How closely should tomahawk head fit the handle?

[TooTech]

Recently purchased a pole hawk kit from Crazy Crow Trading Post, but I'm concerned because the handle does not look as though it's going to fill the eye of the tomahawk head.

I fit the handle by tapping it into the head, and then removing wood where contact was made with the eye. I have removed very little material from the handle, none from the areas where there are gaps around the head.

The head is pretty much where I believe it should be on the handle. From the top the head appears to be held pretty firmly on the handle, except for the gap toward the the cutting edge side. From the underside the fit is not tight with gaps on each side.

The taper of the handle seems adequate to stop the head from moving further up, but I'm concerned it will shift under use.

 

[B Finnigan]

That will most certainly move when you go to chop with it. It might work for throwing but you will be re-seating the head alot. You can get a teardrop handle from Rade Hawkins for $8 that would fit real tight. I could re-drift the eye for you to fit his handles perfectly.