Loose Hawk head

[rooikat]

I was making a blade cover for my Rainier Scout today. This was the most "hands on" I have had so far, due to the leather cutting and molding. While molding the leather, I noticed that the hawk head has some play in it. Is this normal? it is easily rocked back and forth. not very much, but it is definitely not a tight fit. I have not used it; it has been on my desk since I received it a short time ago.
My other hawk is a custom made one, and it's head is on rock solid.
Those of you who have obtained the Rainier Scout, how is yours?

 

[rooikat]

I have been playing around with the hawk for a bit, since posting my question a few minutes ago. if you swing the hawk, you can feel the head move back and forth. Does this sound correct? I am in no way a hawk expert, I am actually the biggest novice on earth, but this does not seem right.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I am a little disappointed. I was planning on using this. I am afraid that I will disengage the head from the handle.

 

[Andy Prisco]

Rooikat,

Although we press our hickory handles into each head with tremendous pre-load, sometimes a handle that was not kiln dried properly results in a moisture content that allows for shrinkage when compressed inside the eye of the head. It is normal in terms of the wood's behavior...however, we'll gladly press it again or replace the handle free of charge if you like...no worries.

Another possibility is that occasionnally, a plain maple handle slips through the mill and winds up on one of our user-hawks. Plain maple looks similar at first blush but does not take compression well...it stays compressed and shrinks over time.

Both of these possibilities seldom occur, but are easy fixes my man...we'll square you away.

 

[rooikat]

Andy,
I tried the field expediant fix Suzanne mentined over the phone when I called. For those of you reading, that involved dipping my hawk in a bit of water, to replace any lost moisture. it worked!
Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.