Get ready to explore the Woodsman Hawk in a real-world camp situation. I have used this hawk for over one year and counting. This little gem packs a mean punch and shows no sign of tapping out!
James Helm
James Helm, champion of the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire,” forges steel like traditional American blacksmiths. He crafts tools, stock removal parangs, knives, tomahawks, and swords, all showcasing his commitment.
He became interested in blacksmithing at 15 through library research and online forums, starting to work with iron at 16 after acquiring a rivet forge and coal. His father’s entrepreneurial spirit with Helm Enterprises inspired him, so James named his own venture Helm Enterprises—Grinding Division.
Woodsman Hawk
James specializes in chopping tools. The Woodsman Hawk is a one-piece tomahawk that is more like a hatchet in weight and comes in two lengths—12 ½-inches and 15 inches. I chose the 12 ½-incher with ¼-inch thick stock in his preferred 80CrV2 steel. The Woodsman Hawk features a 3-inch bit (cutting edge). It has a Cerakote finish and TeroTuf Coyote Tan scales. It weighs 28 ounces.
This tool is easy to use with one hand and functions effectively with two. However, its short handle can make it dangerous to use without proper knowledge. When I chop or split, I always crouch low and support my work with sturdy wood or use the ground if necessary. I always remember where the sharp edge will land after a successful chop or split.
Woodsman Hawk Review
The first thing I always do with every cutting tool I receive is to check for sharpness by shaving arm hair. Every chopping tool should be able to shave hair from the factory; at least, that’s a good starting point. The Woodsman Hawk passed this test before ever going out to the great outdoors.
The second test I usually conduct is to evaluate how the edge geometry of the tool performs when shaving dry wood for fire preparation. Many people familiar with making feather sticks for starting a fire using a tomahawk, hatchet, or axe tend to grip the tool like a knife—this can feel cumbersome due to the excess weight and lack of control.
Instead, I prefer to find a sturdy log or stump, bury the heel of the hawk (the bottom area of the bit) into the wood, and steady it with one hand. Using the other hand, I draw back against the sharpened bit, allowing me to create remarkable wood curls.
There is a learning curve, but only a little. Moving the smaller/lighter of the two should always be considered when sharpening tools or making feather sticks.
Woodsman Hawk Splits
Small hawks and hatchets don’t split lots of big wood—they just don’t. So, we make tools to aid this task through wedges. That is correct; hardwood wedges must be carved to help split large pieces of wood. This is where the Woodsman Hawk shines, making tools to make camp life better.
A good saw is an all-around camp companion ready to lend a helping hand or take the reigns. Coupled with a stout chopper, they can undeniably be a force to be reckoned with. Use the saw to cut wrist to bicep-thick pieces to feed a small wood stove. Then, one-handed chops complete this task while chopping on a solid wood surface. Small wooden rounds could also be split easily with the help of a wooden baton. This method is safe and accurate since the blade is placed precisely where the split needs to be.
Woodsman Hawk Last Look
The little hawk felt more like a light hatchet and could perform all the same chores. The TeroTuf scales were comfortable and added grip while never being too aggressive on the hand. James was correct about 80CrV2 steel; I haven’t had any chips or rolls since I started using and abusing it!
For more information, check out Helm Grind.
SPECS:
| Overall Length | 12 ½-inches |
| Blade Length | 3-inches |
| Thickness | ¼-inches |
| Steel | 80CrV2 steel |
| Finish | Cerakote |
| Handle Scales | TeroTuf Coyote Tan |
| Sheath | Boltaron |
| Weight | 28 ounces |
| Made In | USA |
| MSRP | $300.00 (add $15 for sling) |
