United Cutlery UC2836 M48 Ranger Hawk Axe with Compass

by United Cutlery

• 8-Inch blade length
• 15-1/2-Inch overall length
• Precision cast 2Cr13 stainless steel axe head
• Nylon reinforced handle with 30-Percent fiberglass

Product Description

This M48 Ranger Hawk is the ultimate tactical tool. It is lightweight to be carried all day without added muscle fatigue and the blade of the M48 Ranger Hawk offers a wide, upswept axe blade for mammoth chopping, slashing and cutting potential. The axe head is constructed of precision cast 2Cr13 stainless steel. When combined with the backside of the head, the spike and axe head make for an efficient personal defense and breaching tool as well as a great camping tool with an extremely fast chopping edge. The blade is securely attached to the sturdy nylon reinforced handle with 30-Percent fiberglass, with three separate bolts and black nylon cord wrapping. It comes complete with a nylon snap button sheath that also houses the included directional compass.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars M48 Ranger Hawk w/compass January 26, 2012

By Mikeal M.

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a superior Hawk! It seems that United Cutlery actually listened to the reviews and has tried to improve their product. It is about the same price as the traditional M48, but has been upgraded with 7cr17 stainless steel instead of the original aus-6. 7cr17 is comparable to 440c with Gerber being the main user of this metal, while aus-6 is comparable to 440a which is a slightly lesser grade. They also have included 550 paracord around the handle, which is one of the most frequently recommended things done upon recieving the older M48. I took it a bit further and unwound a length of the paracord to make a wrist strap. I got rid of the D-ring and replaced the compass with my old military all metal one. The supplied compass suprised me in the fact that it is a very close copy to my military compass. The bad part of it was that they had decided to make it all out of plastic. It works very well, but it doesn't seem to be built for really rugged use. The hawk has a nice two-tone finish, olive drab handle mixed with the black head. Same 30% fiberglass reinforced handle and looks great. So, to sum it up, same M48 style hawk but with improved metal, a compass and a cool color scheme. Paracord for improved grip is awesome. Sheath has snaps on the bottom so you just pull the hawk straight down to release it. Sheath also has velcro straps on the back, but also has regular belt-like loops for a more secured hold. To me, this was definately an upgrade for the traditional M48 Hawk, and for almost the same price, you can't beat it. Shipping from Jalic was fast and accurate.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I tried to break it and failed February 22, 2012

By Troy Fortner

Amazon Verified Purchase

I was looking for a small survival pack axe and this is what i came up with. It may not be its intended purpose but it works great. It has a curved edge and that makes it a good chopper, an unwanted tree in my backyard shows the evidence. Its not full tang, but I dont think that compromises its ruggedness. If your looking for a tacticool survival throwing hawk at a good price than look no further.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Defective Handle October 24, 2012

By Zack B.

Amazon Verified Purchase

This tomahawk is cool, to look at. This tomahawk is not cool if you actually try to use it. The first time i went to use it, the handle snapped in two. There is a large air cavity right where the handle broke, just above the finger nubs, and right below where the interior steel handle stopped. This might be a small incident, where a defect like this might happen. I dont know. I hope the seller refunds my money or replaces it.