Just got my first CS hawk, and I want to mod it

[crunky]

Well actually, I just got my first hawk ever. It's a Cold Steel Norse Hawk. Its a little smaller than I had imagined, but Its still pretty sweet.
I want to start with stripping the black factory paint off. I was just going to use regular paint stripper, and lots of sand paper. But what should I do to prevent rusting? I was thinking about putting on a light patina, but I still want it to be a little bit shiny-ish.
Then I want to make the head fit the haft a bit better... after I clean up the inside of the eye and sand the haft, should I just chuck the set screw or keep it in place?

any and all suggestions/inspiration is welcome

Oh, one more thing, the factory edge seems to be pretty thick. I want to use this for throwing, and as a tool while I'm out camping. How thin should I go?

 

[PayetteRucker]

The metal underneath is very textured. What I'd do is buy a bottle of paint stripper from the hardware store with some cheap scotchbrite pads. Apply liberally, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and whipe the resulting goo off with the scotchbrite. Take some 220 grit wet-and-dry sandpaper and knock down the texture of the hawk a bit. I patina'd mine with mustard and it is doing well-gets darker over time. Your other option is birchwood casey gun blue or gun brown at about 4 bucks a bottle. I chucked the set screw, no need as long as you keep the haft coated with oil or wax. I thinned my edge out significantly as well, probably somewhere between 30 and 40 degrees inclusive. Good luck!

 

[pullrich]

Grab a beverage, wander over the the "mod'ing CS trail hawk thread" and have an enjoyable read while getting all your questions answered about mod'ing your hawk. There is at least one norse hawk mod in there.

 

[hawkhead]

Before you do anything to your hawk, follow pullrich's advice then go read through the other threads. Have a plan, assemble your tools and work sytematically toward your goal. Don't rush. Once metal is removed ...you can't put it back. The hawkmen on this forum have a vast amount of knowledge and are always willing to help.