fsuoutdoors
32 Cal
If price is of no consideration….who would y’all say are the top 5 or so of the FINEST frontier style tomahawk craftsmen? Interested in both camp and throwing styles. Just would like to know who are the best in the nation!
The Absolute Best Tomahawks
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For frontier style, which I have to assume you mean HC/PC, there is no best. Only good, bad, or not worth mention.
fsuoutdoors
32 Cal
historically / period correct
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I make a pretty good tomahawk, but my forging teachers that makes great tomahawks ( which are some of the best in the country) are Rich McDonald, Bart Dellinger and Joe Seabolt.
I have learned alot from them. (I am in Bart Dellingers tomahawk forging class at the end of April). Two others I know but never was able to make any tomahawks under their tutelage Is Butch Sheeley and Bill Keeler also known as Beaver Bill.
Bart, Rich and Joe all live here in Ohio and you can find them on sites like Hershel House's site and Skills of the 18th century. Butch is in NY I believe and I don't have contact info for Beaver Bill. Any of those 5 would make you that absolute best tomahawk you are looking for.
Ohio Rusty ><>
I have learned alot from them. (I am in Bart Dellingers tomahawk forging class at the end of April). Two others I know but never was able to make any tomahawks under their tutelage Is Butch Sheeley and Bill Keeler also known as Beaver Bill.
Bart, Rich and Joe all live here in Ohio and you can find them on sites like Hershel House's site and Skills of the 18th century. Butch is in NY I believe and I don't have contact info for Beaver Bill. Any of those 5 would make you that absolute best tomahawk you are looking for.
Ohio Rusty ><>
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fsuoutdoors
32 Cal
Thanks for the info!
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Simeon England
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Yep Simeon has really made a name for himself.
I will say beaver bill makes a mighty fine throwing hawk.
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Even if you get into the high art engraved with precious metal inlay types, there still is no best, only a mix of excellent artisans. You have to choose for yourself. You may be better off seeking out the ones you would not want.
Brokennock
Cannon
I don't know if he comes on this forum anymore but @Paranger has been making some excellent period correct tomahawks of multiple styles based on actual period originals he has gotten his hands on or archeological finds that he has gotten specs for.
But, if actual historical authenticity is not really your concern and you just want something that looks "right" at a distance or glance,,, and is tough to destroy,,,, buy a Cold Steel brand tomahawk. Get one of the smallest heads they offer to be the closest to historic accuracy, tomahawks were light and fast weapons at the time, not bushcraft tools. Their so called "Rifleman's 'hawk," is way too big and heavy.
The heads are near indestructible,,, handles of any tomahawk can and do get broken.
But, if actual historical authenticity is not really your concern and you just want something that looks "right" at a distance or glance,,, and is tough to destroy,,,, buy a Cold Steel brand tomahawk. Get one of the smallest heads they offer to be the closest to historic accuracy, tomahawks were light and fast weapons at the time, not bushcraft tools. Their so called "Rifleman's 'hawk," is way too big and heavy.
The heads are near indestructible,,, handles of any tomahawk can and do get broken.
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Fitzhugh Williams
40 Cal
As far as historically correct goes, some years ago a friend of mine, who was a collector, managed to obtain a tomahawk head excavated at Braddock's battlefield on the Monongahela. He sent it to Jeff Miller and had three copies made, one for himself and one of each of his sons. I called Jeff and told him to make four and send one to me. It is an exact copy, but in not pretty or impressive. Just historically accurate. If it were on a table at a gun show, I doubt if anyone would pay it any attention. I also have an original French axe, but again, not impressive. It all depends on what you want.
The best for overall camp use may not be the best for throwing sometimes they are just too heavy. I have one for both uses, a Blackhawk for camp use and a Hawken shop for throwing.
CaptainVane
Colt ‘51 & Remington ‘58 .36; Colt ‘48 .31
Are you talking for working or display? Cause no way Im using a tommy from a top 5 guy to hack wood at a campsite.
Can't go wrong with an H&B
Vital question, AND I might also point out that original hawks were banged-out by the thousands. They weren't even 100% steel with wrought Iron having a steel bit welded into them for cutting. A highly crafted 'hawk out of fine steel might be a 20th or 21st century thing....,
LD
I don't know what exactly you are looking for, but 2 Hawks (2hawks.net) makes a might-fine tomahawk.
Tallpine forged me a sweet mouse hawk from a rr spike. Not a throwing hawk but give me 5 to 10 seconds and I will introduce you to your great grand parents..
Ill second the recommendation on H&B, had mine since mid 1980's hasn't failed me yet!
smoothshooter
50 Cal.
Troy Christianson at Thunderhead Forge in Faribault, Minnesota. He made my 18th century boarding axe and my son’s blade poll hawk. I’ll post photos tonight.
They take and hold an edge like nobody’s business!
Jay
They take and hold an edge like nobody’s business!
Jay
