I got my first hawk, now what?

C

cybrok

Joined
Aug 7, 2005
Messages
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Hey guys.

I just got a Great River Forge large French hawk. I wanted to try a hawk for a while, and considering I have French Blood I couldn't resist this one. As soon as I opened the box I had more questions.

- I plan to treat the handle with the same Circa 1850 oil I use for my cutting boards and Kali sticks. Does it sound right to you?

- The head and handle are not together. How do I properly join them?

- I never had a hawk, how sharp should it be?

- Do you guys wrap paracord around the handle? Why?

- What is the purpose of the "notch" on the down size of the head?

- Anything else I should do before using it? (Mostly as a hatchet, but I will throw it for sure).

Thanks
 
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a lot of guys treat their handles with boiled linseed oil. i think a few hours soak would do the trick. i cant think of a purpose for a notch like that. roofing hatchets have a notch there for pulling nails but i believe that one is for asthetics. paracord, rawhide, or leather thong are used as an overstrike protection for your handle. it can also serve as extra grip for your hand when working. someone with more experience might have a better way of joining head and handle but it seems as though a few sturdy smacks on the top of the handle then a soak in linseed oil should do the trick. razor sharpness is not required for chopping but its really up to you. im certainly no expert but i hope some of this helped
 
I finished oiling the shaft and I gave the head a convex edge. It's not shaving sharp but hey... it's a hawk.

Can't wait to cut something with it.
 
I sand mine down and also file the inside of the hawk head to make sure I've got a nice snug fit. Then I wood burn in my design and stain the handle. Next, I finisn the handle with some Deft satin clear wood finish (excellent stuff). I'll post some pictures of the one I just finished yesterday. I also tie a small length of leather shoestring on the head running through the handle opening with a square knot on the outside of the head. This little trick really tightens the head to the handle and looks kinda nice too.
 
Pipeman said:
Go out and throw that thing ;-)))

Best regards

Robin
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+1! I recently got one too and it throws really nice. As for the notch, Keith mentioned in another thread somewhere that is simply for aesthetics. Did you figure out how to get the head on?
 
Recommend a more obtuse edge (does that communicate?) for throwing, and not super sharp... the edge is less likely to break off...

A more acute edge and sharper is better for cutting/chopping...

If you get it dialed in right for chopping/cutting as described above... just be aware you might chip the edge if you throw it a lot...
 
I think the edge will be strong enough. I made it thick, but convex. With the very top the the edge still dull.

I consider getting a small sheath done if I carry this in the woods.
 
cybrok said:
I think the edge will be strong enough. I made it thick, but convex. With the very top the the edge still dull.

I consider getting a small sheath done if I carry this in the woods.
Click to expand...

You ever run across pipeman up there you guy's will have a blast
 
cybrok said:
I think the edge will be strong enough. I made it thick, but convex. With the very top the the edge still dull.
Click to expand...

Convex and thick are good... especially for throwing...

ColdSteelFrontierHawk3.jpg


ThrownColdSteelFrontierHawk.jpg
 
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