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C.S. Pipehawk to Pollhawk

hawkhead

hawkhead

Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
1,277
The C.S. Pipehawk did not interest me when I first saw it, that is until I really looked at it. I bought a couple to modify and I started with my trusty files and a new bucket of elbow grease. Theseare a few pics of the Pollhawk (as I now call it) in progress.
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Wow, very cool mods!

I've been thinking about take some metal off my trail hawk. How long does a file last while grinding away? Is there a way to tell when the file is shot?
 
Hi Shotgun, If your file is well made and properly used there's no telling how long it will last. Some of my files are over 60 years old and others 40-50. A file is shot when the teeth are dull and it will not remove metal or it skips over the surface. A file should be used on material that is softer otherwise the edge of the teeth will roll and the file will not cut. I have my piece firmly mounted, stand while filing, use 2 hands on the file(one on the handle the other on the tip) and use firm even strokes. There are fellow hawkers who can explain it better than I can but that's it in a nutshell.
 
Hi Hawkhead ,
Very impressed magic work you have done on
that hawk,
Changed its look totaly its a treasure now .
Chris
 
Hi Chris,
These pics were taken before the 8 point star was filed into the screw hole and more work was completed on the blade. There is still much to do. I'm thinking the better metal finish to use would be rust blueing.
Thanks for looking,
Hawkhead
 
hawkhead you are a master when handling a file,very cool.

how hard would it be to cut a crecent moon or something similar in the blade?
 
Hi Willie, I would draw the image on the blade and drill out most of the design and then use a dremel tool to finish the edge or file to complete the cutout.
 
This is what happens when a master woodworker turns to metal, this guy does things freehand that would require a machine for the rest of us mortals!
 
Thank you Hiwall85 for your kind words.
The Pollhawk is almost completed. After these pics were taken the head was fit to the haft. It was oiled and set aside to dry. The star was cut and the blade shape finalized. The metal still has quite a bit of polishing to do, then the pewter star and finally blueing.
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Hawkhead,
Did you by chance anneal the head prior to your magic? You are inspiring me to try something like this~
 
Hi Stealthscan, I annealed the bit 1.5 inches(the same amount CS had hardened it). The whole head is not hardened. Then did my modding and rehardened. Cherry red then quench has worked for me. I have used this method for woodworking tools and over 40 years later still use the same chisels and scrapers and gouges and they do hold an edge. Of course they are made of good American steel. So far the Taiwanese steel has not been as poor as some believe it to be. My hawks are not meant to be hard use tools. They are plenty tough for last ditch defensive use. There are hawks and axes made by many forum craftsmen whose hawks are the toughest you will find anywhere. For now, I'm getting good practice modding CS hawks.
 
You do wonderful work my friend. I LOVE that star, great detail work. My compliments.

Best regards

Robin
 
Hi Robin, the master craftsmen like you and others on the forum inspire me and I thank you all.. I am not a metal man. I have a 40 year history as a custom stockmaker and still have one rifle to finish, mine. My woodworking experience gave me the confidence to try my hand at modifying. A major career change 20 years ago put the brakes on stocks and the last few years tomahawks have brought art, craft and creativity back into my life. I am learning from the masters and I am grateful to those who have looked whether they comment or not. Hopefully we are all learning and moving our projects forward.
 
As a newbie,(to hawk modding) I appreciate you discussing your methods. As a Boy Scout leader, I think these jeweled tools will spark interest in the boys to learn more about them. Our Troop posesses a few crappy old hatchets and axes, but that is going to change!!
Please share any other pieces you may have done.

Sheldon
 
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