Gear Review: SOG Tomahawk

We’re big fans of SOG gear, as you may know from reading our gear reviews. Anything that was borne in the jungles of Vietnam for Special Operators has a pretty solid lineage, and their gear, by and large, is solid.

The SOG Tactical Tomahawk definitely serves it’s purpose, but in our opinion isn’t as versatile as some of their other gear like the SOG Survival Hawk , SOG SEAL Strike and their other varied tactical lights and packs. This tomahawk has a 420 stainless steel head with a 2.75 inch blade, covered in an anti reflective black oxide coating. On the head it also has a checkered surface for hammering, and a spike on the back.

The handle itself is ballistic polymer, virtually unbreakable, and well balanced for throwing – however, it is a tad light at just 24 ounces. While this is great for a loadout, the throwing applications require a bit of practice and skill. The handly also has recessed grooves to increase purchase, but lacks any texturing or paracord wrapping to make the purchase a bit more positive. It also comes with a canvas sheet that you can attach to gear, and ride on a diagonal to keep out of the way of your other kit. This axe is backed by a one-year warranty that protects against defects in manufacturing and materials.

Now overall, it’s a fine little piece of kit for the price, however, it is limited in it’s applications as stated. The head is secured to the shaft securely, with a steel brand and bolts, but is nowhere near full tang. For throwing, not a problem – the best Navajo tomahawks weren’t full tang either, but they were designed to throw and hack at close quarters. This would do either of those, but as far as a breaching tool or survival item, not so much. Their Survival Hawk it better for those types of applications, and also comes with a fire steel. Moreover, the blade is rather small, just over 2 inches, for survival applications like chopping firewood or crafting a shelter. It’s also, in my opinion without comprehensive testing, not robust enough for a breaching operation.

Overall, the SOG Tactical Tomahawk a fun piece of kit to throw and good to have on a pack, but I would opt for something more robust for a survival scenario or breaching loadout like a SPAX or SP-8.

Pros, what we like: Lightweight, sturdy for it’s size, well balanced, and fun to throw, 

Cons, what we don’t like: A little to light for heavy chopping, not full tang. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Castiglione lives in Atlanta, and is an avid outdoorsman and competitive shooter.

Where-abouts include getting after it in his garage gym, practicing martial arts, hitting the trails, or running CrossFit and Strongman competitions for his non-profit, Barbells for Bullies, which holds fundraiser fitness competitions dedicated to aiding Bully breed rescues, dog rescues, or other non-profits with similar missions.

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