CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
The SOG Tactical Tomahawk was designed to be used more like a machete in the jungle than a standard hatchet, but it does surprisingly well on the trail and at camp due to the swooping shape of the head and the integrated hammer and pick. The fiberglass handle is great choice in materials as it absorbs shock instead of sending it into your hands and arms. SOG even went as far as to wrap the neck in a metal band—something you might find on a splitting maul—in a successful attempt to prolong the life of the hatchet.

EASE OF USE
Though the SOG Tactical Tomahawk performs terrifically on the trail and at camp, it won’t chop large pieces of wood easily or split wood unless it’s kindling. Where it shines is in preparation: clearing brush at camp, prepping kindling for the fire, digging holes, moving hot coals, and hammering stakes. Lightweight and perfectly balanced, I’ve been taking it with me on hikes and camping trips for over five years without fail. 

EASE OF TRANSPORT/CARRY
The standard nylon sheath that comes with the SOG Tactical Tomahawk is a bit of a cumbersome time-bomb that I’ve had to stitch back together more times than I care to mention. It also doesn’t offer much in terms of ways to lash it down; save for one slot on the back. A couple of years ago, SOG came out with a hard nylon sheath which eliminates this issue but at an additional cost. 

STEEL QUALITY/EDGE RETENTION
Unlike traditional axes and hatchets, tomahawks usually have a sharper edge. In the case of the SOG Tactical Tomahawk, this sharpness makes the tool more universal by allowing you to cut through brush and any other sinuous obstructions in your path. I’ve sent the bit of this bad boy through a lot of trees, scrap wood and brush and only had a bad experience when I hit a nail; and nicked the bit. That was user error—after five years, the SOG Tactical Tomahawk has been sharpened twice and is still a reliable tool in the outdoors.  

DURABILITY
The included nylon sheath aside, the SOG Tactical Tomahawk is built to last. You’ll have no problems digging holes, cutting kindling and will find it a reliable tool for your camp needs. The fiberglass handle, the coated-420 stainless head, and the hardware are hard to beat.