The average tomahawk has a blade up to 4 inches wide at the cutting edge and a handle from 14 to 20 inches long.
Weights run from half a pound to three pounds.
The average throwing hawk weighs a little less than two pounds. A forged blade is preferred as it can be readily sharpened with a file and will take considerable abuse without breaking. Handles, however, are not as forgiving and should be considered, at least to some extent, expendable items. This is especially true during the learning period. The sides of the handle should be thinner.