Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk

Axes have served as a tool and weapon throughout history, from the dawn of toolmaking through today. The hand axe or tomahawk is a diverse instrument with multiple applications from general utility to tactical. It’s a true multi-mission tool. In a survival scenario, it can be your best friend.

Tomahawk is a derivation of the Native American Powhatan (West Virginia Algonquin) word “tamahaac.” The earliest English reference to the word comes from the early 17th century English explorer John Smith, founder of Jamestown, who indicated that it could mean axe or “war club.” Over time, the term came to denote metal trade axes rather than other forms. The metal tomahawk heads were originally based on a Royal Navy boarding axe.

Spyderco® has come out with a great new utility tomahawk called the Genzow HatchetHawk. The HatchetHawk was designed by German outdoor enthusiast Martin Genzow, who has extensive experience using all types of axes and tomahawks. He is also an avid historian. This definitely shows in the design of the HatchetHawk.

The HatchetHawk combines the best features of a classic Francesca (Frankish axe, used by the Franks during the Early Middle Ages), Scandinavian bearded axe, and tomahawk, along with state-of-the-art materials and Spyderco quality, to create an awesome new performance-oriented tool. The hybrid design offers superior functionality.

The HatchetHawk has a tough, one-piece drop-forged multi-function head made from 5160 tool steel. The head is ground and hand finished by Spyderco craftspeople to exacting specifications. It has an attractive satin finish.

An outstanding steel for a utility axe, 5160 is a high carbon and chromium spring steel. It offers users outstanding toughness, a high level of ductility, and excellent fatigue resistance. Strong and durable, it’s used extensively in the automotive industry for heavy-spring applications. Of course, any steel is only as good as its heat treatment, and Spyderco’s heat treatment is among the best in the industry.

The head of the HatchetHawk has a bearded bit with a 2.76-inch flat-ground cutting edge. For all-around utility, the head has a hammer poll/butt, which lets the HatchetHawk be used for tasks that require focused impact instead of a sharp edge.

The bearded bit maximizes the cutting edge for increased chopping performance while keeping the weight down. The beard also facilitates more precise control of the blade when needed by allowing the shaft to be gripped behind the head.

In a bearded axe, or Skeggöx (from Old Norse Skegg, beard, + öx, axe), the cutting edge extends below the width of the butt. Used as both a tool and a weapon, bearded axes date back to at least the 6th century. They are most commonly associated with Viking-age Scandinavia.

The bearded profile is complemented by a raised toe (top point) and slightly canted edge angle that provides a longer working edge. The contours of the head are designed to better distribute its weight for outstanding power, balance, and control. It reduces weight and drag during cutting without compromising strength, and provides a powerful wedge force when used for chopping.

The HatchetHawk has an injection-molded polypropylene haft/handle with an aluminum core for maximum strength and to provide a sturdy, lightweight grip. Polypropylene is a mechanically rugged polymer and has a high-chemical resistance. The aluminum core further strengthens the handle. Spyderco scientifically engineered the handle for optimal energy transfer and control in use.

The molded handle features an oval cross-section that’s designed to allow easy tactile alignment of the edge and hammer poll. The contours of the shoulder, belly, throat, and grip facilitate multiple grip options. The handle has a large flared butt for a secure grip, with a lanyard hole for additional security. The handle is electrically non-conductive.

The HatchetHawk has an overall length of 15.82 inches and weighs 25.1 ounces. Not only is the HatchetHawk comparatively lightweight, but I also found it exceptionally well-balanced and comfortable in the hand, making work easier and reducing fatigue. The efficiency of the head design and profile further contributes to this. The HatchetHawk came quite sharp.

The HatchetHawk comes with one of the best sheaths I’ve seen provided with any axe or hatchet. The hand-crafted sheath is constructed of thick leather, with two grommets that will accept a cord or strap for over-the-shoulder baldric-style carry, and a convenient belt loop that fits up to a 1¾-inch wide belt. The HatchetHawk is secured in the sheath by a snap-fastened leather strap. The edges of the sheath are glued and sewn with heavy nylon thread. A black padded heavy-duty Cordura® nylon carrying case with a heavy-duty YKK® zipper also comes with the HatchetHawk.

The Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk is an outstanding utility tomahawk. It provides the best qualities of time-tested historical patterns into a single design. The workmanship on the sample provided to me is absolutely top-notch. The HatchetHawk is a standout in a crowded field. It’s made in the USA, has a suggested retail price of $269.95, and is warranted by Spyderco against defects in materials and workmanship.

SOURCE

SPYDERCO
(800) 525-7770
www.spyderco.com

SPECIFICATIONS, SPYDERCO GENZOW HATCHETHAWK