This is based on the information discussed in the Modern Marvels episode Axes in 2005.

The Tomahawk: A Versatile Tool and Weapon

The term "tomahawk" is derived from Algonquian words like tamahaac or otomahuk, meaning "cutting tool" or "to knock down." Originally, before European contact, Native Americans crafted tomahawks from materials readily available in their environment. These early versions featured heads made of sharpened stone, bone, or antler, securely fastened to wooden handles with rawhide or plant fibers. These tools were essential for a wide range of tasks, including hunting, daily chores like chopping wood and preparing food, and as a formidable weapon in hand-to-hand combat. Its lightweight and balanced design made it easy to carry, wield, and even throw with precision.

With the arrival of European settlers and traders in the 1500s and 1600s, the tomahawk underwent a significant evolution. Europeans introduced metalworking techniques, specifically steel and iron, which revolutionized the tomahawk's effectiveness. The metal heads, initially based on European trade axes or even Royal Navy boarding axes, were far more durable and efficient than their stone predecessors. These "trade axes" quickly became a crucial commodity in exchanges between Indigenous peoples and Europeans.

Over time, the design continued to evolve. By the 1700s, some axes began to incorporate a hammerhead or poll on the side opposite the blade. These metal tomahawks were not only functional but often decorated with silver or brass, increasing their appeal as trade items and diplomatic gifts.

The Pipe Tomahawk: A Symbol of Peace and War

A particularly unique and iconic development was the pipe tomahawk, which gained popularity by the 1800s. This innovative design combined the functionality of an axe with the cultural significance of a smoking pipe. These beautifully crafted artifacts featured a hollowed-out handle, allowing it to function as a pipe, with a bowl on the poll (the blunt end opposite the blade).

The pipe tomahawk was a distinct North American creation, primarily produced by European and American artisans for trade and diplomatic exchanges with Native American tribes. It embodied a powerful symbolism: one end represented the "pipe of peace," signifying diplomacy, negotiation, and treaties, while the other end, the axe, represented the potential for "war." This duality underscored the complex and often volatile relationships between colonizers and Indigenous nations on the frontier.

In essence, the tomahawk, from its humble origins as a stone tool to its refined metal forms, and especially its symbolic transformation into the pipe tomahawk, served as a testament to both ingenuity and the intricate cultural and political dynamics of early North America. While its role as a primary weapon diminished with the widespread availability of firearms, the tomahawk's legacy as a versatile tool and a powerful historical artifact continues to resonate.

Ryan also mentioned that the 1800s had a strong tobacco culture and the frontier was rough on standard pipes resulting in  a lot of breakage.  Someone realized that a truly durable pipe could be built into a tomahawk.

In the 2005 "Modern Marvels" episode "Axes," custom tomahawk designer Ryan Johnson, known for his work with RMJ Tactical, offers insights into the history and evolution of the tomahawk, including the unique pipe tomahawk. Johnson's perspective emphasizes both the historical significance and the functional aspects that have made these tools endure.

The Tomahawk: An Enduring and Adaptable Tool

According to Ryan Johnson, the tomahawk is an "old, old design that has stood the test of time." Its longevity stems from its remarkable versatility and adaptability. Historically, the tomahawk was a multi-purpose tool crucial for survival and daily life. It served as a cutting and chopping tool for wood, a practical implement for various chores, and a formidable weapon in close-quarters combat.

Johnson highlights a key feature of traditional tomahawk design: the ease with which the head could be removed from the handle. This "drop-in style handle" was not just a convenience; it was a practical advantage. It meant that if a handle broke in the field, a new one could be quickly fashioned from available wood, allowing the user to remain functional. This design also made the tomahawk easier to pack and transport. The tapered eye of the head and the tapered handle ensured that the head wouldn't fly off during use, relying on friction rather than wedges or glues that could be affected by changes in humidity or wood shrinkage/expansion.

Johnson, as a modern designer, also acknowledges the continuous evolution of the tomahawk, applying modern engineering to centuries-old concepts. He notes that contemporary tactical tomahawks, which he designs, are engineered for high performance, with features like differentially hardened cutting edges that can withstand significant impact while maintaining sharpness.

The Pipe Tomahawk: A Symbol of Complex Relationships

While the "Modern Marvels" episode likely touched upon the broader history of the pipe tomahawk, Ryan Johnson's specific contributions to the discussion would likely underscore its dual nature. The pipe tomahawk combined the destructive power of an axe with the cultural significance of a smoking pipe, symbolizing both war and peace.

The construction of the pipe tomahawk, with its hollowed-out handle and a bowl on the poll of the axe head, exemplifies a unique fusion of practicality and cultural expression. These items were often meticulously crafted and served as important diplomatic gifts and trade goods between European settlers and Native American tribes. The ability to use the same object for both conflict and negotiation made the pipe tomahawk a potent emblem of the complex and often contradictory relationships on the North American frontier.

In summary, Ryan Johnson's insights in the "Modern Marvels" episode portray the tomahawk as a testament to effective design, showcasing its enduring utility and adaptability from ancient times to modern tactical applications. The pipe tomahawk, in particular, stands out as a unique historical artifact embodying the intricate balance of conflict and diplomacy that shaped the continent's history.