SF Tomahawk Fighting - Psychology of Axe Warfare 

I'm an American with Cherokee Native ancestors . I own and use a tomahawk as part of my essential gear . It's both a very good tool and weapon . I've never had to use it against another man . But I've used it to clear fallen trees blocking countryside roads after storms , used it to process firewood , processed animals for food , and even used it to cut vegetables . As shown in the film The Patriot , tomahawks were very important tools and weapons to American people both native American and Colonists . In dense forest combat when muskets and arrows failed , the fighting became hand to hand . This is where the tomahawk ruled . Major Robert Rogers , an American veteran of the French and Indian War , wrote Roger's Rule of Ranging and created what would become the US Army Rangers . In his Rules he required his men to have a tomahawk or hatchet , sharp and serviceable at all times . It was an essential piece of kit in those days . In the 18th and early 19th centuries ownership of a tomahawk was seen as a symbol as being a warrior and leader among Native American people . Warriors would own a pipe for ceremonial smoking of tobacco and a tomahawk for war . The pipe and tomahawk would be combined as one , called a pipehawk , signifying that the weilder had the power to make peace or war . There is a term in American parlance "Bury the Hatchet" that means "Make Peace" . If I'm not mistaken , the word Tomahawk comes from the Iroquoian language group Tah-Mah-Hah-Ken , referring to a stone headed axe . The English and French brought steel axe and hatchet heads to the Native Americans as trade items , replacing the stone heads they used to make tamahaken . Thanks for the video , and Cheers , Mate !

Great video Rich. Several years ago I attended a self-defense seminar and during an instructors demo he said that the one weapon that people fear the most is an edged weapon. Thanks for sharing your experience. Looking forward to more discussions on edged weapons.

The Norman's were know for their axe warfare. They hurld the axe at the enemies and run behind it.the axe tumbles in an unorthodox manner the enemy could not time,and would get cut or thumped by the handle as it skipped accross the battlefield. The Norman's would retrieve thier axes and finish the job

One thing that my son and I have worked out (using rubber trainers) is to have a knife in your "off hand". The weakness of a tomahawk alone is that your opponent can rush in and get past the head, and go for close in fighting. The Bowie knife in my left hand, makes it very uncomfortable should they attempt that.

I was just looking around youtube for fighting tomahawk vids and yours is the first, the irony is you are using the same Cold Steel Trench Hawk that I train and teach with, its a fantastic piece of kit. Many of my fellow martial artists and military prefer a smaller handled weapon, but I love the 19 inch Trench Hawk, and utilize it at very close range. I have brought many people around to its value, with the application I teach. Contrary to what Rich says, it is a very sophisticated weapon in the right hands with the right training. It can be used very ,effectively in a very dynamic way, trapping with both the beard (bit) and the spear, slicing, filleting, puncturing and stripping, leveraging with handle and smashing with both the head, side face and butt of the handle. As I said prior, only of course with the right training, conceptual understand of the motion, and physical geometrical understanding, otherwise you will get tied up in knots. Salute.

Brilliant as always, Rich.

Hey Buddy, quite interesting thoughts that you bring up - thank you. As a long-time axe-user for timber production and bushcraft, i am glad to hear you Point out some aspects of the weapon character. Good Video..

Please can we have more videos on this subject matter 😎👍

I can see why the barbarian or viking gets so much associating with axe warfare. Like you said the aggression and then following the space you need to unleash that. Whereas roman legion warfare you notice packed in incredibly tight formations with shields and no gaps. So spear and short swords became the weapon of choice. As an individual a spear and an axe over a sword any day. But with a well trained group....id want shields spears and swords. Polearms being an awesome blend to deal with the heavier armor...spear with spikes and axe ends to help deal with even more scenarios.

Good advice bro, very good presentation.

The axe is the one weapon and tool I will bring as a backup weapon hell iv killed a wild boar with ome so I know the damage they can afflict

Its good to know that the tool you use in camping can be used to protect yourself from danger .

Thank you. Awesome video.

Good vid Rich, well explained

1:39 gentility not to be confused with genitility

Yes. I do have an affinity with the axe.

So what is the difference between an Axe and a Hatchet ?

Civilization began because of this invention.

Awesome thanks man

I almost never use this type of hawk except for outdoor stuff. If it was a combat situation I would use a ball peen hawk/peace pipe hawk. Doubles as both an axe and warhammer making it very effective at dealing damage through light armor or exposed areas. Great video though and excellent advice.

My ancestors used these on the plains of North America, we don’t use them anymore like this if at all..but pretty cool to see the use of them non the less

Any chance you might be going to the abbey medieval festival? Lots of axe and sword fighting. It might interest you.

What kind of hawk is that? I gotta couple SOG fast hawks for throwing practice but need a good full size hawk. Preferably full tang

I enjoy throwing a tomahawk but would never do it in a fight.... Unless I had 2 Tomahawks lol. If i did fight w one I would have to go berserk. But thats gonna be me w any melee or edge weapon as I am no pro

Same applies with hammers?

I would like to ask if you would recommend one of these tomahawks that I will mention? I'm thinking of buying one. First of is two RMJ's. The "Jenny Wren" & "3D Syndicate Raven". Or better, which RMJ would you go for? Second is the two Spyderco's, "SzaboHawk" & "Warrior Hawk". The third option for me is something I truly dream of. It's the Winkler & Sayoc, "WK SnD Full Size Axe". Don't know if I should go for Micarta, Walnut, Maple or Rubber handle? He also have "Tribel Treatment" for better grip, leather wraps on the grip points. I know there's cheaper alternatives, but I do love art and beauty but also it must be as useful as can be, best possible. Maybe you have some other options as well? Hope you can use some of your pressus time to help me out a bit. I'm happy with more than one option. This will be my first tomahawk, so it will mean a lot for me if you could help me choose. I'm thinking of collecting, so if you give me several options, I will have something to follow in the future for my next buy and so.😊🙏. Most sincere Thomas Aasen, Norway

I fought hard in a re-enactment group called Islendiga. We battled for years in a controlled environment...but we did proper battle. We trained a good six months before pulling our first blows. Pulling blows means you train and train with axe or sword or spear and you learn to attack with what appears to be full force...but you pull your blow at the last second. We did Moomba festival in Melbourne Australia and I died ten times in the street that day....each time believable because we learned when to pull our blows to make it safe and when to let loose and kind of kill each other. My axe...from 15yrs ago I still have mounted on a wall. An amazing tool...wood processing, shelter building, primary or secondary defense pending your scenario. Kudos

I have to show my brother these vids and am I able to get you dvds in the states

Great American Weapon... Used in the American Revolution and Vietnam !!!

Aggressive aggro way. Overwhelm. Great force... This video could've been 15 seconds.

This is not a fellow to mess with, with or without a tomahawk in his hands. With a tomahawk I wouldn't want to be within 50 ft of him even with a firearm.

At the end of the day an axe is just an improvised weapon and to quote someone 'the axe looks like a great weapon, until you have to use it'. Too many disadvantages for me.

When you wield the Tomahawk gently it makes you look Feminine..lol...lol.. Not taken away from women who use tomahawks..lol..but it is meant to be a direct aggressive combat weapon.

I would have thought you would have used a better hawk than a cold steel. Almost every hawk made is better.

You have an accent..... what could you possibly know? Lol