Can an old PITTED Spike Tomahawk (Ice Hatchet) be re-worked ?

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
930
Hi all,

Long time since I've posted here at BF. Some of ya'll may recall that a couple of years ago, I purchased an old Spiked Tomahawk Head (later ID circa 1800's Spiked Tomahawk style Ice Hatchet). The following (borrowed picture thank you) is a very close looking image as to what my old Spike Tomahawk Ice Hatchet looks like :

http://tatcalite.tripod.com/109ddca10.jpg

The overall length of my Tomahawk Head is just under ten inches (I suspect it was a tad bit longer a one time). The Blade measures about 4.5" long, the SPIKE is 4" long and the Eye hole is 1.5". Blade face width is 1 3/4" wide. The weight of Head is 12.45 oz.

This Head was unearthed (most likely here in Maine) as the Eyehole was filled with Earth that was as hard as Cement. The entire Tomahawk Head surface is "pitted" which give the Head a rather uniform/cool looking texture. Once I had cleaned the Heads, it's overall condition (aside from surface pitting) appears to be that of a very useable/solid Tool. About a year ago, I sent this old Tomahawk Head to "H&B Forge" and Jarrod made me a BEAUTIFUL copy! That being said, since I love the old original, I'm wondering what could/might a Blacksmith be able to do to this old Head ?
Could it be RE-tempered and perhaps hammered out a little to smooth out (just a little) the surface pitting ? Last night, I watch an old episode of "Modern Marvels" (circa 2008 episode) on Axes. I (again) enjoyed this episode and this time, I focused more in on the production of RMJ Tactical Hawks. After the show, I researched RMJ Hawks. Beautiful but YIKES! Got me thinking.....I should ask the good folks of Blade Forums "A,T & H" page on their thoughts about having my old "Spike Tomahawk/Ice Hatchet" updated/improved. I appreciate all your thoughts/suggestions. Thank you.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
I would ask a blacksmith, to see if anything could be done along those lines. Or you could sand it to smoth it out some. That's all i got. Hopefully someone that knows more then me comes along with better advice.
 
Thanks Mon,

I think I will do just that and call/ask a Blacksmith per your suggestion. Thanks.

HARDBALL
 
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