How sharp does a tomahawk need to be

[sooter76]

Like my knives, my tomahawk is a weapon as much as a tool and I keep it as sharp as I can get it.

 

[old ugly]

if the hawk is going to be thrown at a wooden block the more angle the edge the more likely it will bounce out. long thin edge will stick better.
if you are going to split wood with it then it is better to have the edge with a more angle.
I have been on some trails that the blocks are pretty hard and the hawks bounce rite out.
ou

 

[wrichi]

:thumbsup:
Absolutely sir

 

[wrichi]

Dear sir
We use crushed stone powder, spread on a smooth wood flat to sharpen our edged tools. Crushed stone powder over the wood flat sinks in and works as a grinding wheel with embedded stone powder.it help to make a real sharp edge in tools like knife, hatchets, machetes and hawks. sharpness stay longer in this method. We never use files or grinding wheels for this purpose, as the sharpness fade away quickly.only black smiths use them, when we take tools to them.
Forgive me for my English.
Thank you sir.

 

[wrichi]

Dear sir
Long tapered sharp edges suits the need for cutting and steep tapered sharp edge suits the need for splitting.
Thank you.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Fairly sharp. They need to stick to score. Not all wood targets are created equal.

 

[kingsax26]

I didnt see it mentioned BUT...if youre going to sharpen your hawk/axe with a file...remember....FORWARD strokes only! Ive seen more than one person fudge up the cutting edge with a back stroke

 

[Mad Irish Jack]

A dull axe (HAWK) is as useful as an unloaded firearm. More nasty scars can be seen that were caused from dull knife, hawk and tool carelessness. A dull edge rips rather than cuts. The reality of throws is that the edge cuts as the blade embeds; It doesn't puncture. If thrust, it punctures; a rotation cuts/slices.