3/15/2023 0 Comments Tomahawk axe![]() ![]() These days there are numerous axe and tomahawk designs. For the evolution of the axe head design, see here. Eventually, the modern axe and modern hatchet emerged. Over time, the hawk lost its role in warfare, and significant changes occurred to axes, such as the use of a heavy poll to counterbalance the bit, and a narrower, almost triangular eye. From a design standpoint however, a basic tomahawk is indistinguishable from an axe of similar size from the early period. Certainly a tomahawk would find itself put to use doing camp chores on a cold night, and similarly a belt axe would split an enemy’s skull as easily as it would split wood, but for collectors, how the tool was used can make a big difference. ![]() It is generally accepted by collectors that a tomahawk is a trade axe which was used for fighting. Because of this role, the main distinction from a historical stand point, between axes and tomahawks comes down to how the tool was used. The most obvious is the pike hawk, which has a blade on one side and a spike on the other. Very quickly, these small axes or tomahawks found a place as a combat tool, and different designs emerged to aid in that role. A tomahawk was a lighter version of that design, produced at very low cost and largely used for trading. You can see a good example of how early axes were made, and their design elements here. Prior to the innovations in axe design which occurred in America in the 1800s, axes were simply constructed, with a round eye, and virtually no poll. ![]() The reason for that is that tomahawks were literally shrunken versions of then existing European model axes. In fact, in this early period, the two terms were interchangeable, and referred to the same object.įrom a design and functional standpoint, a basic tomahawk from this early period is not distinguishable in form from an axe. The term tomahawk appears to be an Algonquian word for hatchet. Most were used for trade with Native American tribes, but were also used by explorers and outdoorsmen. In general terms, from a historical standpoint, a tomahawk is any small axe from the early American colonial period. One is the historical evolution and distinction between the tools, and the second is the modern definition of the two. When trying to differentiate a tomahawk from an axe or a hatchet, there are two things to consider. ![]()
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