American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk Review

This video shows the LaGana Tactical being

run over by a truck without being damaged.

Upon seeing the American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk, I was immediately impressed. I have to say that this tool is 100% designed as a melee weapon.

The head, modeled after Peter Lagana's Vietnam Tomahawk (carried by select forces in the Vietnam War), is drop forged vs cast, and has 5 cutting edges: 2 on the blade and 3 on the spike. The nylon handle is pressed into the head and secured with a hex type bolt at the top. The blade edge is a full 3".. they are advertised at 2.75" but mine has a full 3" blade face. The spike is a little over 3/4" at its widest point.

The nylon handle is oval in shape to better fit the hand and has some raised cross hatching on it for grip, but overall feels a little bit slick to me. With gloves on it is much better, but I think in a bare hand that's a bit sweaty, it might be a bit slippery. I'm thinking about drilling a second hole about half way up the handle and securely wrapping it with 550 cord. The handle has a lanyard hole at the bottom as well.

The Lagana Tomahawk also comes with a well-made nylon sheath that is LBE, LBV, MOLLE, Belt, and Sling compatible.

*The American Tomahawk La Gana Tactical Tomahawk (VTAC) model is now officially issued to all Stryker vehicle teams currently deployed in Iraq. In 2001, the LaGana Tactical Tomahawk ("VTAC") was tested, approved and released for safety within the Multi-Utility-Digging-System (M.U.D.S.), the brainchild of Combat Development, Clothing and Individual Equipment. Later, in preparation for the invasion of Iraq, the VTAC was purchased by, and issued to, units using their own operational funds. Early access to the VTAC was the result of the MUDS program.

The VTAC was issued a National Military Stock Number and classified as "Class 9 rescue kit" as a result of the Rapid Fielding Initiative. Known as the "Modular Entry Tool Set," some Stryker units issued one to every Soldier.

After Action Reports have referenced the tomahawk's use in theatre, and list among the chores accomplished: Non-explosive dynamic entry Extraction/Extrication, obstacle removal, CQB--room clearing, lock/hasp removal, ventilating fuel drums, opening ammo crates, digging fighting positions, personal defensive tactics and I.E.D. salvage and rescue. The versatility of the tomahawk is only limited by your imagination.

Army Ranger units deployed in both Afghanistan and Iraq are also using the tomahawk.

The American Tomahawk Company's "VTAC" ("Vietnam Tactical Tomahawk") is in use by the US Army Stryker Brigade in Afghanistan, the 172nd SBCT Team based at Fort Wainwright, the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort Lewis, a Recon Platoon in the 2-183d CAV (116th IBCT)(OIF 2007-2008) and numerous other soldiers. The VTAC was issued a National Stock Number (4210-01-518-7244) and classified as a “Class 9 rescue kit” as a result of a program called the Rapid Fielding Initiative; it is also included within every Stryker vehicle as the “Modular Entry Tool set”. This design is enjoying something of a renaissance with US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. *

* From Wikipedia

For more information or to buy the American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk, click the link below.

American Tomahawk VTAC Lagana Tomahawk

All Comments are Welcome and Appreciated.