One thing about 18th century reenacting that everyone enjoys is the acquisition of material.....particularly those items that are of such quality, they will last a lifetime of actual use and will become an heirloom over time. One such item is the Ft. Turner tomahawk. Ft. Turner makes some of the finest hawks in the business. Hand forged one at a time, their hawks come in a variety of styles and sizes. Their Iroquois tomahawk is a favorite with 18th century reenactors as is the Roger's Rangers hawk. According to their website, the Rangers hawk is a favorite with active duty soldiers on the front lines of today's battlefields. The more things change, the more they stay the same!
After feeling the razor sharp edge of my Iroquois hawk, I would not want to be on the receiving end of it. I had to wait about 6 weeks for mine to show up, but it was well worth the weight. This is not a cheaply made monkey-metal POS made in some village, but a hand crafted, professionally made tool that will withstand actual use day in and day out. The handles are all made from hickory, fire hardened and finished with a satin lacquer finish which brings out the grain beautifully. Currently, the Iroquois hawk is running about $50 and it's well worth every penny. They still make them one at a time and military orders take priority, so be prepared to wait a bit. You won't be disappointed!
In the past, I find that my belt knife and hawk get the most use during a weekend encampment. Tomahawks are perfect for cutting thick branches for shelter poles, making kindling, cutting up root vegetable and even fighting off hostiles from time to time. It's one of those tools that once you have one you will wonder how you ever got by without it. I wouldn't go into the woods without mine now...even when we go 21st century camping! I always bring a hawk along with me.....granted I get some funny looks from the campers next site over, but it cuts down on small talk on their part when they see a hawk tucked into my belt!
Ft. Turners website is http://www.fortturner.com/index.html
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