Axe vs. Tomahawk: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
An axe is a larger, versatile tool primarily used for chopping wood, while a tomahawk is a lighter, smaller tool originally used by Native Americans for various purposes including combat and utility.
Key Differences
An axe is a traditional tool featuring a heavy head with a wide blade, designed primarily for chopping wood. It is commonly used in activities like felling trees and splitting logs. Axes come in various sizes and shapes, tailored for specific tasks such as carpentry or firewood preparation. A tomahawk, on the other hand, is a lighter and more compact tool with a history rooted in Native American culture. It was used for combat, hunting, and general utility. Modern tomahawks have evolved into versatile tools used in survival situations and as tactical gear by military personnel.
Axes are generally heavier and require two hands for effective use, whereas tomahawks are lighter and often designed for one-handed use. This makes tomahawks more portable and easier to handle in various situations, including outdoor and tactical scenarios.
The design of an axe includes a larger, broader blade that is better suited for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping large pieces of wood. Tomahawks, with their narrower and often more pointed blades, are more adaptable for precision tasks like cutting, throwing, and even self-defense.
Axes are primarily seen in utilitarian roles, particularly in forestry and woodcutting industries, while tomahawks have gained popularity in modern times for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and collectors due to their versatility and historical significance.
Both tools have distinct historical and cultural significances. Axes have been essential tools in many civilizations for thousands of years, whereas tomahawks are specifically tied to Native American heritage and have been adapted for contemporary uses.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Chopping wood
Combat, hunting, utility
Size and Weight
Larger, heavier
Smaller, lighter
Blade Design
Broad, wide blade
Narrower, sometimes pointed blade
Handling
Requires two hands
Often one-handed
Historical Significance
Essential tool in many civilizations
Tied to Native American culture
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Axe and Tomahawk Definitions
Axe
A tool with a heavy, broad blade used for chopping wood.
He used an axe to chop down the old tree in the backyard.
Tomahawk
A light axe traditionally used by Native Americans.
The museum displayed an ancient tomahawk used by the tribes.
Axe
To terminate or dismiss suddenly.
The TV show was axed after its first season.
Tomahawk
A versatile tool used for various outdoor activities.
He carried a tomahawk for camping and survival tasks.
Axe
A weapon similar to a tool used in combat historically.
Medieval warriors often fought with axes.
Tomahawk
A tool used for throwing in competitions.
They practiced throwing the tomahawk at targets.
Axe
To remove or cut something drastically.
The company decided to axe several unprofitable projects.
Tomahawk
A weapon adapted for modern tactical use.
Special forces units often include a tomahawk in their gear.
Axe
A tool with a bladed, usually heavy head mounted crosswise on a handle, used for felling trees or chopping wood.
Tomahawk
A light axe formerly used as a tool or weapon by certain Native American peoples.
Axe
Any of various bladed, handheld implements used as a cutting tool or weapon.
Tomahawk
A similar implement or weapon.
Axe
(Informal) A sudden termination of employment
My colleague got the axe yesterday.
Tomahawk
To strike with or as if with a tomahawk.
Axe
(Slang) A musical instrument, especially a guitar.
Tomahawk
An ax used by Native American warriors.
Axe
To chop or fell with or as if with an axe
Axed down the saplings.
Axed out a foothold in the ice.
Tomahawk
(basketball) A dunk performed with one's arm behind one's head.
Axe
(Informal) To remove ruthlessly or suddenly
A social program that was axed to effectuate budget cuts.
Tomahawk
(geometry) A geometric construction consisting of a semicircle and two line segments that serves as a tool for trisecting an angle; so called from its resemblance to the American Indian axe.
Axe
Variant of ax2.
Tomahawk
(field hockey) A field hockey shot style that involves a player turning their hockey stick upside-down and swinging it so that its inside edge will come into contact with the ball.
Axe
A tool for felling trees or chopping wood etc. consisting of a heavy head flattened to a blade on one side, and a handle attached to it.
Tomahawk
To strike or cut up with a tomahawk.
Axe
An ancient weapon consisting of a head that has one or two blades and a long handle.
Tomahawk
(historical) To girdle or incise the trees around (an area of land) so as to claim ownership of it.
Axe
(informal) A dismissal or rejection.
His girlfriend/boss/schoolmaster gave him the axe.
Tomahawk
(basketball) To perform a tomahawk dunk.
Axe
(figurative) A drastic reduction or cutback.
Tomahawk
A kind of war hatchet used by the American Indians. It was originally made of stone, but afterwards of iron.
Axe
A gigging musician's particular instrument, especially a guitar in rock music or a saxophone in jazz.
Tomahawk
To cut, strike, or kill, with a tomahawk.
Axe
(finance) A position, interest, or reason in buying and selling stock, often with ulterior motives.
A financial dealer has an axe in a stock that his buyers don't know about, giving him an advantage in making the most profit.
Tomahawk
Weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American indians
Axe
(archaic) The axle of a wheel.
Tomahawk
Cut with a tomahawk
Axe
(transitive) To fell or chop with an axe.
Tomahawk
Kill with a tomahawk
Axe
To lay off, terminate or drastically reduce, especially in a rough or ruthless manner; to cancel.
The government announced its plans to axe public spending.
The broadcaster axed the series because far fewer people than expected watched it.
He got axed in the last round of firings.
Tomahawk
A symbol of peace or war in Native American culture.
The tomahawk was ceremoniously buried to symbolize peace.
Axe
To furnish with an axle.
Axe
Alternative form of ask
Axe
See Ax, Axman.
Axe
An edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
Axe
Chop or split with an ax;
Axe wood
Axe
Terminate;
The NSF axed the research program and stopped funding it
Axe
To shape or trim using an axe.
The carpenter axed the log into a rough plank.
FAQs
What are the primary uses of a tomahawk?
Tomahawks are used for combat, hunting, utility, and as a versatile tool in survival situations.
What is an axe?
An axe is a tool with a heavy, broad blade used mainly for chopping wood.
What is a tomahawk?
A tomahawk is a light axe traditionally used by Native Americans for combat and utility.
What are the primary uses of an axe?
Axes are primarily used for chopping wood and in forestry.
How are axes and tomahawks different in size?
Axes are generally larger and heavier, while tomahawks are smaller and lighter.
Can an axe be used with one hand?
Axes typically require two hands for effective use.
What is the historical significance of a tomahawk?
Tomahawks are tied to Native American heritage and have been adapted for modern uses.
How do the blade designs of axes and tomahawks differ?
Axes have a broader, wider blade, while tomahawks have a narrower, sometimes pointed blade.
Can a tomahawk be used with one hand?
Yes, tomahawks are often designed for one-handed use.
Is a tomahawk suitable for precision tasks?
Yes, tomahawks are more adaptable for precision tasks.
Which tool is better for chopping large pieces of wood?
An axe is better suited for chopping large pieces of wood.
What is the historical significance of an axe?
Axes have been essential tools in many civilizations for thousands of years.
Are tomahawks used in modern sports or competitions?
Yes, tomahawks are used in throwing competitions.
What is a common modern use of a tomahawk?
Tomahawks are commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts and in survival scenarios.
Do axes have any symbolic meanings?
Generally, axes are seen as tools rather than symbols.
Do tomahawks have any symbolic meanings?
Yes, tomahawks can symbolize peace or war in Native American culture.
Which tool is more portable?
A tomahawk is more portable due to its lighter and smaller design.
Are tomahawks used in modern military applications?
Yes, modern tomahawks are used in tactical gear by military personnel.
Can axes be used in combat?
Historically, axes have been used in combat, but they are primarily tools.
Is an axe suitable for precision tasks?
No, axes are better suited for heavy-duty tasks rather than precision work.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
