Need some advice making a tactical hawk

[Garrett762]

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to knife making and I wanted to try making a tactical hawk. I'd like to try something like this first http://www.personalarmament.com/2011/05/make-your-own-tactical-tomahawk.html

I have a angle grinder, bench grinder, small belt sander, and files. Any advice on the best way to make some of those cuts, or how to cut or grind those angled edges would be awesome. And what grit sand paper to get those edges so smooth? I know I know I sound pretty green, but I do have some experience though. Thanx guys

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Welcome to Bladeforums.
Filling out your profile would be a good idea.


It will be lots of work to convert a hatchet into a hawk, but the end product should be good enough for your purposes.

Be cautious when grinding - the hatchet will have to be kept cool to avoid ruining the HT.
A good hacksaw and new files should cut the steel on a Carpenter's Hatchet.
Then the sanding starts. Start with 100-120 grit and when the shape is right, go to 220 and then 400. Use a wooden block to back the paper and make smooth strokes.

 

[Garrett762]

Cool thank you, I really appreciate it. I hope to get a pic up of the end product...unless it's too embarrassing haha. I figure I'd start out with something like this cuz it's hard to come by scrap steel to practice on around here