Some low level research turned up some info to the effect that the tomahawk was used by American forces in Vietnam, and is also now being used in Iraq. The usage it has been put to was listed as an entry tool / weapon and also hand to hand fighting.
Col Rogers of Rogers Rangers fame was an advocate of them as well, apparently urging his men to close with the enemy after an initial musket volley and use their 'hawks.
I was wondering if anyone here could direct me a book or preferably a web article that gives informatoin on how one would use a tomahawk in combat. Was it a case of hack and slash wildly or were people given some formal training in the use of their tomahawk?

I did find one link that lead to the topic of tomahawk use by the native Amercian tribes Tthe link got caught up with a chap who took some bad press for his claim that he was intorducing a long lost native American "martial art". He was pilloried quite a bit for this [and other actions] and I would not wish to get dragged into that.

Hope you can help me

hello Malcolm

Cold Steel has a video that teachs you how a tomahawk can be used in combat. I've never watched the video but i hear its a good way to learn how to fight with a hawk.

hope that helps :)

Crazy Crow (yes, the folks that sold you beads when you were a Cub Scout) has a small book on the topic.
http://www.crazycrow.com/Merchant2/merchant.m...54-150-000

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I have not read it, so cannot attest to its helpfulness.

The 'tomahawk' goes way back to the germanic Franks. Among the fist written mentions is Greogorius of Tours who mentions the 'franscisca'.
You can probably find a wéalth of information on this handy multipurpose 'throwing axe' if you look anywhere within the 15 centuries of history of the 'tomahawk'.

I particularly liked the descriptions of the germanic Franks all throwing their axe on command at close range while attacking their enemy. The mass of projectiles landing just before the impact of the attack. Véry effective.

peter