The Spyderco Genzow HatchetHawk is a unique piece of gear that defies easy categorization. It's the result of a three-way collaboration between Spyderco, German bushcraft expert Martin Genzow, and Council Tool, a respected American axe manufacturer. This tool is designed to be versatile—acting as a knife, hatchet, and even a hammer. Its multifunctional nature makes it an intriguing addition to any outdoor or survival kit.
In this review, I’ll take a close look at the HatchetHawk as a standalone tool, then put it through field testing against the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet—a popular and similarly priced alternative. The goal is to see how the HatchetHawk stacks up in real-world scenarios.
*Note: Spyderco provided this tool for review. As always, The Prepared Promise ensures our reviews are honest and unbiased.*
**The Bottom Line:**
While the HatchetHawk is undeniably well-designed and interesting, it’s not ideal for most preppers. It requires precise technique and experience to use effectively. If you're not used to handling such a specialized tool, you may find it frustrating and tiring. The HatchetHawk is best suited for experienced bushcrafters who can fully utilize its unique features.
**Specs:**
- Overall length: 16 inches
- Head length: 6.14 inches
- Edge: 2.76 inches, flat ground
- Steel: 5160 tool steel
- Handle: Polypropylene and aluminum
- Sheath: Leather
- Weight: 1lb 9oz
- MSRP: $270.00
- Street price: $190.00
**The Head**
Manufactured by Council Tool in North Carolina, the head of the HatchetHawk is made from high-carbon 5160 steel. This material is tough and easy to sharpen, but it does require care to prevent rust. The edge is flat-ground and thin, which helps compensate for the tool’s relatively light weight. This design allows for deep bites into wood, even with less mass behind the blade.
The hammer poll is shaped to reduce weight and improve comfort when holding the tool in a choked-up position. The face of the hammer is slightly convex, which helps prevent bending stakes when struck at an angle. The edges and corners of the head are smoothed for comfort, though this also makes it harder to strike a ferro rod. The Spyderco signature hole adds a touch of branding but serves no functional purpose.
**The Handle**
The handle is made from polypropylene and features an aluminum core for rigidity. While comfortable and durable, synthetic handles lack the replaceability of traditional wooden ones. If the handle breaks, finding a replacement in the field could be challenging. However, the design is ergonomic, with a fawn’s foot shape that allows for a secure grip when choking up on the tool.
**The Sheath**
The leather sheath is beautifully crafted, with clean stitching and practical features like a belt loop and grommets. While aesthetically pleasing, it’s bulky and doesn’t fit my preferred carry style. I ended up making a custom leather pouch that was more convenient and less obtrusive.
**Field Testing and Use**
Over the past year, I’ve used the HatchetHawk for small camping tasks and compared it to the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet. While the HatchetHawk has a sleek design and quality materials, it didn’t perform as well in real-world use. The synthetic handle transmitted more shock to my hands, causing fatigue quickly. The thin, flat-edged head required precise strikes to work effectively, which was difficult for someone without extensive experience.
In contrast, the Wildlife Hatchet offered better shock absorption and was easier to control, even with off-center hits. For most preppers, the traditional design of the Wildlife Hatchet is more practical and user-friendly.
**Conclusion**
If you’re an experienced axeman or bushcrafter, the HatchetHawk is worth considering for its unique design and craftsmanship. However, for the average prepper, a traditional wooden-handled hatchet like the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a better choice. It’s more forgiving, easier to use, and more repairable in the field. While the HatchetHawk is impressive, it’s simply too specialized for most people’s needs.
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