Use of Tomahawks for survivalists
By Joseph Parish

We all are familiar with the type of axe commonly known as a tomahawk. This tool or better referred to as a weapon traditionally resembles a large hatchet but with a straight shaft for its handle. Its name originally was derived from the 17th century translation of a Virginian Algonquian’s word. Tomahawks were usually used as a general purpose tools by the Native Americans as well as the early European Colonials.

In the North American Colonial French areas a slightly different version of the tomahawk was employed by both the French settlers as well as the Indigenous Peoples within the area. The British army began to issue tomahawks to the colonial regulars as late as the 18th Century. This practice continued on up to the American Revolutionary War.

Since 2001 the American Tomahawk company has been manufacturing and selling their ever popular “Vietnam Tomahawk”. Yes, you guessed it – the tomahawk was in fact used by the American Special Forces groups such as the Rangers during the Vietnam conflict thus the derived name of “Vietnam Tomahawk”. SOG Knives Inc. saw the increased popularity and decided to create their own versions of the older "Vietnam Tomahawk" known as “Fusion Tactical Tomahawk”. Keep in mind that the original "Vietnam Tomahawk" is extremely rare and highly expensive.

As we mentioned the American Tomahawk Company's “Vietnam Tomahawk” version is still in use today and is very popular with the American Army’s Stryker Brigade located in Afghanistan, as well as the 172nd SBCT Team from Fort Wainwright, 3rd Brigade, the 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, as well as a Recon Platoon associated with the 2-183d CAV.

For those who may be interested here is a bit of trivia concerning the VTAC’s National Stock Number which is 4210 01 518 7244 and it is classified as “Class 9 type rescue kit”. This item is standard in every Stryker vehicle. It is known as a “Modular Entry Tool kit”.

It is making a rapid comeback with the American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan as a tool and readily used in hand-to-hand combat. The tomahawk's military use includes non-explosive entry, removal of obstacles, removal of lock/hasps, opening crates, fuel drum ventilating, personal defense as well as IED removal.

So a quick review of its potential makes it an ideal weapon and tool for every survivalist and truly has its place in our BOV’s.

Copyright @2008 Joseph Parish