Bladefan,
While I don't have a Hansen 'hawk to use, I've been fortunate enough to spend a couple of days at Lonnie's shop watching him make his hawks. He said that before he sends out any hawk, he throws an inexpensive handle on it and chops through a couple of 2x4's. He really tries to find notty, tough wood to use for testing too. He also carries one of his own during hunting season to use for camp and skinning chores.
As norca said though, his hawks are really works of art!
Hope this helps.
- Mike