Little Ball of Hate

I don't believe I've seen a thread about this on here, so I figure I'd start one. This thread is intended to share information or resources that would be useful in a survival situation. That includes wilderness survival, urban survival and self defense, plus wh**ever else you'd like to share. I'll start off by introducing you to a nice little tommyhawk. It's made by Browning. Not as fancy as some other combat tomahawks, but it does one thing, and it does it very well. It's designed to get close to someone and cause maximum mayhem. It also has a very affordable price. What do you think of this little beauty?

Super Dave Loc: Realville, USA

I think that if Benjamin Martin had had one of those, the Brits would have had their asses kicked out of American months more quickly.

Little Ball of Hate

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Yep. It would definitely do a number on someone.

Loki Loc: Georgia

Cold Steel makes a better one for about $25. Actually, they make 2 different versions, both of which have carbon steel heads and will take a razor edge if you desire, although I don't know why anyone would want a fragile edge on an impact weapon.

Little Ball of Hate

A carbon steel head? Does that mean there is more than one piece? I like the Browning because it's a single piece of high carbon steel. I didn't like the grip, so I removed it and put something else on it. Much better. This thing is tough as nails. It's smaller, but still has some considerable heft. For close combat, it would be hard to find something better. It will also last forever, because of it's single piece 1055 carbon steel construction. Mostly, I love it for it's size and ease of use. I would feel comfortable taking on multiple opponents with this baby.

Loki Loc: Georgia

Technically, all tomahawks have 2 pieces, a handle and a head. This is so the head can be removed and the hawk can be used for skinning game, etc. a little more handily. I did not realize the Browning was carbon steel construction. I thought it was another one of those cheap stainless pieces of crap. I still like the Cold Steel. Mine takes a shaving edge, and is fairly lightweight. They make several different versions.

Little Ball of Hate

Well. There's no accounting for taste.
:hunf: ;) :twisted:

Loki Loc: Georgia

Tell the t***h, I have a very well made Kukri, (not one of these crappy $60 imitation ripoffs ), and it is incredible. I had a cheap one, and thought they were all crap. The Good ones will cost well over a hundred bucks. Some more than $200, but these are handmade in Nepal and one of similar quality made in the US would probably run around $800-$1000.
Google torablades.com, or Himalayan Imports. Some of the Kukri House offerings are good also, but some are crap. My point being I would rather have the Kukri,probably.

Little Ball of Hate

I was lucky enough to get one of those Bowie knives made from pattern welded steel.

Kuo Chang-shi Hand Forged Folded Damascus Wootz Steel Bowie Knife with Rosewood Handle. Here's what it looks like. It's one of my most prized possessions.

Loki Loc: Georgia

This is not my kuri, but is very close. (I have no way to take a picture of mine ). This one is very similar. Differentially heat treated so that the spine is about a Rockwell of 25, hardening through the breadth of the blade to about 60 at the edge. The Chauda, the little cut out at the base of the blade, acts like springs in a car, combined with the heat treatment, to make the blade much tougher while maintaining the very hard edge. I have heard all sorts of s**t about "religious significance" and other explanations for the chauda. Maybe there is something to them. Shock absorber is the best one I have found.

Little Ball of Hate

Yep. Someone pulls one of those on you, you don't argue. You say yes sir. Sorry sir.

Loki Loc: Georgia

A good Bowie is nothing to sneeze at, but I have some mobility issues that sort of make a dedicated fighting knife a waste of time and money in my case. That's why I carry a gun. My knife and tomahawk/hand axe choices are impelled more by utility than by effectiveness in a fight. With a gimpy leg, knife and axe fighting is kind of a non-starter for me. The kukri, though, is a ferocious fighting knife. Especially the more expensive ones that don't weigh a couple of pounds apiece.
One word of caution about Cold Steel Kukris; if you are going to spend that much money on a kukri, get a tora blades. They cost a little more than the Cold Steel, and you will probably wait a couple of months, but they are worth it. The sirupati style is the most versatile, I think, although they make a version that is basically the same as their WWI issue that is nice. Oh yeah, almost forgot. I had a buddy who is a welder braise on a little single hilt to keep my fingers from sliding up on the blade. It's unlikely given the geometry of the handle, but why take chances? I believe that hilt came from Atlanta Cutlery, who sells knife making supplies.

Little Ball of Hate

Unless your opponent has a gun, it's been my experience that they usually take one look at the knife and run away. Trained British soldiers actually ran away from African natives armed only with knives. :twisted: And THEY had guns.

Loki Loc: Georgia

A gimpy old bastard with a gun is a little more frightening than a gimpy old bastard with a big knife. With a .45, I don't have to chase your ass.

Little Ball of Hate

:shock: :shock: :shock: