I just picked up a Nobo for myself. I wanted something for camping that was (1) light weight enough to take on long hikes or excursions, (2) was longer than a normal hatchet, and (c) was specifically good at limbing and chopping of the small kinds of branches that would be used for small campfires. I didn't need anything for splitting, and the Nobo definitely doesn't seem like it would be a good splitter. I haven't gotten it out in the field yet, but I'm pretty excited that this was exactly what I was looking for.
Yes i have a CRKT NOBO and a Berserker and i love both of them , now for a sheath for the NOBO i uses a Cold Steel Riflman Tomahawk Sheath it's $4.95 , i have not seen a CRKT Sheath for the NOBO let ,
They now come in two parts, so jamming the head on is your job. Out of the box this head is a dull as a butter knife and will need lots of work, so it helps that the parts are separate to make sharpening easier. The leather sheath is a separate purchase, and the leather on mine is old and dried out, but fits well. This is a well balanced tool that will shine once you do a bunch of work that CKRT should have done in the first place.
Good review! The idea of the friction mount head generally is that the head can come of easily for storage of carrying in a pack and so that a new handle can be made easily- instead of shaping a more complex axe haft. I think it comes from the old French and English trades goods, the meta heads were made in Europe and traded as one piece and the new owner had to put the handle on themselves.
I've had my CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk for a long while. Mine didn't come really sharp either, however using my work sharp to re-profile and then a ceramic rod, I got it razor sharp. With the extra weight due to the hammer pull, it powers through wood like no one's business. For the sheath, I kept the plastic guard that came on it and I attached some leather shoe string to it to tie it on and it has served me well. Definitely one of the best coatings for rust protection. Imo, once you get the edge the way you have it and customize the handle the way you want it, it's one of the beat chopping tools that's multifunctional and very efficient.
I've been a woodsman for more than fifty years, and I've never found a reason to split wood. Huge logs, yes, but they require a sledge and wedges. I use a hawk for very light chopping, for carving, and as a weapon. Carving is something every woodsmen should do, and while detail work usually needs a knife, preferably a pocketknife with more than one blade, which is what woodsmen have carried for hundreds of years, roughing out many things is far easier with an axe, be it a hatchet or a hawk. A hawk is also a great survival tool, and is even more useful than a knife, especially if you have a serious hand or arm injury. It can be used for many things one handed that are difficult or impossible with a knife. Remove the handle, and it can be used like an Ulu.
I bought a Cold Steel SC90RH Rifleman's Hawk Sheath for my Nobo Tomahawk. It's not as good as the CRKT leather sheath, but it fits pretty well and cost less than $6. Also, Nobo's are currently on sale for $29.91 on Amazon.
I was truly lucky and blessed straight out of the box as you say my CRKT with minimal effort split three and four inch logs 16 and 18 inches long no problemo I have now taken and sharpened them freakishly Sharp with a set of Mill Bastard files then buff with a Stone and yes I took the time and established with the files the full beard on my tomahawk!
I'm a fan of mine mostly because it's light (count every ounce, 'cause every ounce counts). The head came loose a bit, so I wrapped some overstrike cord on the handle, which solved that
It's a cool looking axe for sure that's why I ordered one awhile back. The head on mine kept getting loose, I got tired of having to tighten it up too many times so I gave it away & just bought an Estwing 16" camp hatchet. But you're right about the steel, CRKT did an excellent job with the heat tempering.
Here's the part that worries me. The head is now a bit wobbly (loose) but there's no way to remove it to tighten it back up? At least not without sawing through the handle at the bottom of the head, clamping the head in a vise, then drilling out the wood still left to get the head and fitting it onto a brand new handle. Honestly, heard of the same issue with the Nobo and the two other similar axes from CRKT from others. Thing is with those two, some Wilson wrap tape can be used in an "X" pattern to tighten the heads back down. Since the Nobo completely lacks any sort of poll opposite the blade, the tape trick can't be used on it.
Best hawk I found is the cold Steel Hudson Bay hawk well balanced good weight takes a wicked razor edge and really holds the edge good even after a lot of hard use
Half the fun with the Cold Steel tomahawks is customizing them. For $25-$30 you can get some scrap leather and the tools to make several sheaths. I wouldn't mind getting a NOBO tho.
Yes, but I don't want something, I want a tool that's ready to go. I also won't own a hawk that has a set screw. A set screw is dumber than a screen door on a submarine. If you use it. then never throw the hawk.
Thanks for another great vid Aaron! I can't recall you saying this in the vid, but I'd just seat the head before and after each outing. 😄 just hold it at the base of the handle upside down and bang the top of the handle on pavement to force the tomahawk toward the top end. I like to trim off the mushroomed parts of the wood. I like the cleaner look and I think it allows for the tomahawk to seat just a little bit further 👍 you should see if you like holding the hawk sans handle with some wood carving chores. Take care!
I love this hawk and have used it for several months and a couple weekend trips. All light duty for sure. I like this better than the Chogan, just because it’s a little lighter without the hammer pole on the end. I got a custom sheath from an Etsy shop, “smleather” which I believe is out of Michigan. They were lovely to work with and can help you nail down a colour you really love. They also have matching throat guards or belt loops (and I bet they’d throw you a deal if you got more than one item). My custom sheath literally arrived yesterday but my first impression is very very good. Well made, great quality leather, fits perfect. I paid $42 Canadian so with today’s conversion rate you’ll pay $34-$35 USD. I’m happy to pay a couple extra bucks for something hand made by someone local and when it turns out this nice it’s a huge win.
I should have added that Etsy is a great spot to go for non/standard sheaths. You can find sellers working everything from the very basic designs to complicated and extremely unique sheaths. I’ve used sellers from Ireland, Canada, Belarus, Spain, England and all over the US for custom leather. In my experience the quality is excellent with thick leather and great stitching. Most of these guys are doing it nights and weekends so don’t expect next day service, but if you like leather and might have different ideas give Etsy and look. These guys can also make small modifications if you want it for left carry, right carry, on a pack, in a pack or with a sling. Ask before you buy and I bet you’ll gindns merging that take an “A” level hawk and turns I into an “A++”. For me personally I’ve done 3 CRKT hawks, 1 Condor axe, 4 cold steel hawks, 1 a cold Steel axe and 3 Gransfors Bruks aces and hatchets. Shop around and you’ll find someone great doing exactly what you want. Don’t settle for stock, particularly particularly if that stock option is crummy nylon, plastic or poorly done. Let me know if you need recommendations but there are lots of families running these shops and finding someone local is really nice.
I bought this tomahawk based on this video. I had watched other videos, but this video sold me. When I opened the box, the head wasn’t attached to the handle and it was so dull it wouldn’t cut anything. I spent about an hour with a file re profiling it and sharpening it. When I was chopping, about every 5th or 6th hit the head would loosen up and slide down the handle. I’ve seen it advertised or reviewed as coming from the factory with the head pressed on really tight and the edge is razor sharp. Completely false. Totally not the hype it receives.
I was watching the maker of the nobo talk about the tomahawk. He said they don’t finish the edge they only put a workers edge on it. It’s not a quality issue it’s just there choice. Just food for thought.
Overall weight is 1 pound 9.4 oz. The handle weighs 4 ounces according to some sites, so that puts the head at 1 pound 5.4 oz. Legal for NATF in case you were wondering :)
Pour moi oui, le Tomahawk est meilleur qu un gros couteau. Il est plus facile à transporter, même sans étui. Alors qu un gros couteau de camp ne peut pas être glissé à la ceinture.. De plus l étui d un couteau de camp est plus difficile à réaliser.. Un tomahawk est plus solide qu un gros couteau (qui à déjà vu un fer de tomahawk casser? ). Un bon tomahawk comme le Nobo vaut tout juste 50 euros, il faut dépenser 3 fois plus pour un bon couteau de camp. Toute l énergie lors des coupes , est concentrée sur l extrémité du tomahawk, ce qui n est pas le cas d un couteau de camp. C est un avis personnel bien entendu, ceux qui préfèrent le gros couteau ont eux aussi des arguments valables.
Great vid. Have been wondering about that hawk. I have a CS Spike hawk. Modified to make the spike into a hammer. It’s a great hawk but I always like testing out different gear
Pound for pound what is the best chopper? Considering a hawk and also considering the fiskars hatchet. I hike around 12 miles to get to my favorite go to spot and want to upgrade my heavy solid steel husky hatchet
You want the fiskars for any "real work/wood processing". I own 4 estwings for the brutal construction/landscaping hard use work, at which they excel. I have used the Fiskars as well & it's an outstanding piece of kit. I'm hard on these tools & using them in real world conditions, the Fiskars handles are nearly indestructible & my favorite of the several fiberglass handled striking tools. Their lifetime warranty/customer service is excellent. ...my brother owns the version of this hawk with the spike opposite the bit. I've used it a few times, it's a ton of fun, although very inefficient in "wood processing". I could see this hawk being potentially useful in game processing, albeit probably less so than a big knife... even as a limbing tool it's mediocre. ...looks cool, feels great... That's about it for me though, as far as it's utility as a tool. That's my .02, hope it helps 👍
My hawks I got from CRKT were extremely dull and I had to sand the handles to make them fit and for some reason they still come loose after a couple of hits on wood I also have Cs tomahawks yes they came dull and the handles didn’t fit but after sharpening and sanding the handles no problems with them and I do find the cold steel does hold an edge longer than the CRKT for me the CRKT doesn’t hold an edge very well very disappointed in these tomahawks you would think for the price they would be better. Cold Steel may come with a cheap cover but at least they do come with a cover whereas CRKT you buy the hawk then you have to buy the sheath your paying twice I figure that’s a total rip-off
I hate hawk handles, they lack the knob at the end which means you're always cramping your hands up and makes your arm muscles tire out very fast compared to an axe. Also, you don't need to spend 2-3 hours on a stone if you start out with a file :)
Gvynar Elmoss I was going to say this very thing. Much like simple work machetes, use a file to get the most steel off. Learn to roll the file for convex edges.
Go with the H/B forge tomahawk made out of 1095 and for extra cash a sheath for the head might have too wait a little cause there handmade plus I don't really like 1055 steel myself or go with the small forest axe from gransfors bruks comes razor sharp with leather sheath it can do more and faster more expensive but u get what u pay for
I really really wish you young men instead of focusing on making a new video sharpen them tools up with a set of files and get out really work with them and learn some skills because far as making kindling to get a fire started it should be with minimal effort whether you're camping or bringing in some wood for the fireplace just saying not only sharpening our tools but our knowledge and our skill levels as well Brothers!
You are talking about tomahawks like hatchets. Hatchets are a camp item and tool. A Tomahawk was created by the Algonquin people and is a war weapon. Yes you can use them for other things here and there but a hawk is carried for self defense just as a knife or club. I'd appreciate if you could speak of hatchets as hatchets and tomahawks as weapons as that is the actual truth. Thank you.
I just picked up a Nobo for myself. I wanted something for camping that was (1) light weight enough to take on long hikes or excursions, (2) was longer than a normal hatchet, and (c) was specifically good at limbing and chopping of the small kinds of branches that would be used for small campfires. I didn't need anything for splitting, and the Nobo definitely doesn't seem like it would be a good splitter. I haven't gotten it out in the field yet, but I'm pretty excited that this was exactly what I was looking for.
Yes i have a CRKT NOBO and a Berserker and i love both of them , now for a sheath for the NOBO i uses a Cold Steel Riflman Tomahawk Sheath it's $4.95 , i have not seen a CRKT Sheath for the NOBO let ,
They now come in two parts, so jamming the head on is your job. Out of the box this head is a dull as a butter knife and will need lots of work, so it helps that the parts are separate to make sharpening easier. The leather sheath is a separate purchase, and the leather on mine is old and dried out, but fits well. This is a well balanced tool that will shine once you do a bunch of work that CKRT should have done in the first place.
Good review! The idea of the friction mount head generally is that the head can come of easily for storage of carrying in a pack and so that a new handle can be made easily- instead of shaping a more complex axe haft. I think it comes from the old French and English trades goods, the meta heads were made in Europe and traded as one piece and the new owner had to put the handle on themselves.
I've had my CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk for a long while. Mine didn't come really sharp either, however using my work sharp to re-profile and then a ceramic rod, I got it razor sharp. With the extra weight due to the hammer pull, it powers through wood like no one's business. For the sheath, I kept the plastic guard that came on it and I attached some leather shoe string to it to tie it on and it has served me well. Definitely one of the best coatings for rust protection. Imo, once you get the edge the way you have it and customize the handle the way you want it, it's one of the beat chopping tools that's multifunctional and very efficient.
Nice. How about a 4 year update. How’s the handle now
I've been a woodsman for more than fifty years, and I've never found a reason to split wood. Huge logs, yes, but they require a sledge and wedges.
I use a hawk for very light chopping, for carving, and as a weapon. Carving is something every woodsmen should do, and while detail work usually needs a knife, preferably a pocketknife with more than one blade, which is what woodsmen have carried for hundreds of years, roughing out many things is far easier with an axe, be it a hatchet or a hawk.
A hawk is also a great survival tool, and is even more useful than a knife, especially if you have a serious hand or arm injury. It can be used for many things one handed that are difficult or impossible with a knife. Remove the handle, and it can be used like an Ulu.
Thank you. Cheers.
I bought a Cold Steel SC90RH Rifleman's Hawk Sheath for my Nobo Tomahawk. It's not as good as the CRKT leather sheath, but it fits pretty well and cost less than $6. Also, Nobo's are currently on sale for $29.91 on Amazon.
They're like almost 70 UK pounds here. Ridiculous
I was truly lucky and blessed straight out of the box as you say my CRKT with minimal effort split three and four inch logs 16 and 18 inches long no problemo I have now taken and sharpened them freakishly Sharp with a set of Mill Bastard files then buff with a Stone and yes I took the time and established with the files the full beard on my tomahawk!
I'm a fan of mine mostly because it's light (count every ounce, 'cause every ounce counts). The head came loose a bit, so I wrapped some overstrike cord on the handle, which solved that
It's a cool looking axe for sure that's why I ordered one awhile back. The head on mine kept getting loose, I got tired of having to tighten it up too many times so I gave it away & just bought an Estwing 16" camp hatchet. But you're right about the steel, CRKT did an excellent job with the heat tempering.
Here's the part that worries me. The head is now a bit wobbly (loose) but there's no way to remove it to tighten it back up? At least not without sawing through the handle at the bottom of the head, clamping the head in a vise, then drilling out the wood still left to get the head and fitting it onto a brand new handle. Honestly, heard of the same issue with the Nobo and the two other similar axes from CRKT from others. Thing is with those two, some Wilson wrap tape can be used in an "X" pattern to tighten the heads back down. Since the Nobo completely lacks any sort of poll opposite the blade, the tape trick can't be used on it.
The fun factor is a big plus. I like throwing Hawks too.
Best hawk I found is the cold Steel Hudson Bay hawk well balanced good weight takes a wicked razor edge and really holds the edge good even after a lot of hard use
Half the fun with the Cold Steel tomahawks is customizing them. For $25-$30 you can get some scrap leather and the tools to make several sheaths. I wouldn't mind getting a NOBO tho.
Yes, but I don't want something, I want a tool that's ready to go. I also won't own a hawk that has a set screw. A set screw is dumber than a screen door on a submarine. If you use it. then never throw the hawk.
get this one
why? That is a crappy axe. You work for them eh? lololol
Quickplaya ok what axe you like
Cold steel tomahawks are great quality for the price. I have many of them and they're great. They have great tempers and are really good quality.
Wow... I got mine sharp right off the shelf, I thought it would be dull but I knicked myself...
I have to admit I was a bit surprised to hear that a CRKT/RMJ didn't come disgustingly sharp
Ya pretty weird.
Thanks for another great vid Aaron! I can't recall you saying this in the vid, but I'd just seat the head before and after each outing. 😄 just hold it at the base of the handle upside down and bang the top of the handle on pavement to force the tomahawk toward the top end. I like to trim off the mushroomed parts of the wood. I like the cleaner look and I think it allows for the tomahawk to seat just a little bit further 👍 you should see if you like holding the hawk sans handle with some wood carving chores. Take care!
I love this hawk and have used it for several months and a couple weekend trips. All light duty for sure. I like this better than the Chogan, just because it’s a little lighter without the hammer pole on the end. I got a custom sheath from an Etsy shop, “smleather” which I believe is out of Michigan. They were lovely to work with and can help you nail down a colour you really love. They also have matching throat guards or belt loops (and I bet they’d throw you a deal if you got more than one item). My custom sheath literally arrived yesterday but my first impression is very very good. Well made, great quality leather, fits perfect. I paid $42 Canadian so with today’s conversion rate you’ll pay $34-$35 USD. I’m happy to pay a couple extra bucks for something hand made by someone local and when it turns out this nice it’s a huge win.
I should have added that Etsy is a great spot to go for non/standard sheaths. You can find sellers working everything from the very basic designs to complicated and extremely unique sheaths. I’ve used sellers from Ireland, Canada, Belarus, Spain, England and all over the US for custom leather. In my experience the quality is excellent with thick leather and great stitching. Most of these guys are doing it nights and weekends so don’t expect next day service, but if you like leather and might have different ideas give Etsy and look. These guys can also make small modifications if you want it for left carry, right carry, on a pack, in a pack or with a sling. Ask before you buy and I bet you’ll gindns merging that take an “A” level hawk and turns I into an “A++”. For me personally I’ve done 3 CRKT hawks, 1 Condor axe, 4 cold steel hawks, 1 a cold Steel axe and 3 Gransfors Bruks aces and hatchets. Shop around and you’ll find someone great doing exactly what you want. Don’t settle for stock, particularly particularly if that stock option is crummy nylon, plastic or poorly done. Let me know if you need recommendations but there are lots of families running these shops and finding someone local is really nice.
I bought this tomahawk based on this video. I had watched other videos, but this video sold me. When I opened the box, the head wasn’t attached to the handle and it was so dull it wouldn’t cut anything. I spent about an hour with a file re profiling it and sharpening it. When I was chopping, about every 5th or 6th hit the head would loosen up and slide down the handle.
I’ve seen it advertised or reviewed as coming from the factory with the head pressed on really tight and the edge is razor sharp. Completely false.
Totally not the hype it receives.
Sucks for you
Do you still like the 511 apex pants? I hardly ever see you wear them.
I have the Chogun and it is a chopping beast! I want to try the lighter weight Nobo next. Pretty sure I'll love it.
Well?
I was watching the maker of the nobo talk about the tomahawk. He said they don’t finish the edge they only put a workers edge on it. It’s not a quality issue it’s just there choice. Just food for thought.
The sheath is currently on Amazon.
This is now on my Christmas list.
Matt Finish I seen some at bass pro in Canada NB
Leo Augustine, Thanks! There is a new Bass pro shop about an hour away from where I live.
How much does the Hawk Head weigh?
Overall weight is 1 pound 9.4 oz. The handle weighs 4 ounces according to some sites, so that puts the head at 1 pound 5.4 oz. Legal for NATF in case you were wondering :)
If I were to get a CRKT Tomahawk, it would be the Woods Chogan... that hammer on the back end is infinitely better than using the back of the Nobo.
Do you find the hawk as useful as a large knife or is it more of a nice to have specialty tool?
Pour moi oui, le Tomahawk est meilleur qu un gros couteau.
Il est plus facile à transporter, même sans étui. Alors qu un gros couteau de camp ne peut pas être glissé à la ceinture.. De plus l étui d un couteau de camp est plus difficile à réaliser..
Un tomahawk est plus solide qu un gros couteau (qui à déjà vu un fer de tomahawk casser? ).
Un bon tomahawk comme le Nobo vaut tout juste 50 euros, il faut dépenser 3 fois plus pour un bon couteau de camp.
Toute l énergie lors des coupes , est concentrée sur l extrémité du tomahawk, ce qui n est pas le cas d un couteau de camp.
C est un avis personnel bien entendu, ceux qui préfèrent le gros couteau ont eux aussi des arguments valables.
But does it fit in your big ever so big monsteris hands 🙌
Great vid. Have been wondering about that hawk. I have a CS Spike hawk. Modified to make the spike into a hammer. It’s a great hawk but I always like testing out different gear
Pound for pound what is the best chopper? Considering a hawk and also considering the fiskars hatchet. I hike around 12 miles to get to my favorite go to spot and want to upgrade my heavy solid steel husky hatchet
You want the fiskars for any "real work/wood processing". I own 4 estwings for the brutal construction/landscaping hard use work, at which they excel. I have used the Fiskars as well & it's an outstanding piece of kit. I'm hard on these tools & using them in real world conditions, the Fiskars handles are nearly indestructible & my favorite of the several fiberglass handled striking tools. Their lifetime warranty/customer service is excellent.
...my brother owns the version of this hawk with the spike opposite the bit. I've used it a few times, it's a ton of fun, although very inefficient in "wood processing".
I could see this hawk being potentially useful in game processing, albeit probably less so than a big knife... even as a limbing tool it's mediocre.
...looks cool, feels great... That's about it for me though, as far as it's utility as a tool.
That's my .02, hope it helps 👍
i like the chogan
Enjoy your reviews. Good content but please hold the items still so we can see what they look like.
Bruce McConnell will work on that thanks
Bruce McConnell Just look up picture of it on goole
Need a camp axe
Cool factor for sure, but an RMJ that's Not sharp? The end is near 😎
Been waiting for this
My hawks I got from CRKT were extremely dull and I had to sand the handles to make them fit and for some reason they still come loose after a couple of hits on wood I also have Cs tomahawks yes they came dull and the handles didn’t fit but after sharpening and sanding the handles no problems with them and I do find the cold steel does hold an edge longer than the CRKT for me the CRKT doesn’t hold an edge very well very disappointed in these tomahawks you would think for the price they would be better. Cold Steel may come with a cheap cover but at least they do come with a cover whereas CRKT you buy the hawk then you have to buy the sheath your paying twice I figure that’s a total rip-off
hope your doing good man keep up the good work
I hate hawk handles, they lack the knob at the end which means you're always cramping your hands up and makes your arm muscles tire out very fast compared to an axe. Also, you don't need to spend 2-3 hours on a stone if you start out with a file :)
Gvynar Elmoss I was going to say this very thing. Much like simple work machetes, use a file to get the most steel off. Learn to roll the file for convex edges.
Great Idea!
Another great review! Looks really good.
Go with the H/B forge tomahawk made out of 1095 and for extra cash a sheath for the head might have too wait a little cause there handmade plus I don't really like 1055 steel myself or go with the small forest axe from gransfors bruks comes razor sharp with leather sheath it can do more and faster more expensive but u get what u pay for
Guidance enhance merchant prepare egg seize ship.
Guessing ur dads gonna know if he watches ur videos
I really really wish you young men instead of focusing on making a new video sharpen them tools up with a set of files and get out really work with them and learn some skills because far as making kindling to get a fire started it should be with minimal effort whether you're camping or bringing in some wood for the fireplace just saying not only sharpening our tools but our knowledge and our skill levels as well Brothers!
You are talking about tomahawks like hatchets. Hatchets are a camp item and tool. A Tomahawk was created by the Algonquin people and is a war weapon. Yes you can use them for other things here and there but a hawk is carried for self defense just as a knife or club. I'd appreciate if you could speak of hatchets as hatchets and tomahawks as weapons as that is the actual truth. Thank you.
First