I own a Cold Steel trail hawk, which has a standard handle of 18 inches. I am actually curious why some hawks have short handles. It is my understanding that the longer the handle, the more momentum you get driving the blade, therefore, the deeper the cut. I see some hawks with handles at 10 inches, 12 inches, and some at 14. Why would one choose such a short handle?
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handle lengths
- Thread starter IlikeSA
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Alternatively, it can be argued that length is related to leverage, leverage being the factor by which the lever multiplies a force - it is therefore related to mechanical advantage. The useful work done is the energy applied, which is force times distance. Therefore a small force applied over a long distance is the same amount of work as a large force applied over a small distance. In other words, a longer haft allows more energy to be deployed to the head of the hawk.
1) Hawks are by definition small and practical belt axes: (relatively) short handles are lighter and less bulky.
2) Longer handles will give more momentum, but both handle and head/handle junction has to be able to "handle" that momentum at the impact, which generally means wider/stronger/heavier etc... see #1.
In a combat perspective, longer handle are acceptable (see medieval halberds), but they are generally more appropriate for organized formation combat and open spaces and poor for practical tasks.
2) Longer handles will give more momentum, but both handle and head/handle junction has to be able to "handle" that momentum at the impact, which generally means wider/stronger/heavier etc... see #1.
In a combat perspective, longer handle are acceptable (see medieval halberds), but they are generally more appropriate for organized formation combat and open spaces and poor for practical tasks.
I like my 'hawk handles at about 21" - 23". It's what I've found through years of trial & error while replacing handles and using them.
Any shorter feels too stubby and any longer feels too clumsy.
Bear in mind l don't grip a 'hawk at the very end of the handle either though. I usually leave about 2 or 3 inches extra beneath my hand.
Any shorter feels too stubby and any longer feels too clumsy.
Bear in mind l don't grip a 'hawk at the very end of the handle either though. I usually leave about 2 or 3 inches extra beneath my hand.