Axe Head For Making Hawks

[dwain]

I was wondering if anyone has cut a full size axe head in half to make a hawk or other handled tool? I was thinking this might be a good way to get a piece of steel for a good start on a hawk or some other project. Would I be able to cut an axe head in half with a metal chop saw? If not, what would be a good way to cut it in half? Should I take the temper out of it before starting? I have a propane forge I could get it red hot in. Thanks for any help or ideas.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

While what you are considering is possible, it is not really a good idea. The hole will be wrong, and you will gain little in economy over starting with a solid piece of steel. You would be better off to either use a ball peen hammer head to forge a hawk from, or get a piece of 1050,5160, etc. Whatever you use, you will have to anneal it before any cutting. A metal cutting band saw is the simplest way to cut it up.
Stacy