American Tomahawk Company drop-forges heads from 1060 carbon steel because it hits the sweet spot for impact tools - enough carbon for edge retention without the brittleness you get from higher alloys. Heat-treated to 56-57 HRC, the heads take abuse without chipping while staying sharp through extended camp tasks. You can sharpen in the field without specialized equipment, and the steel won't fracture when you're breaching or batoning.
What's the difference between hickory and nylon handles?
Tennessee hickory absorbs shock better and provides traditional heft, making it ideal for serious chopping or throwing. The grain structure flexes under impact rather than transferring energy straight to your hand. Nylon handles are lighter and impervious to weather - they won't swell, shrink, or rot. Both are secured properly, but hickory gives you that classic feel, while nylon is purely functional. Neither will fail under normal use.
Who actually owns ATC now?
RMJ Tactical acquired American Tomahawk Company in 2019 to continue Peter LaGana's legacy from the original Vietnam-era VTAC design. Ryan Johnson and Richard Carmack brought modern manufacturing while preserving the heritage geometry. Everything's still forged in Tennessee, sheaths are made in-house from Kydex or leather, and the lifetime guarantee remains. The partnership with Readyman's Jeff Kirkham expanded the lineup without diluting what made the original VTAC a legitimate military tool.
Are these actual working tools or tactical gear?
Both. The Model 1 and Model 2 see duty with military units, firewood processing, and shelter building for bushcraft users. The spike or hammer poll provides breaching capability or camp utility, depending on your needs. These aren't display pieces—the 1060 steel and proper heat treatment mean you can run them hard.
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