When a product has as many reviews as the Estwing Tomahawk has, I employ the common strategy of reading through the negative ones. If I see the same complaints repeated, I know that the mentioned features are probably genuine problems. With this tomhawk, however, the majority of negative reviewers seemed to misunderstand the purpose of this axe.

In short, although I understand Estwing being reluctant to broadcast the fact too openly, this axe is a weapon. That means it's not going to make a convenient hatchet to carry on a pack or belt; it's not going to be balanced to stick when thrown; it's not even going to be especially efficient when chopping wood. It's designed for "anti-personnel" activities, as can be seen from it's odd length--too long for a hatchet, but not as long as a wood axe--and from the fact that the head has been lightened to make it more nimble, unlike most axes that put the majority of weight into the head to optimize it for chopping into stationary wood, rather than potentially mobile but, well...softer...media. More obviously, besides being labled as a "tomahawk", which can reasonably be translated as "war axe", it has a big, sharp spike on the backside of the head. Some reviewers complained that a flat surface for hammering would have had more utility, and I agree that's true--if this axe was meant to be used as a tool.

But it's not, it's designed to be a weapon, so if you're looking for a tool, or a sporting axe (either to throw or for competitive lumberjacking) choose one of the axes Estwing offers optimized for those activities. If, however, you want an edged weapon that will keep you at a safer distance than a knife, and requires a minimal amount of training to be used effectively, then this tomahawk is an outstanding choice.

I deducted one star from my rating because the thing came as dull as a butter knife. This isn't usually a problem for me with edged weaapons, because I genuinely enjoy sharpening, have been practicing that skill for a few years now, and have gotten good enough at it to make a few bucks on the side sharpening knives and tools for others. But this axe was SO dull that after an hour of my usual routine with course diamond stones, the steep angle of the grind meant I wasn't getting anywhere. I would have needed weeks to have removed enough steel to have gotten a proper edge on the thing by hand. So for the first time since I started sharpening, I had to break out my dremel and use a sanding attachment to grind an edge into this axe head. It went quickly enough after that, but I can't in good conscience give a full five stars to any blade that requires a power tool to get properly sharp right out of the box. Other than tbat, however, I'm quite pleased with the weapon I purchased, and sincerely hope I never have cause to use it. But there is nothing like a break-in to one's home to make one see the utility of being armed, and since the many small children around my house, whose knowledge of firearm safety is dubious at best, mean I can't safely keep a loaded one immediately accessible, this axe is a much better option than an impromtu kitchen knife, or table lamp.

As another reviewer mentioned, this tomahawk is great for it's intended purpose, which is for self defense. Everything about it's design is evidence of this - the thin head, the cut out behind the blade, it's length. All of these things keep the weight centered closer to the handle which makes it agile - not a quality that matters when ones intention is chopping wood, but one that matters immensely in close quarters combat. Handle heavy also prevents the blade from becoming lodged too deeply in softer material, which could be very inconvenient in certain circumstances... It will chop wood once you sharpen it, but not well. For that I recommend Estwing's sportsman's axe, which is the opposite of the tomahawk in design, very blade heavy and makes short work of chopping and splitting, and holds it's edge beautifully while doing so.

As for durability, I'm grateful to say I haven't had to use it to find out. But I use an Estwing hammer (which utilizes identical construction) every day for work, and the sportsman's hatchet frequently and both are holding up wonderfully. Highly recommend all their products. Also, if you get the leather handle and the pommel gets loose, just smash the peens down with a hammer and fill up any remaining space with red thread lock and it'll never come loose again.

was looking for a tactical tomahawk.

did the usual research.
found lower priced ones ($25-$35) of 'ok' quality, and higher priced ones ($150+) of 'superior' quality.
was not sure how much I would use it, so i did not want to spend a lot of money on it, but i did not want something cheap that would break, so I was ready to spend around $60-$90 to get a 'pretty good mid tier' one.

and then I found this one - wow. perfect.
great reviews.
great price.
Estwing makes great items - i have several of their tools and am very happy with them.
so, I bought it.

my thoughts:

highly recommended as a 'tactical tomahawk'. that said: if you need a 'true' axe, buy an axe, not this.

extremely well made. very nice quality all around.

nice even dull black paint finish. looks 'tacti-cool'.

blade is 'even' and 'sharp' - unlike some older reviews where that was an issue for some buyers. now, it may not be sharp enough for some as it comes, but I think that is a plus, not a minus, as it leaves it to the owner to determine how sharp an edge it should have. for me, it is sharp enough as is for now.

strike point is solid, and sharp enough for me.

very nice, simple, and strong one piece design with a rubber grip applied on top of that one piece design.

very nice balance in your hand.

for me, it is just the right weight for a tactical tomahawk. it feels like an extension of your arm.

very nice hammer like grip with a built in 'bulge/curve'. you can grab it at the bottom of the grip (below the bulge/curve)for the most leverage; you can grab it further up the grip (above the bulge/curve)for close work.

the sheath it comes with is good, and fully functional to hold it safely. but, if you want a quicker unsheathing capability, and/or a better way to attach it to your belt, you will have to buy a new one, make a new one, or modify the one it comes with - and that is expected at this price point. not an issue for me at all.

made in USA - love that!

overall, a great addition to your bug out bag, home defense, or the trunk of your car.

check out youtube reviews to see one in action.

will be ordering another one for sure.

This is an honest-to-goodness, full-tang Tomahawk, forged along the lines of Peter Lagana's Vietnam Tomahawk with a "lightening space" for ease of carry and rapid direction change during any downward stroke. Be advised that these are forged from 1055 Carbon Steel and are prone to rust in damp environs. If you plan to leave yours in a car and/or truck, periodically wipe it down with gun oil or WD-40 to prevent it from corroding.

The Nylon/Rubber handle is great for preventing blisters from being generated on gloveless hands. It also prevents vibration from being transmitted to the arms and resulting in premature fatigue. This feature can also help avoid electric shock if you unintentionally sever a live electric wire.

The Tomahawk is a "breaching tool" and can be used to break automobile safety glass, as well as prying open a jammed car door. The head has enough mass for chopping through doors, yet can be lashed to a pack for easy carry and immediate access.

The "Ballistic-Nylon" sheath holds the Tomahawk in a reasonably secure fashion and there is a belt loop on the back of it for packing it around that way. (The sheath is made in Taiwan and is okay, but a more "robust" sheath could be substituted for better accessibility). Time will tell if the sheath will "break in" and become more useful with the passage of time.

This Tomahawk is a great "bang for the buck". I bought two so that I could lend one to a roommate. He has indicated that he would like one to keep, so it is likely that he'll be purchasing one to have for his own. I liked it so much, that I bought it twice!

REMEMBER: This is NOT a hatchet. While it can be used for splitting kindling and light chopping, it is not designed to be continually used as a hatchet. If you want a hatchet, buy one. This is a Tomahawk. Buy it and use it as one. The design parameters are entirely different. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO "MAKE AS SILK PURSE FROM A SOW'S EAR"! Doing so will result in disappointment and frustration.

For both the price and purpose, I highly recommend this Tomahawk.

A rescue tool, not a camp tool. Bought after I needed it once [in rescue work]. Too old for the work now, but I could still easily get into or out of a building during an emergency.

Could use as a survival tool in a real scenario.

As good as anything else, at least, in similar price categories. Better tools cost 10 to 20 times as much.