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K.R. Johnson vs. Craig Barr tomahawks

I can only say that the KR I just got is a great hawk. It has the period look of the mountainman era. Something to use for everyday chopping or throwing.
The Barr hawks would look good on a wall.
 
I have a Craig Barr hawk, I haven't abused it though, to pretty.

My only complaint is that it is a little lopsided. Not anything to dramatic, and it wont affect function. However in his defense, it is a hand forged damascus hawk for a very reasonable price(I got mine right around 80)

hawk3.jpg

Pictures of said lopsided-ness
hawk2.jpg

hawk1.jpg


Edit: I have not handled a Johnson hawk, but if you are looking for a user, I personally would go with a Johnson hawk. Not as pretty but you wont worry about messing up the finish.

The Barr hawk is they only blade my Fiance would disapprove of me selling. I wanted to at one point and she shot me a shocked face and said "No"
 
In defense of Barr, or any other maker, when it's handmade, there are going to be some defects. It's hard to get something perfect, or even straight, when beating on it with a hammer, using only your eye to guage your work.
 
Mountainwind said:
In defense of Barr, or any other maker, when it's handmade, there are going to be some defects. It's hard to get something perfect, or even straight, when beating on it with a hammer, using only your eye to guage your work.
Click to expand...

I agree. That's why I don't really complain about it. Its a hand forged Damascus hawk I got for a great price. I am just afraid of marring it.
 
I looked at those Keith Johnson American tomahawks, and I really like the style. I contacted Mr. Johnson and asked him what type of steel he uses for them. He informs me that he uses mild steel with that "super quench" stuff. (He did say that he could add a tool steel edge, but the price would be correspondingly higher.) Now I am dubious about purchasing one of his hawks. I imagine that mild steel would be fine for throwing, but does anyone have experience using one to actually chop with?
 
I don't think you can go wrong with a KR hawk. A lot of people have bought them.. a lot. My friend Steve who did the mountainman rendezvous every year, owns two on them, and they used them just the way the mountainman did. Building shelters, firewood etc.
I'm not sure what is meant by a tool steel edge, but mine came with a steel bit welded in between the outer layers, and it was only $65 shipped. And this was special made with the hammer pole.
I plan on ordering a hammer pole on the med American hawk pretty soon. I am well pleased.
 
I should have added, I have had quite a few conversations with Keith, and one thing he always said, satisfaction is guaranteed.
It's a no lose purchase.
He stands behind his work 100%. Buy it, try it. I think you will be well satisfied.
 
I have a Craig Barr tomohawk head that appears to be very similar to Darby's. Mine was made from a chunk of 0-1 and the lines are perfect. It has a brown/bronze finish that is just amazing. I haven't handled a Johnson hawk, but I highly recommend the Craig Barr.
 
I, also, just received a large American tomahawk from KR Johnson. Definitely nice and begs to be used. I'm just sanding the handle for a snug fit right now but when I get it done I'll do some pics.
 
I don't hold all the way down on the handle, and was thinking of cutting the lower 3 inches off, attaching a metal tube with a screw end cap, and putting in some matches, fishing and hooks, and maybe a small pocket knife.
But, after looking it over, I don't think it's practical. The handle is shaped wrong. If I could come up with a totally different handle, something round, then maybe....
 
i purchased a craig barr hammer pull hawk off of e-bay. its something i cant fairly judge as i cant locate a handle to complete it. contacted deer mountain forge
(craig barr). he suggested i contact house of handles where i think he aquires his. to be polite, they were not helpfull, thats a red flag right there. i have scoured the internet and brick and morters. none would fit. went to tractor supply today and found something that might work. i am not even confident i received a real craig barr creation. e-bay is a wide and wondrous purchasing arena, but that does not guarentee authenticity. it shouldnt be that difficult folks. i paid $143.00
for a hawk that has an apparent eyelet size that is not common. it may be all my fault for not researching further.
 
a hawk handle is about the easiest of handles to make...

grab some hickory and shave one down. a functional hawk handle should take an hour or less... longer if you want a wall hanger, pretty piece... but functional is easy peasy.
 
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