First Tomahawk - help

spyken

spyken

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Apr 29, 2002
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I've been lurking around the tomahawk forum for a while now. I've always been fascinated by hawks, and really like the look of frontier style hawks, not the modern stuff. I would like to get my first hawk, if I manage to sell some knives.

I'm looking for a good, solid, throwable beautiful hawk which is not too heavy or long (I'm not a six footer) which can withstand some light camp work as well - splitting wood, clearing limbs, splitting through bones and shearing meat. Anything less than a razor edge when it first arrives wouldn't be acceptable (right?). My budget is no more than $120, well, a bit more if it's for a better custom.

(1) What is the difference between forged and cast heads? Which is better?

(2) What are the better woods? Will they warp, split, break with the kind of use I had in mind?

(3) Will the hawk head come loose over time? How do you sharpen the hawk? Is it a convex edge?

(4) Can a hawk ever be used to fell small (less than 6 inch diam) trees? Or would that be out of the scope of what hawks do? I understand that they are mainly weapons, not tools?

(5) How are HB forge hawks? I'm interested in their hawks, especially since they are reasonably priced and throwable. I like those with the weeping heart cut-out in the head.

(6) Any good custom makers within that price range or slightly more?

Pictures would be great. Hope you can help a hawk newbie.

Thanks,
spyken
 
DeLaronde forge makes a good one, finding one thats shaving sharp from the maker will be difficult. Razor edges probably will bend or chip pretty easily.
The question of the difference between a hatchet and a hawk was posed on the trade axe and tomahawk assoc. collectors forum and their answer was there is basiclly no difference. Originally the word tomahawk was a term used by british sailors for their boarding axes and what we call tomahawks were known as indian hatchets. They state that throwing a hawk was not standard procedure as why would you throw away your weapon. The other questions I will leave to someone with more knowledge.
Gerald
 
I have an HB Hawk with the weeping heart, while it is my only hawk I will suggest it. It didn't have a convex edge but I used a file to put one on. It also throws quite well (I don't have anything for comparison though), especially after I took a few inches of the 19in handle off. I also put something of a false edge on the top and bottom of the hawk, the top one allowing it to penetrate the target more easily. I bought three spare handles originally, but haven't used any of them inspite of much throwing. The handles are hickory and very tough. It chops fairly well, especially with a full length handle. The problem is the narrow profile allows it to stick a bit too much, which isn't as much of a problem with the convex edge. I will say one thing against HB though, the sheaths they sell are JUNK! The tomahawk has to be pulled out from the top of the sheath, which isn't a practical design. This I could live with, but now after very little use the stitching is pulling through the leather along the edge area which forms a very large open area.
 
A high quality initial edge is nice, but probably going to be 100%. As long as the edges meet clearly and are ground evenly, and the steel of decent quality, the first sharpening should be fast and smooth.

Cast heads are molded to shape, forged are shaped by impact. Forging is generally a superior product, however the heat treating is a large influence.

The better woods are the quality hardwoods like hickory and ash. Even with good woods make sure you get a clear piece, grain which runs along the length and is free of knots. They will stand up to the work you noted just fine, but can break with repeat throwing, just glue them back together with a quality epoxy.

Yes the head will losen, they are just friction fit. Just fit it back on by impact.

Some have convex edges some do not. Since tomahawks are softer than 60 HRC, they are easily filed and thus you can put on a sweeping convex edge with little effort anyway.

Yes they can be used to cut woods. Some are dedicated for throwing which means the edge is a bit thicker and softer than you would want for wood cutting.

Have not used the HB products.

-Cliff
 
hope more will chime in on the suggested brands, models and their attributes at my price range....

thanks....
 
I sent you an e-mail. I can make one in that price range. the ones I make look primative, but they are serious weapons. I use 5160 steel and leave a sharp convex edge. I could do the cut-out of the heart or anything else,but dont suggest it. A nice design could be etched into the steel that wouldn't weaken it. Let me know if I can make one for you.

Mark
 
Mark, sorry - things have been a little topsy turvy where I am right now...I haven't forgotten to get back to you - just need to get down n do a bit more reading/looking at pictures. I will reply next week. Thanks.
 
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