Mod'ing The CS Trail Hawk

Ookami said:
Try acid etching (==> google).


Ookami
Click to expand...

Right on, here is what I needed:

http://www.makersgallery.com/goss/etch.html

Looks like this will do the trick better and more simply than an electrochemical rig. Decision for me will be to 1) put the resist on the lettering, etching the rest of the hawk head so the lettering stands out, or 2) cover all of the hawk head with resist except for the lettering area, so the letters are eteched into the steel. I think I'll mess with an old hatchet first and see how it goes.
 
These two modified Cold Steel Trail hawks are my interpretation of a light, fast hawk. I convexed both the heads and ground the tapered spikes. There are untold hours of hand work on the metal and then fitting new hafts. The finish is Brownell's Alumahyde II. I hope you guys like my work, seeing what everyone has accomplished is what got me started on this project.

100_0680.jpg
 
Last edited:
hawkhead said:
These two modified Cold Steel Trail hawks are my interpretation of a light, fast hawk. I convexed both the headsand ground the tapered spikes. There are untold hours of hand work on the metal and then fitting new hafts. The finish is Brownell's Alumahyde II. I hope you guys like my work, seeing what everyone has accomplished is what got me started on this project.
Click to expand...

Wow, those are fantastic. I really like how you've resculpted the poll and the coating looks great.
 
You've definitely improved the design, Hawkhead. I especially like the job you did turning the hammer polls into spikes.

They look just right.
 
Thank you CitzenQ. Everyone should take a look at member johnbar's work on pages 38 & 39. His work recreating the Trail hawk is the major influence on my renditions. Not the exact shape but his attention to geometric curve, line, form and function. He is a Master Craftsman and we need to see more of his work!
 
Good work hawkhead, wow! The heads are amazing. I love the finish on the hafts, and did you narrow parts of the hafts? Mind breaking down what you did? My first hawks are in the mail and I'm going to need some basic guidance.
 
Hi pullrich,
1. Remove and strip heads. 2. Draw the design on the head AFTER establishing the midline. 3. Remove unwanted metal to form the outline.( I used a bench grinder) do not over heat. If you know how to anneal and reharden properly it makes your metal removal easier. The men who do this in greater depth can guide you better than I can. 4.Files and emery cloth are used to smooth the flats and grinder marks. Then wet or dry to 400 grit. 5. True up the eye. 6. I bought new sticks that were rough finished and sanded them smooth with a SLIGHT taper and dewhisker with a damp rag. I do this 3 or 4 times. Then fit to the head. Dont forget to fit with good friction and no open space.
7. Stain and finish the haft. I do not hammer the head on or off as this will cause the marring of your haft. Friction fit and the final set is accomplished by tapping the top of the haft on the bench.
This is my method in a nutshell, you will find what works best for you. Now you have a basic outline. Have fun with your project. I look forward to seeing your hawks.
John(hawkhead)
 
Ok, so I just finished reading all 45 pages of this thread. What a bunch of hawk nuts! What a gang of freaks!! Seriously, excellent craftsmanship and ideas from all. Now I had to order a trail hawk and a rifleman hawk. Looking forward to joining the modding brotherhood. Can longer hafts be purchased anywhere other than direct from cold steel?
 
Hawkhead, those look fantastic!! How well will that finish hold up to use? Hard to believe those started out as they did. From the pics, they look as good as any of the customs I've seen. Great job man, I imagine you have more than a few hours invested in them. :thumbup:
 
Hi Fishshooter,
While the Alumahyde II finish that I use is good, remember it is still an epoxy coating and it will abrade. Parkerizing (phosphate) is much better but also wears when put to the hard use test. Any finish wears through use. A really attractive finish requiring meticulous metal prep is rust blueing, it is labor intensive.
 
Last edited:
hawkhead said:
Thank you CitzenQ. Everyone should take a look at member johnbar's work on pages 38 & 39. His work recreating the Trail hawk is the major influence on my renditions. Not the exact shape but his attention to geometric curve, line, form and function. He is a Master Craftsman and we need to see more of his work!
Click to expand...

Thank you hawkhead.
I’m just glad I influenced someone in a positive way this time.

You do great work, those hawks are sweet!

Johnbar
 
CitizenQ,

I reaaly appreciate this thread! as hawk newb I'm really wanting to try some mods. I saw your link on handle wrapping posted way earlier in this thread but The link won't work for me...Would you abe adble to advise me on where I can go to get the How to on wrapping a handle?
 
Thanks CitizenQ!

Also, Would anyone be able to tell me how you get the leather wraps to stay tight? I know some soak in water and wrap but I belive some people glue them on. Is either any better od just different? I have a CS Spike hawk on the way I want to try to mod (first timer) And I'd hate to ruin it. <<<,No skills with tools, wood) :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top