Having a specialized tool like a tomahawk in your pack can come in handy in a lot of ways. Just like a knife, a fire starter, or a first aid kit, there are several functions specific to a tomahawk that might not be achieved with non-specific tools. The most common uses for a tomahawk include chopping wood and breaching, but we will get into that in a little bit.
In this review, I will be going over the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk. We will look at the features of the tomahawk, some pros and cons, what people think about it, and some common questions to see if this tomahawk is a good addition to your survival pack.
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Gerber Downrange Tomahawk Review
Material:
The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is made of 420HC steel with Cerakote. It is made to be resistant to breakage.
Grip:
The handle has Desert Tan G-10 composite scales for grip.
Sheath:
The sheath that comes with the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is made of nylon and is Molle compatible. It can be attached to a pack, webbing, or body armor.
Axe Head:
The axe head is made in the USA and includes a prying handle which is fully integrated with the axe head itself.
Pry Bar:
The handle of the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk doubles as a pry bar.
Hammer Head:
The axe head of the tomahawk doubles as a hammer.
Easy-Carry Cutout:
There is a cutout on the axe head that allows for easy carrying and removal from pack and/or other carrying locations.
Edge:
The blade-edge of the axe head comes sharp and is very durable. The edge is high quality steel and easy to maintain.
Coating:
The Black KG Gune Kote across the entirety of the tomahawk provides extreme durability
Pros and Cons of the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk
Pros
- Integrated pry bar in the handle
- Integrated hammer in the axe head
- Integrated prying handle in axe head
- Prying handle can be used for carrying and removal as well
- Made of durable 420HC steel
- Steel is coated for extra durability
- G-10 composite scales provide excellent grip
- Sheath is durable and Molle compatible
- Axe head is sharp, durable, and easy to maintain
- Axe head is made in USA
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Nearly impervious to bending or breaking
Cons
- Price is comparatively high, although the quality is great
- Molle sheath is cumbersome
- Integrated pry bar makes handle heavy. This disrupts the balance of the axe.
What are People Saying About the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk?
After purchasing the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk, most people have great things to say about the quality of the product. It is no secret that this tomahawk can withstand some pretty serious abuse. The most common first impression is that this thing is tough. The pry bar and handle are very durable and cannot, by any means, be easily bent or broken.
The grip on the handle of the Downrange is awesome and very aesthetically pleasing. The attributes of the tomahawk are meticulously thought out, making this a very efficient and streamlined addition to a pack or kit. People often notice, upon receiving the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk, that it is very sturdy and easy to attach or carry. The main complaint that people have is that the quality of the sheath does not match the quality of the tomahawk itself.
This, however, does not affect the over all sentiments that people hold for the product. The only other negative aspects that people have pointed out is that the cut-out on the axe head combined with the weight of the pry bar makes the handle heavier than the head, and that the nylon sheath could stand to be a little bit more formidable. The overall opinion held about the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is that it is a strong, functional, and streamlined tool that makes a great addition to tactical gear and survival packs.
Questions We Get Asked Regularly
Q: What is ‘breaching’? What does breaching have to do with tomahawks?
A: The term breaching, in this case, is used to mean entering a barricaded area by use of force. There are some survival or tactical situations that require ‘hacking apart’ or dismantling doors or well-fortified areas. A tomahawk such as the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk can be used to break doorways, pull nails, pry doors, or break apart items that block a necessary pathway.
Q: Is the Gerber Downrange effective in chopping wood for firewood or shelter construction?
A: Yes. This tomahawk is designed for that as well. The hammer can also be used to drive small wedges as well as nails.
Q: Is the grip attached to the handle firmly?
A: Yes. The grip is secured in such a way to prevent loosening.
Q: Can the axe head be sharpened with a grinder?
A: Yes. It is actually recommended that a grinder is used if the blade edge is chipped or significantly dulled. A sharpening stone can also be used.
Verdict
The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is a great addition to a survival or tactical kit. The best thing about it is that it can be used in several different ways to accomplish multiple tasks. The most prevalent purpose, however, is to breach barriers and cut wood for fires or shelter. Carrying a tomahawk or axe can eliminate the need to use a survival knife for batoning wood, thus extending the life of your tactical knives.
Even though this tomahawk is a bit more expensive than other options on the market, the quality of this one definitely compensates for the price. Hopefully, this overview has helped you to decide whether the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is the right tool for you. Happy breaching!