which makes it ideal for carrying long distances without taking up much room.
Summary: This tactical tomahawk provides its user with lots of different functions in a small and light package. It can be used for chopping, digging, and hammering, and is extremely light and easily transported.
3. Browning Shock N’ Awe Tomahawk Knife
This tomahawk is extremely similar to our number two pick, with one important difference. It is 3 inches shorter in length, only measuring a mere 12 ½ inches; this can be both a blessing and a curse. While the smaller size makes it ideal for carrying and use in tight spaces, you lose some striking and cutting leverage.
The blade, while relatively small, is extremely sharp and holds its edge well. It would be perfect for clearing brush and light splitting duties. The side has checkering for precise hammering, and the back can be used both as a pry bar and as a pick for digging.
The handle is made of glass-reinforced nylon. It is shaped to ergonomically fit into the user’s hand and is very lightweight. Despite its light weight and comfortable grip, it was extremely durable during our tests.
Summary: This tomahawk would be ideal for someone who is a minimalist. It comes in a very small package but proved to be good for light chopping, digging, and hammering. Its small size would be ideal for operating with limited space or for traveling great distances.
