The Best Tactical Axe For The Money

Welcome back guys, it’s your favorite outdoorsman, John, back again with another in-depth review to keep you chopping with confidence.  Today we are going to examining what it takes to be crowned the best tactical axe for the money.  Tactical axes are great for digging foxholes, opening security doors, and fending off intruders.  Even if your schedule doesn’t include any epic Viking battles, you can still enjoy the overall usefulness of these blades.

The Best Tactical Axe – Why You Need It

Tactical axes are designed to take abuse under a wide range of use scenarios.  Everything from prying doors, to battling gladiators, falls into this unique blades scope of operations.  I use my tactical axe for carving tent stakes and clearing brush.  I find it to be far more effective than a fixed-blade tactical knife when dealing with dense terrain.  Tactical axes are effective at chopping wood but most are designed to hack away at all types of materials including glass, drywall, and car steel.

The Best Survival Tomahawk – Tactical Axes

Tactical axes come in a variety of unique shapes, sizes, and designs that make it better suited for combat scenarios.  Tactical axes are slightly larger than hatchets because they need to be able to breach doors and hack through walls.  The majority of these blades have some multi-tool function such as a hammer, pry bar, or pick, incorporated into their design.  The best tactical axes come in a full tang design that adds to their overall strength and durability.

I prefer to carry a 13″-15″ medium sized tactical axe when I’m out in the wilderness because it gives me a great balance between size and cutting power.  Any larger than this and you are going to have problems swinging it around for extended periods of time.  I have seen many a camper burnt out from trying to swing a normal size axe to clear trails.

When I look for the best tactical axe for my needs, I am more concerned with the quality and functionality rather than the lethality.  Soldiers and Vikings will probably have a different perspective, but no matter what your tactical axe chops, you need to make sure you get a reliable blade that can handle the abuse.

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There is a lot of important factors to consider when choosing the best tactical axe.  How much will you be using your axe?  Are you going to be chopping trees or walls?  Will you be breaching doors or hacking brush?  Are you a weekend warrior, or a professional soldier?  Depending on the answers to these questions, you may be able to find a suitable blade for your needs without breaking your bank.

The Best Tactical Axe – My Top 5

There are literally ten pages of tactical axe manufacturer’s, and despite this competition, the majority of tactical axes I tested fell far below my quality standards.  After weeks of trials and testing I happy to report that I have narrowed the search down to 5 tactical axes that are worthy of the title “the best tactical axe for the money”.  Depending on what you have planned, any of these blades will be able to give you the added protection and usability you are looking for.  These are my top 5 picks for the best tactical axe.

Hardcore Hardware Australia LFT-01 Tactical Tomahawk Black G-10

hardcore-hardware-australia-lft-01-tactical

Hardcore Hardware Australia LFT-01 Tactical Tomahawk Black G-10

 

The Hardcore Hardware Australia LFT-01 Tactical Tomahawk utilises D2 steel to give you the added cutting power your desire.  I like the black Teflon finish on this blade.  It looks great and it protects the axe from moisture.  The total weight of this axe is 1 pound and the handle is made of  G-10, adding to the overall durability of this blade.

Pros

  • D2 Steel
  • Teflon Finish
  • G-10 handle
  • Speed Holster 

Cons

  • Balance

A serious woodsman requires a serious axe, and this blade fits the bill.  The Kydex Speed Scabbard TecLok gives you quicker access to your blade when you need it most.  It’s no surprise to see that this awesome axe comes from the outback, were the wilderness demands respect.  If you need a professional grade axe that is designed to handle intense environments and prolonged usage, you should consider adding this tactical axe to your equipment.

Condor Tool and Knife TRT (Tactical Rescue Tomhawk), Paracord Wrapped Handle, Black Leather Sheath

condor-tool-and-knife-trt

Condor Tool and Knife TRT (Tactical Rescue Tomhawk), Paracord Wrapped Handle, Black Leather Sheath

 

The Condor Tool and Knife TRT (Tactical Rescue Tomhawk) provides the average outdoorsman access to a reliable tactical axe at a great price point.  This axe is constructed from durable 1075 High Carbon Steel.  The handle is wrapped in paracord to give you added survivability in the wilderness.

Pros

  • 1075 High Carbon Steel
  • Paracord Handle
  • Replaceable Soft Pads
  • Great Price Point

Cons

  • Weight is in the Handle

Condor Tool & Knife has been in  business since 1787 so that lets you know they know what they are doing.  This blade is no exception to that legacy.  You get a lot of chopping power from a lightweight frame with this axe.  I wouldn’t recommend this blade if you are actually deploying to a battlefield, but for civilian use, it’s great.  This is a smart buy for the weekend warrior looking to take their camping to the next level.

Gerber Downrange Tomahawk

gerber-downrange-tomahawk

Gerber Downrange Tomahawk

 

The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath that allows it to attach to packs, webbing, and body armour with ease.  This is professional grade tactical axe designed to keep you safe in a war zone.  The sturdy 420HC Steel  gives this blade better cutting capabilities and the hollow head reduces the overall weight dramatically.

Pros

  • 420 Steel
  • Cerakote Coating
  • G-10 Composite Handle Grips
  • Prying Handle
  • Desert Tan
  • Hammer

Cons

  • Does Not Arrive Sharp from the Factory

The modern battlefield is filled with scenarios where a tactical axe can assist you in completing your mission.  This is one serious mil-spec blade that can do everything from cutting through a wall, to knocking hinges off doors.  If you are a professional that requires unwavering reliability, this is the tactical axe to consider.

Columbia River Knife and Tool 2725 Kangee T-Hawk Tomahawk with Spike

columbia-river-knife-and-tool-2725-kangee

Columbia River Knife and Tool 2725 Kangee T-Hawk Tomahawk with Spike

 

The Columbia River Knife and Tool has a unique axe and spike head combination designed to give you a wider range of functionality in the wild.  The single-piece forged design gives you the added strength you need to chop through thick doors and walls.  I like the balance and performance of this blade; I think the manufacturer got it perfect for my needs.

Pros

  • Single-Piece High Carbon Steel
  • MOLLE-Compatible
  • Well Balanced
  • Tapered-Edged Blade

Cons

  • Does Not Come Sharp

This axe comes with MOLLE- compatible Kydex Sheath that can easily attach to your gear or vest.  The length of this axe is 13.75″, making it a great size for portability and usability.  If you are planning some serious outdoor adventures this axe can be a great companion to have by your side.  The overall durability and competitive price of this unit make it a strong contender for the best tactical axe for the money.

Smith & Wesson SW671 Extraction and Evasion Full Tang Tomahawk TPE & Steel Handle

columbia-river-knife-and-tool-2725-kangee

Smith & Wesson SW671 Extraction and Evasion Full Tang Tomahawk TPE & Steel Handle

 

The Smith & Wesson SW671 Extraction and Evasion Full Tang Tomahawk gives you the advantage in hostile environments.  The 1070 High Carbon Steel gives this blade added chopping power when you need it most. I like the balance on this axe and I have always been a fan of Smith & Wesson products.  I think they have a winner with this axe, the craftsmanship is superb, and the overall reliability is excellent.

Pros

  • 1070 High carbon Steel
  • Black TPE Overlay Handle Slabs
  • Belt Sheath

Cons

  • Heavy

I like the ergonomics of this blade.  The handle feels comfortable in your palm and the shape of this axe gives you more control over your swing when chopping.  It’s a little heavy (2.69lbs) for some situations, but when you have the room in your pack, it’s a great tool to have.  If you are in the market for a heavy-duty blade, that can handle the tough jobs, this is the perfect tactical axe for you.

The Best Tactical Axe – Final Thoughts

Choosing the best tactical axe for your needs is easy once you know what to look for.  If you are like me, you may opt to own a variety of axes.  This helps me to guarantee the perfect fit for any job.  For most people, any one of these axes will be sufficient.  Tactical axes have been shaping the battlefield for centuries, and from the looks of things, they are here to stay.  It would appear the Vikings had it right all along.

Once again my fellow outdoorsman, John here, keeping you informed and up to date on all your tactical and outdoor needs.  Be sure to check back in soon.  We are always discussing the newest and best equipment to keep you safe and on point in the wilderness.

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