Mod'ing The CS Trail Hawk

Question, how well does the trail hawk work on a short 10" - 12" pole ? The size of the GB mini or Vaughan sub zero hatchet.
I am looking for something useful, I can have a little fun modifying. Would a different head be better?
 
I'm liking that steak tenderizer of a hammer...

LG&M said:
Question, how well does the trail hawk work on a short 10" - 12" pole ? The size of the GB mini or Vaughan sub zero hatchet.
I am looking for something useful, I can have a little fun modifying. Would a different head be better?
Click to expand...

I've got mine cut to a 15", and it works beautifully. A friend of mine has one that he keeps in his EDC bag, with the handle cut to around 11-12 inches. He seems to like it.
 
Mine is at about 14"? It seems to be about the perfect length but I removed some material from the head so it's a bit lighter.
 
Well, you guys are a horrible influence. I had a CS Spike Hawk collecting dust before I found this forum. Now, I'm well into the spike mod, with a Frontier just started, and a Trail waiting for attention.

I had issues with the etchant lifting and getting under the paint. I'm not sure if it was my paint/prep, or maybe I had my double hot water bath too hot, but this etch was done in a little less than two hours. I had it completely polished, and the temper(?) line showed up after the etch.

My paw print is a bit off center but not bad for a first try, now for some cordage work, and to clean up the haft...





Wicked work on yours there Bobbo! How did you get that paracord wrap like that, and finish down through the bottom?
 
Here is a shortened Trail Hawk I made. I also cut 1/4 inch off the hammer poll to lighten it slightly. Its handle is 18 inches. I like 18, too short and I feel like I lose more power in my swing than I would like.

I sell most the hawks I make, this one is mine. :D

af596940-c2eb-440b-8364-a5e40d9773f4_zps6ac2f2eb.jpg
 
My trail hawk is in bound. I like what you have done Mauser, nice & clean.
I plain to bushcraft a half to find the length I want before I start cutting.
 
B.Mauser said:
Here is a shortened Trail Hawk I made. I also cut 1/4 inch off the hammer poll to lighten it slightly. Its handle is 18 inches. I like 18, too short and I feel like I lose more power in my swing than I would like.

I sell most the hawks I make, this one is mine. :D

af596940-c2eb-440b-8364-a5e40d9773f4_zps6ac2f2eb.jpg
Click to expand...

Where can I get instructions on how to get started working with leather to do something like what you have?
 
Not a Trail Hawk but a Norse Hawk Mod. Cut 2" off the haft, sanded and stained the haft, removed the black OEM paint and cold blued the steel.



 
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the set screws those hawks come with are next to useless. the retention isn't very good. what I did was go buy a short Phillips head wood screw that fit through the set hole. worked much better. not that you necessarily need a set screw....
 
Thanks for the inspiration guys! I'm still pretty new to the forums and found this thread on Monday. My brothers birthday is Saturday and I had no idea what to get him: enter my cold steel pipehawk mod. I've been working like crazy since I got it Wednesday to finish it by tomorrow. Here's some pics of what I have so far. First thing I did was fit the head, stripped and sanding with 220 Drexel drums, then 400 grit wet/dry. Filled the set screw with solder (anyone else tried it?), then added file work and carving on the handle. Next up for today is a patina, staining and sheath making! Will post finished pics
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