Help Hawk Edge Profile Choice

Case-hardening means higher carbon content on the surface, right? I'd be concerned about sharpening past it, but I worry about everything. They could case harden a steel with decent carbon content and heat-treating too, I suppose.

I like the top hawk shape, for no good reason. The one on the bottom that leads with the top corner might stick better when thrown.
 
scrteened porch said:
Case-hardening means higher carbon content on the surface, right? I'd be concerned about sharpening past it, but I worry about everything. They could case harden a steel with decent carbon content and heat-treating too, I suppose.

I like the top hawk shape, for no good reason. The one on the bottom that leads with the top corner might stick better when thrown.
Click to expand...

Yes but it penetrates the steel. I think he tries to keep it period correct just sayin.imo
In use it should be a more comfortable chopper though.
I like the aura about these.
 
From the pics on his website, it looks like he uses the insert method with a high carbon bit. If the maker told you he "case hardens" them, I'd ask some more questions. That doesn't make sense to me. I think it's just the wrong term. But I only know a tiny bit about it.
 
M3mphis said:
From the pics on his website, it looks like he uses the insert method with a high carbon bit. If the maker told you he "case hardens" them, I'd ask some more questions. That doesn't make sense to me. I think it's just the wrong term. But I only know a tiny bit about it.
Click to expand...

Yes you are correct but he makes two styles wrap around with insert and one piece. The ones in pictures are one piece.
I did shoot him an email about sharpening past the case hardened edge. I'll keep updating as I learn more.
thanks all for the replies.
 
Just talked with JD in person and he said: Don't use a grinding wheel and you will be fine. Use a file to sharpen.
Also said has a lifetime guarantee if anything is defective just send it back and he will fix or replace.
He must do a lot of custom orders because he was asking me what style flare and everything that I wanted.
So I pulled the trigger and ordered one with a nice wide flare,big cutting edge and spare handle. With shipping it should be around 75clams
I'll keep you posted.
 
cattledog said:
Just talked with JD in person and he said: Don't use a grinding wheel and you will be fine. Use a file to sharpen.
Also said has a lifetime guarantee if anything is defective just send it back and he will fix or replace.
He must do a lot of custom orders because he was asking me what style flare and everything that I wanted.
So I pulled the trigger and ordered one with a nice wide flare,big cutting edge and spare handle. With shipping it should be around 75clams
I'll keep you posted.
Click to expand...

That's a good price; that's in the Fort Turner range. It says on that website that the maker is friends with KRJ (Keith Johnson); if that is his mentor, then you should be in good hands.
 
M3mphis said:
From the pics on his website, it looks like he uses the insert method with a high carbon bit. If the maker told you he "case hardens" them, I'd ask some more questions. That doesn't make sense to me. I think it's just the wrong term. But I only know a tiny bit about it.
Click to expand...


I can't imagine any reputable maker not knowing the difference between case hardening and forge welding in a high carbon bit. And case hardening isn't something for axes. As others have pointed out you'll soon wear thru a case hardened bit and end up with a worthless hunk of metal. IMO 'case hardening' and 'axe' are like oil and water, they don't go together.
 
Square_peg said:
I can't imagine any reputable maker not knowing the difference between case hardening and forge welding in a high carbon bit. And case hardening isn't something for axes. As others have pointed out you'll soon wear thru a case hardened bit and end up with a worthless hunk of metal. IMO 'case hardening' and 'axe' are like oil and water, they don't go together.
Click to expand...

On the other hand, this guy sells a lot of 'hawks and he guarantees them. Maybe the case-hardening is something he does above and beyond rather than instead of.

Anyway, the hawk is bought, so good luck with it and let us know how it works for you, Cattledog.
 
Thanks for the replies.
I submitted a drawing of what I want mine to be patterned like. A cross between a hudson bay and my browning sportsmans ax. Sort of Norse looking. Pointy toe &heel. We shall see what the maker does with it.
I had a hard time deciding between polled type or not. Went with the poll. If I like hawks I'll get another without poll.
I think it will be a decent hawk for my needs. Road rage quencher, kindling maker,hiking user and throwing it around.
Dos semanas to arrive and I'll let you know how it works.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top