Mod project Cs Trail, Spike, Or rifleman?

AR_Freak

AR_Freak

Joined
Nov 13, 2005
Messages
256
Hi All,

I've been bitten by the Hawk mod bug and intend to buy one of the CS hawks to learn on. I know ther are lots of threads with the Trail hawks, but has anyone an opinion og modding the Rifleman or the new Spike hawk? Pics would be greatley appreciated. Also, I has read the riflemena may be a tad heavy for carry on long hikes,, any thought on that would be appreciated as well.

Thanks
 
The Spike Hawks aren't out yet (was supposed to be in May, but they told my dealer late June).

All I've done to my Rifleman's Hawk is put it on a 30" haft (a spare War Hammer haft) and wrap it. It swings a lot better now. Second hawk down in the photo...
006-48.jpg
 
I just finished some mods on a Trail Hawk and Riflemans hawk on the weekend (I'll try to post some pics in the next couple days). The Trail hawk is light and has nice balance and seems to suit the length of the haft. The Riflemans hawk is heavy and feels unbalanced - needs a longer handle I think. I cut the poll off the Riflemans and it feels better now. The Riflemans is much better for splitting wood, the head is heavier and it has a better wedge taper to the eye than the trail hawk. I guess in the end my advice would be to do what I did - I couldn't decide between the two and got one of each:)

Bruce
 
JNieporte said:
The Spike Hawks aren't out yet (was supposed to be in May, but they told my dealer late June).

All I've done to my Rifleman's Hawk is put it on a 30" haft (a spare War Hammer haft) and wrap it. It swings a lot better now. Second hawk down in the photo...
006-48.jpg
Click to expand...

Hi JNieporte,

Thakns for oyur reply. FWIW, I ordered aCS Spike from Osogrande last night. I called today to confirm it was in stock and they said it was..Fingers crossed as I've not received shipping confirmation yet...
 
Bruce Culberson said:
I just finished some mods on a Trail Hawk and Riflemans hawk on the weekend (I'll try to post some pics in the next couple days). The Trail hawk is light and has nice balance and seems to suit the length of the haft. The Riflemans hawk is heavy and feels unbalanced - needs a longer handle I think. I cut the poll off the Riflemans and it feels better now. The Riflemans is much better for splitting wood, the head is heavier and it has a better wedge taper to the eye than the trail hawk. I guess in the end my advice would be to do what I did - I couldn't decide between the two and got one of each:)

Bruce
Click to expand...

Thanks Bruce! Looking forward to your pics. I've gone a bit 'hawk mad' this last week and have 4 inbound in addition to my new (to me) Lamey bowie. I'll have to post some pics too when they all get here. I really hope i can do some mods without making a total mess of it!
 
AWesome! I hope mine is not terribly dull as i have no idea how to convex the edge. Anybody is Central Alabama willing to teach somebody?
 
AR, buy a Lansky Puck and freehand for an hour or two over a movie. You'll be on your way towards a good functional convex edge. I personally try to keep my hawk heads as flat as possible, as this seems to be the best for sticking when thrown. I think other than fighting and some carving applications, the trail hawk isn't best suited for camp use. I find the bit to be too skinny, too long, too thin for extensive woods use. A Frontier style from HB or Fort Turner or Cold Steel would do much better.
 
Here are the pics:

tomahawks002.jpg


tomahawks005.jpg


tomahawks004.jpg


tomahawks001.jpg


I used paint stripper on the heads, lopped the poll off the rifleman's for better balance (to me anyway:)) & vinagar etched. The handles were sanded torched, and a stain/varnish applied. One is for a friend and the other is for me......haven't decided yet which one is staying & which is going.....

Bruce
 
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