CS Pipe Hawk Condor Hudson Bay Mod Project: ?'s and opinions

C

CA_DUDE

Joined
Jun 14, 2005
Messages
46
Hey all,

Been lurking here for a long time. Mostly just reading and researching various knife purchases over the last number of years. I decided recently to start a couple small projects. I eventually want to get more into knife making. Right now I don't have a proper workshop/vice/tools to do too much. But I can't wait for the year or so it will take me to get there, so I decided to do a couple small projects in the mean time.

First off, I've got a CS Pipe Hawk on the way. I'm also getting a Condor Hudson Bay that should be along shortly as well. I want to do them up as a companion set basically. I'll eventually want to make or buy a bit cover and loop for the hawk. My plan is to strip the hawk and knife using permatex spray gasket remover. Then force patina with a vinegar soak. With the hawk I'm going to smooth out the eye, and possibly work on the edge geometry. May not be able to do much because I don't have a vice. May be able to get access to one. Next would be to refinish the haft. As far as the knife, I'm basically just want to treat the scales. I may or may not do some line filing to give it a bit of grip.

So basically I have some questions. I've tried to search as much as I can. Some of the info I have either not been able to find, or would like some more current opinions.

Questions:

*Is there a good reference resource for properly fitting the haft?

*I would like to try and get the haft and HB scales to match color wise, is there a stain or leather dye that might be close to the HB color?

*I would like to protect the haft and scales, but not seal (Urethane). I've considered BLO, but don't want it to be sticky. I've thought of bees wax, but then I'd have to get some neatsfoot or something to cut it with. I've thought of using something with bees wax in it like Obenauf's (I have some already) or SnoSeal. I know SnoSeal has some solvents in it that aren't that good for leathers (some say) but what about for use on wood? Opinions?

*Regarding the hawk edge geometry, is it usable if sharpened? I can probably stone it a good bit, but will it be enough?

That's what I got for now. I'll probably come up with some more for later. Thanks in advance!
 
CA_DUDE said:
*Is there a good reference resource for properly fitting the haft?
Click to expand...
It's not real complicated. The CS hafts are made to fit the head, and are usually mounted already. It's a matter of throwing out the set screw and seating the head firmly. It often helps to use a rat tail file or Dremel to clean up the rough burred finish inside the eye -- unless their QC improved since I bought one a while ago.

CA_DUDE said:
*I would like to try and get the haft and HB scales to match color wise, is there a stain or leather dye that might be close to the HB color?
Click to expand...
I'm no good at color matching. Maybe a dark stain. Hoipoefully someone else has done it.

CA_DUDE said:
*I would like to protect the haft and scales, but not seal (Urethane). I've considered BLO, but don't want it to be sticky. I've thought of bees wax, but then I'd have to get some neatsfoot or something to cut it with. I've thought of using something with bees wax in it like Obenauf's (I have some already) or SnoSeal. I know SnoSeal has some solvents in it that aren't that good for leathers (some say) but what about for use on wood? Opinions?
Click to expand...

The CS haft comes urethaned, you'll have to sand it off, the Condor may as well.

BLO will dry eventually and won't remain tacky forever like regular Linseed oil. I use BLO -- several thin coats, letting it dry between coats, and then beeswax. I never cut the beeswax, I just melt it and rub it in. Same with leather, except I heat the leather on the lowest setting of my oven and then rub in the melted beeswax.

*Regarding the hawk edge geometry, is it usable if sharpened? I can probably stone it a good bit, but will it be enough?

That's what I got for now. I'll probably come up with some more for later. Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]
 
Wow, welcome back to the world of posting!

(I really don't have anything to say about the topic.)
 
I hand filed the heads on mine to thin the edge out some. Takes a little time but very doable. Does make them cut much better but will dent/fold easier if you strike hard items (nail in tree when thrown) of course. I think it's worth the time and effort myself.
 
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