UTC Engineering Design Lab Supervisor Ryan Johnson of RMJ Forge in Hixson will be on an episode of “Modern Marvels: AXES” on the History Channel. Johnson, a UTC alumnus, began forging knives and tomahawks at age 11. He specializes in creating authentic replicas of historical tomahawks.
In 2001, Johnson was commissioned by members of the 820th Security Forces to design a tomahawk that featured 18th century lines and 21st century engineering – a tomahawk for modern combat use. Soon after, the Eagle Talon Special Forces Tomahawk was in use on the battle grounds of Afghanistan. Now, under the name RMJ Tactical, hundreds of these tomahawks are now being manufactured and used by elite soldiers around the world, as well as stateside rescue personnel and law enforcement.The program is scheduled to run:
Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 8 at 12 a.m.
Sunday, May 11 at 6 p.m.
This description of “Modern Marvels: AXES” is on the History Channel website:
“The axe is one of the world’s oldest, most dangerous and efficient cutting tools. Watch as competitive lumberjacks chop through 12-inch logs in a matter of seconds. Visit one of the nation’s largest axe manufacturers to see hot metal forged into a modern axe. Take a swing with a Vikings’ battleaxe and then see which knight would win in a fight of sword versus axe. Learn why the Native American tomahawk is making a comeback as a modern tactical weapon. Finally, see how the classic fireman’s axe has evolved into a trailer full of high tech rescue tools.”
“Not only am I thrilled to be featured on the History Channel, but I am also honored to be recognized as a noteworthy component of the history of American axes,” Johnson said.“I truly believe that through RMJ Forge and RMJ Tactical, respectively, we are doing two things: we are making tomahawks that made history, and we are making tomahawks that make history.”
