mods for my new trailhawk

[brewcitymike]

I just got a trail hawk from my mom for Xmas and I want to do a bunch of mods but I wanted to ask a couple questions first and get a little help from some of you guys/girls that have done this before.
1. Has anyone shortened the haft before, and if so what did you use and was it as simple as cutting some off or was there more to it than that??
I just want to get it down to about 18-19"
2.Where can I get leather straps like the kind in the pics below? also anybody know what kind of knife is next to the hawk in that pic?

 

[Liam Ryan]

Easy as pie to cut the haft just take half of what you originally intended first, then see if you still want it shorter, I cut my first one and regret it, just an inch too short I think.
As for leather cut up an old belt or find a shoe repair store and see if they sell leather boot laces. You can also check at a saddle shop, if that stuff is popular in your area.

 

[TheAznInvazn]

Your local hobby store might also have leather available (i.e. Hobby Lobby)

 

[brewcitymike]

I'd really like to get 1/2" wide strips of suede to wrap the handle and head with...any ideas on where to get that? I don't know if my area fabric store has it.

 

[Pipeman]

I'd really like to get 1/2" wide strips of suede to wrap the handle and head with...any ideas on where to get that? I don't know if my area fabric store has it.

Go to your local second hand shop and buy an old suede or leather jacket. If I were you I wouldn't wrap a lanyard around your wrist while chopping, if you lose it, it will very likely come back and hit you.

Regards

Robin