How to Choose a Throwing Hawk

Throwing "hawks" are better known as throwing tomahawks. Tomahawks are weapons of a by-gone time and are now modified designs based on the tools used by Native Americans. Throwing hawks are used today by recreational users and hobbyists. When selecting a throwing tomahawk, look at two different criteria: the handle and the head. Handles come in wood or cast metal; heads are either attached to a wooden handle or are part of a single piece of cast-metal.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the weight of the tomahawk. Keep the weight between 1/2 to 3 lb. The heavier the throwing hawk, the quicker your arm will fatigue during throwing sessions. Lightweight tomahawks keep the arm from tiring but are a bit more unwieldy when throwing.

    • 2

      Choose handles with thin sides at the grip. Consider the cost of replacing a wooden-handled hawk as you may break one or two during the learning phase.

    • 3

      Check the cutting edge of the head. Select a throwing tomahawk with a blade no more than 4 inches. For beginners, keep the blade between 3 and 4 inches.

    • 4

      Choose forged heads or blades for both cast-metal and wooden-handled hawks. A forged blade lets you file down the edge when it becomes dull.

    • 5

      Feel the balance of the hawk and look down on the head. Make sure the head looks like a tear-drop with the blade being the tip of the imagined tear. The balance should tip just above the top one-third of the handle.