Fort Turner Iriquois Hawk...

bladefan

bladefan

Joined
Dec 14, 2000
Messages
324
Here is an intial review of the Fort Turner Iriquios Hawk...

I had ordered this hawk with an optional hammer poll, which Dana worked out
really well on this model...

Dimensions are roughly about:

cutting edge... 3.5"
head length oal ... 6.75
hammer poll dimensions... 1" wide by about 1.5 long...
18" handle length

Fit and finish is rough, nothing that a belt sander or even a good file and sandpaper couldn't handle...

Initial sharpness was ok, I sharpened it on my sharpmaker and it was much
better after that... (after landing edge into the dirt several times I had to re-sharpen it again..)

chopping ability seems to be ok, and the only gripe I have with this hawk is the small handle diameter.. it tapers down from about 1" at the head to approx. 3/4 at the base of the handle.. it is too small for my hands... I would like to know if anyone else has noticed this and has made or bought new handles for these types of hawks.. I would also like the handle to be straight instead of tapered, but I suppose that can be easily fixed by making a new handle...

Overall I think this hawk represents a good value for about 60 dollars which cost more than the regular hawk because I wanted a hammer poll on this one.. I believe the regular Iriquios is priced at about 45 dollars or there abouts...
 
Congratulations, bladefan.:thumbup:
As for myself, I like the smaller diameter and tapering handles. This gives a better balance IMHO to the hawk, and enhances release when throwing.

The largest H&B hawks have thicker handles and the Cold Steel ones have the thickest ones of these 3. My problem with the CS Trail Hawk was that it had extremely thick handles for the relatively light head, which made the hawk less balanced than it could be with a thinner and lighter handle. YMMW
 
I have some trouble with the hawk wanting to slip left or right under heavy use... perhaps I will try to wrap the handle with something... any suggestions?
 
My second hawk was a Fort Turner camp hawk. and my initial impression was that the handle was too skinny. My first hawk was the CS trailhawk, so I was used to a thicker handle. Next I bought several H&B models and the handles were thicker but still tapered. The more I practiced throwing the more clear it became that the FT had become my favorite. The handle began to feel right in my hand. It sort of reminds me of my experience with my first 1911 pistol. I had accuracy trouble at first. After being shown the proper grip, I thought it felt quite awkward. After another 500 rounds it felt natural. My son's first impression of the FT handle mirrors mine but now he also prefers this handle size and shape. Neither of us have small hands. As for chopping, I don't use my FT for more than stripping branches from slash when clearing my woods or making kindling. I don't really like chopping larger stuff with even my larger hawks. Maybe you'll get used to the handle through use like I did. I should mention that I shaped a CS replacement handle so it would fit the FT and that wasn't particularly difficult. You could also reshape an H&B handle to fit as well. Good luck.
 
I have the same complaint (too small diameter), but I bought mine for chopping tools, not throwing, and picked the material accordingly.

I have tried, with pretty good success, attaching a sleeve of leather in the grip area.
 
I have a 3J that my wife bought for me in '98 and it looks identical to these. I welded a hammer poll on mine after determining I needed one and absolutely love these. I am wondering it 3J is the same company however with a changed name. I can not find 3J any more or anything ont he web about them. does any one know?
 
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