French Spiked Tomahawk #3

As an art piece, curly maple.
But as the instrument of war it was designed to be, hickory, ash, or plain maple would seem more fitting.

Do we have an idea of what originals we're hafted with?

Regardless of wood chosen, looks to be some mighty fine forge work.

So few true tomahawk period hafts survive, it’s tough to make generalizations. But… generally… hardwoods from the region of manufacture/use. 

My recent research reveals this… among native cultures, the tomahawk held a special place of reverence. Especially pipe tomahawks. These were weapons and held spiritual significance. As such, ornamentation was common. For any native, reasonably figured wood would likely be appropriate, as would the ‘tool’ hardwoods. Carving on the haft or file work on the head, inlays on both head and haft, and - for certain cultures - tacks or beaded drops were common. Pure utility wasn’t the point of a native tomahawk. 

White use of ‘true’ tomahawks - belt axes and hatchets were often called a “tomahawk” in the period and continues to this day - seems to be much more limited. If a NY provincial or New England militiaman was armed with a “tomahawk”, it was likely what we call a belt axe today. Thus, this form was multi-use and was likely hafted with ‘tool’ hardwood from the area. Ash, hickory, fruitwoods, etc. If an English or American Ranger or militiaman was in a financial position to own a single-purpose weapon like a true tomahawk, he would have been of the class, possibly an officer, that could afford finer things and you may see fancier woods and inlays, etc. My research of French and Canadian use of tru tomahawks is exactly… nothing. 

For JJ’s spike hawk…. Ash would be appropriate if it’s native to New France. I’m unclear on the range of the various ashes. Certainly maple would be appropriate and is known to have been utilized for both native- and white-used goods produced or repaired in New France. 

I’d personally lean to the curly maple as the most PC choice unless it’s the stuff contemporary longrifle owners have wet dreams over. 

According to collector and professional authenticator Mark Miller, the vast majority of spiked tomahawks were locally blacksmith-made rather than imported, which accounts for their great diversity as well as their relative absence on trade lists.