CS Spike Tomahawk, critique my mod’ing idea

[Ranger1]

I do like the configuration of my just acquired Cold Steel Spike Tomahawk. However, the head of this hawk is quite heavy, weighing right at 16 ounces on my scale. With a long enough handle, this thing could almost pass for a boarding axe...

Anyway, I have some ideas on how to lighten up the head, but I wanted to put this idea before the group before I started drilling holes.

I have always admired a well done "weeping heart", but the simple triangle has its charm as well. What I have done here is simply cover the head with masking tape and freehand sketch a couple of shapes that I would cut out in an effort to lighten up the head a bit. I may also modify the spike later, depending on the balance after I cut the design through the blade.

I don't think I am weakening the blade: there is at least one half inch of steel left all around on both of these designs.

So, which do you prefer? Or am I wasting my time, and the amount of weight loss gained will be minimal compared to the work of cutting and filing...

After all, it was only $26...

Thank you in advance for your ideas.

 

[Drummertist]

I'd personally go for the weeping heart.

 

[paleosteveo]

for the spike hawk, id go with the bigger cut out, not the weeping heart.

 

[Pipeman]

Unless you're going to anneal and re heat treat you will be cutting through softer steel and into the hardened edge. I like the heart myself.

Best regards

Robin

 

[BearKinder]

The Heart looks nicer, IMO.

 

[Hesparus]

Looks like a cool idea to me. I want to see how it turns out.

 

[Ookami]

I don't like cutouts, as I feel they weaken the blade. But if you are bound on doing one I'd also vote for the weeping heart, since it is more traditional.

I'd make it smaller, though. Also, remove it at least an inch from the edge or you will very likely have to fight to work hardened steel.


Ookami

 

[church&son]

Mr. Ranger, those are drop-forged and differentially heat treated(edge) out of #1055, but that is still gonna be some tuff cutting. If you used a lot of fluid and progressively drill larger holes for the top of the heart all you would have to saw will be the legs and then file to shape. Will be a lot of work but it would be unique. Got a buddy with a water jet? As far as weakening the head, my humble philosophy is- if it breaks, learn from it and make another. The path to glory is littered with screw-ups...........Randy

 

[Ranger1]

Thank you all for the good comments. I am sitting here at the police department and I brought the as yet unmod'd hawk with me. As I patrol the more wooded areas this morning, I will do a bit of swinging and spiking and see how I like the balance.

And just so you all know, the eye on this hawk is not the traditional teardrop shape, but it is clearly a classic oval cross section, with a conventionally tapered eye. This means that any hardware store ought to yield a handle in a pinch.