- Joined
- Jul 17, 2007
- Messages
- 890
The Bahco Hawk (French style camp hatchet as they call it in Europe) that was so difficult for me to get has been a good learning tool for me over the last week or so.
Upon arrival, I knew the blade was going to need some work. I thought I could convex easily with some sand paper, but turns out, it was some serious work with my meager tools. Meager tools work fine, they just take longer and more effort.
Original edge.
I thought before I attempted any sharpening/re-profiling I'd tackle a branch across a clearing in my back yard that has been nagging me.
A 2.5 inch branch of green Osage Orange which, as many of you know, can be brutal on even a chainsaw. It proved to be a difficult task for the poor sharpness of such a light head.
Many, many whacks later...note the unclean cut.
Some more attempts at the fallen branch.
Some softer Willow. Not much better.
Since I was going to work on it anyway, and I have never thrown a hatchet or hawk, I thought I'd try it. Much to my amazement, this was the first throw at 15 paces! Better quit while I'm ahead. (Walnut tree I am going to fell next summer)
So, to work I go. A week of work off and on in my spare time. Much filing, sanding, and convexing with sandpaper and loaded leather stropping, a rewarding sharp convex edge. More stropping later will give me a very nice polish.
Please excuse the pasty white leg, but my arms are looking like I have the mange.
Back to the Osage branch. Much better.
Upon arrival, I knew the blade was going to need some work. I thought I could convex easily with some sand paper, but turns out, it was some serious work with my meager tools. Meager tools work fine, they just take longer and more effort.
Original edge.
I thought before I attempted any sharpening/re-profiling I'd tackle a branch across a clearing in my back yard that has been nagging me.
A 2.5 inch branch of green Osage Orange which, as many of you know, can be brutal on even a chainsaw. It proved to be a difficult task for the poor sharpness of such a light head.
Many, many whacks later...note the unclean cut.
Some more attempts at the fallen branch.
Some softer Willow. Not much better.
Since I was going to work on it anyway, and I have never thrown a hatchet or hawk, I thought I'd try it. Much to my amazement, this was the first throw at 15 paces! Better quit while I'm ahead. (Walnut tree I am going to fell next summer)
So, to work I go. A week of work off and on in my spare time. Much filing, sanding, and convexing with sandpaper and loaded leather stropping, a rewarding sharp convex edge. More stropping later will give me a very nice polish.
Please excuse the pasty white leg, but my arms are looking like I have the mange.
Back to the Osage branch. Much better.
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