Who would win in a battle between the timeless weapon of the throwing axe and its modern counterpart, the tomahawk?
Throughout human history, different cultures have developed weapons to suit their own styles of warfare. In some cases, these tools can even seem like they are from two entirely different worlds. This is exemplified in the age-old battle between two ancient weapons: The Throwing Axe and its more modern counterpart, the Tomahawk.
The origins of these hybrids can be traced back to various cultures from around the world. Indigenous tribes in North America have used tomahawks for centuries while throwing axes and found their first home with Vikings, who spread throughout Europe and the Middle East, meant for axe throwing. Both these tools provide a convenient way to be effective melee weapons and useful ranged projectiles during battle.
But which of these ancient arms is more powerful? Let us explore the differences between throwing axe vs tomahawk axe to determine once and for all who comes out on top!
What is a Throwing Axe?
A throwing axe is a type of hand-held weapon designed for maximum accuracy and range when thrown. It can be used in close combat scenarios or to make ranged attacks, making it an incredibly versatile tool.
Throwing axes typically have one blade that tapers into a wedge shape at the end, with some having two blades – called double-bit throws or dual-sided throwers – these are very hard to come by and require a more specialized throwing technique.
Unlike traditional axes or tomahawks, throwing axe blades are typically made from higher-grade steel for better edge retention and strength.
Throwing Axe handles range in size – some can be handled with one hand, while others require two hands due to their weight distribution and the momentum needed when thrown. Commonly they have a slim handle which helps reduce drag as it moves through the air.
Additionally, throwing axe grips are defined by their design with lightweight materials such as wood or plastic, while specialized two-handed throws will have a thicker grip made from leather or cord wrapping for better control and accuracy.
What is a Tomahawk?
A tomahawk is a type of weapon that Native Americans used for hunting and warfare. The defining feature of the original design is its combination of an axe blade with a spear tip, giving it both cutting power and piercing capabilities.
Tomahawks tend to have longer hafts than axes or hatchets, allowing them to be thrown more forcefully despite their shorter blades which help keep weight down while retaining momentum.
Designs vary greatly between manufacturers, with many offering multiple colors and handle finishes for a more customized feel. Most tomahawks have become lighter due to their materials, such as stainless steel or titanium alloys, which retain sharpness while not sacrificing weight too much.
However, some heavier models are available made from traditional materials such as ironwood or walnut that tend to be favored by those looking for an antique look but modern performance standards.
Tomahawks often come in single and double-headed varieties – with the former being used as a throwing weapon and useful for camp tasks such as chopping wood or hammering tent stakes. The latter type of tomahawk axe is more common amongst historical reenactments due to its antiquated look but can still be easily tossed like any other axe when the time calls for it.
Throwing Axe vs Tomahawk Comparison
When it comes to hand-held weapons for range and accuracy, the debate between throwing axes and tomahawks can be an interesting one.
Both have advantages when used in different scenarios, so understanding what each is good at will help anyone decide which option offers more relevant results. Here we take a look at how these two popular tools compare against each other:
Head
The head of a throwing axe set is usually slightly smaller and lighter to provide increased momentum when thrown in an axe throwing competition. This makes it beneficial for long-distance throws as the additional weight helps propel the weapon further. This also means it must be forced in a different motion, rather than arm movement and rotation like tomahawks.
In comparison, the tomahawk axe head is much larger and heavier when compared to an axe-throwing competition. This makes them better suited for close-range combat as you can manipulate them quicker, giving you an advantage over opponents.
Handle
When it comes to head sizes, throwing axes tend to have a slightly smaller and thinner profile that reduces the risk of damage, even when hitting harder surfaces when axe throwing. Due to wind resistance at the range, this size can make them more accurate with less energy output needed from the user compared to tomahawks for penetrating target areas further away.
Tomahawk heads are usually thicker than their axe counterparts due mainly but not exclusively to having longer handles meant for redirecting heavier single handed axe heads while maintaining accuracy.
However, their heavier profile makes them slower to penetrate and more vulnerable by comparison when used in competitive environments like sports or target throwing since they are not as aerodynamic as an axe-head would be.
Construction & Weight
Tomahawks tend to be around 2 lbs in weight, so when it comes to construction, they are usually made from alloys or far lighter materials like wood. This could make them harder and sturdier if hitting a hard surface such as concrete walls but more likely to snap under pressure. However, their light weight also allows for more accuracy.
When it comes to the construction of throwing axes, they are typically 1 to 1.5 lbs in weight. They usually have a lighter feel due to the smaller head size and handle length, making them easier to grip when throwing.
The construction typically includes a steel- or metallic alloy, which gives it reliability when hitting harder surfaces such as logs in camp environments but makes accuracy more difficult due to its lightweight nature.
Durability
Tomahawks are known to be the more durable of the two, given their construction which is a combination of metals and fibers. This also makes them suitable for rigorous use, such as camping or hunting, where they can easily withstand wear and tear from multiple uses without denting, bending out a shape, or breaking down entirely. Their blade is tough and the tomahawk blade will better resist rust.
Conversely, throwing axes tend to have lighter handles made with metal alloys rather than fiberglass, resulting in decreased durability. This means that they won’t handle continuous usage like tomahawks do but rapidly deteriorate after several contacts against solid targets due to their vulnerability to impact.
The best throwing axe does have better materials than the average tomahawk, although, when talking about averages, tomahawks are better in this regard.
Pricing
Since tomahawks are built with sturdy materials and feature a greater weight, they tend to be more expensive than their counterparts. This means that the cost of owning tomahawks would generally have an increased financial burden when it comes to purchasing multiple of them or accessorizing as accessories for tomahawks usually come at a price.
In comparison, throwing axes offer great value on your dollar since you get good quality alloy construction coupled with lightweight handles, providing decent accuracy without breaking the bank in the process.
Despite being lighter in weight and construction materials, they remain strong enough to sustain multiple uses without major damage.
Versatility
Tomahawks are generally better suited for close-quarter combat, as their heavier construction can sometimes hinder range and accuracy.
They embody raw power when used in the right environment or against more forgiving materials like wood but aren’t typically seen outside those realms since they lack versatility compared to throwing axes that favor long-distance targeting and close quarters without compromising performance.
Throwing axes offer a balanced approach between tomahawk ballistic dynamics at shorter ranges while excelling further away, thanks primarily to its aerodynamic construction needed for axe throwing.
This makes them more fit for extreme versatility within both objectives—penetrating hard surfaces at close range and accurately hitting targets from afar regardless of wind conditions or the user’s skill level in terms of throwing motions efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are tomahawks good for throwing?
Tomahawks are the ideal survival gear for close-quarter combat due to their heavy construction, which can handle harder surfaces like concrete walls. However, they may lack accuracy and range when compared to axes since tomahawks typically have longer handles than axes making them less aerodynamic at greater distances. This makes it much harder to hit an axe throwing target.
Additionally, if used improperly in challenging environments such as extreme wind conditions or against harder materials that require a higher level of precision, then an axe-throwing alternative would be more suitable if you want to the axe throwing target.
What’s the difference between a throwing axe and a hatchet?
The main difference between a throwing axe set and a hatchet is the size of their heads. Throwing axes usually have smaller, thinner heads which are designed to be more aerodynamic to penetrate targets from farther away with greater accuracy than a hatchet’s thicker head would allow for at range.
Additionally, throwing axe handles tend to be shorter but still lightweight enough to reduce any turbulence during throws while providing superior balance when compared against hatchets’ heavy non-aerodynamic profiles that may not favor quick movements or accurate long-distance shots as efficiently–or at all.
Does the US military use tomahawks?
Yes, the US military does use tomahawk survival gear in certain specific tactical operations. Navy SEAL members generally use Tomahawk axes for excavation and deconstruction tasks (such as cutting down fences or breaking doors). They can also be employed to break open locks and other barriers without making much noise.
The U.S Army Rangers have been issued tomahawks since World War II and continue to include them on their list of essential tools today due to their reliable construction, superior portability, versatile uses, and weight balance about heavy-duty combative activities like traditional warfare scenarios.
Final Words
Both throwing axes and tomahawks have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different scenarios. Tomahawks are great for close-quarter combat due to their heavy construction but lack the versatility needed in a competitive environment.
While throwing axes offer excellent range thanks to their aerodynamic profile, they can struggle with penetration against hard surfaces as a trade-off of being lightweight and accurate when at longer ranges.
Overall though, both options offer great value for their price and could fill either role depending on specific needs or budget limitations. It all comes down to usage—if striking hard surfaces at close range is important, then a tomahawk might prove the better option while throwing axes make it easier to hit long-range targets with one’s current skill level.