CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe - Lightweight Forged Camp Axe

In this review of the CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe the bottom line is simple: it is a purpose-built two-handed camp axe for outdoorsmen who want a traditionally styled tool that can handle real chopping and splitting tasks. Designed by Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, the Nobo pairs a hot-forged 1055 carbon steel head with a Tennessee hickory handle to deliver durability and edge retention in a familiar tomahawk silhouette, making it a solid choice for campers, backpackers who will car-camp, and anyone needing a dependable chopping tool.

Key Features

• Forged 1055 carbon steel: The hot-forged blade gives good edge retention and is tough enough for repeated chopping and batoning in camp tasks.
• Beard-style axe head: The more-than-chop beard design lets the head be used for controlled cutting tasks and provides better bite on wood than a skinny blade.
• Tennessee hickory handle: The dense, traditionally finished hickory tolerates hard use and provides a familiar, balanced feel for two-handed swings.
• RMJ Tactical design: Ryan Johnson's remake of the 18th century trade tomahawk blends classic form with practical modern engineering for outdoor utility.
• Limited lifetime warranty: The CRKT warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, offering peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Who It's For

The Nobo T-Hawk is best for campers, bushcrafters, and weekend woodcutters who need a real, serviceable axe for building fires, cutting rounds, and general camp chores. Its two-handed length and solid hickory handle make it suited to tasks that require power rather than ultralight packability.

It is less appropriate for long-distance hikers who must minimize weight, or for users wanting a multi-tool with many accessories; those buyers should consider lighter hatchets or folding tools instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust forged 1055 carbon steel blade holds an edge and withstands heavy chopping work.
• Well balanced two-handed design with a dense hickory handle for controlled swings and power.
• Thoughtful beard-style head shape expands cutting options beyond simple chopping.
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed experience with sharpness out of the box and occasional handle durability issues, so check the handle and edge on receipt.

Specifications

Brand	CRKT
Designer	Ryan Johnson, RMJ Tactical
Blade material	Forged 1055 carbon steel
Handle material	Tennessee hickory wood
Style	Two-handed tomahawk / camp axe
Warranty	Limited lifetime warranty

Our Verdict

The CRKT Woods Nobo Tomahawk Axe is a solid, traditionally inspired camp axe that delivers real chopping performance and a reassuring feel thanks to its forged 1055 carbon steel head and hickory handle. It represents good value for people wanting a capable outdoor axe for firewood and camp tasks, but buyers who need the lightest possible option or want guaranteed perfect edge and handle condition should inspect the tool on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the blade ready to use out of the box?
The axe typically arrives with a usable edge, but customers report mixed sharpness, so sharpening may be required for some units.

Can the handle withstand heavy use?
The Tennessee hickory handle is dense and durable for normal chopping, though a few users have reported rare handle breakage, so treat it as a working tool and inspect regularly.

Does the warranty cover damage from use?
The limited lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship; it does not replace normal wear from heavy use, so review CRKT warranty details on their site for specifics.