[Dillinger]

So that no good brother of mine already did some testing with your basic aluminum snow shovel. What I am going to test is the concave backside of a heavier gauge aluminum asphalt shovel that I found on the side of the highway. Free test material? Sign me up.

[Dillinger]

Both of these 'hawks have a serious back spike, but they seem designed for different purposes.

First up was the VTAC if for no other reason than it seems to be the smaller, underdog 'hawk in some of these tests.

I choose the back side of the shovel where it is formed to simulate having a roundish target like a shoulder protector and to see if either spike would glance off and be defeated by not having a nice flat surface to bite into.

Not only did the VTAC not get defeated by the curved nature of the target, it pretty much laughed off the test and went right through wthout any damage to the spike at all. While the penetration wasn't enough to get deep into the meat of the target, it was easily recovered and follow up shots would not have been a problem.

[Dillinger]

Trench Hawk's turn:

The CS had no problems glancing off or getting deflected either. It bit right in and went a shade deeper than it's competitor. There is no question that the more aggressive spike of the Trench Hawk is designed for more a wound channel, but when compared side to side from the opposite of the shovel, both wounds were very similar...

[Dillinger]

Second strike for each model, to see if there was any change, or if the first one was just a fluke hit.

Neither hawk flinched. Same results and both spikes were left without damage and were ready to go for more.

[Dillinger]

In comparing the shovel strikes you can see (4) pretty even holes in the mock armor that would have definitely compromised the unit and made it easier to get through. The VTAC was more accurate, but the Trench didn't have any problems either.

I still consider both of these weapons very good choices for the tests done so far.....

[RugerShootinGal]

JD I am really finding this interesting. I have been showing my son these pictures too and he is fascinated!! I hope you keep these tests up we both are enjoying it!!

[Dillinger]

Thank you RSG!

I can assure you both that Benning and I have a TON more tests left in this thread before we put it to bed. We still have door breaching, cinder blocks, chopping, throwing, handle tests, ICE and a few tricks up our collective sleeves.

The only thing you need to worry about is when is he going to ask you for one of the test models.

[RugerShootinGal]

I guess I better go look at getting me a Tomahawk!! Then me and my lil man can try what he would like for us to do. I am sure my son and I will have a blast it looks like fun.

[Dillinger]

Well for the money at this point I would recommend the Cold Steel Trench Hawk. I think the SOG has been a bit of a disappointment for Benning and the VTAC, while it's an awesome tomahawk thus far, it's about 3 times the price.

We still have a lot of tests to determine the clear winner though, so perhaps you can keep him distracted for a bit until we get done testing.

JD

[RugerShootinGal]

That is what I will do. We will keep watching and then decide good idea thank you JD!!