Norlund Hawk

FULMTALJKT · Oct 29, 2006

Just picked up a Norlund hatchet head at a swap meet for $5 and need a handle. iv'e been watching the other post reguarding Rrplacement handles for a Norlund and I was wondering what the pros and cons were of a curved hatchet handle vs a straight Hawk type.
Wwh the Norlunds obvious hawk like profile I was wondering what you guys would think about putting A straight handle on it and what length. Is there a rule of thumb for handles for head weight vs handle length or is it just personal preference?
THANKS

reconseed · Oct 29, 2006

Dude, stop capitalizing every word when you type.... That makes it difficult to read.

FULMTALJKT · Oct 30, 2006

Dude
I didn't do it my computer did. I have a hard enough time just doing caps on the first word of a sentence. Besides Im way too lazy to do it every word.

riddleofsteel · Oct 30, 2006

http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/aas.html

here you go

read here

I just put an 18" framing hammer handle in one of my old Norlunds heads. I used the belt sander to make the handle a lot more "axe" like but it is straight..no doubt about it. I like the way it chops now.

Pics later if I get time.

FULMTALJKT · Oct 30, 2006

Thanks
Thats kinda what I had in mind. Figured I wasn't the first to think of it. Just wasn't sure it was a good idea. I would like to see yours if you get the chance. Thanks again. Kirby

riddleofsteel · Oct 31, 2006

Framing hammers have a hatchet eye on the end so install is easy. The first one I found looked just like a short double bitted axe handle. I was stoked. I got it fitted perfectly and when I drove in the wedge the handle SPLIT!!!!!!11

AGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I went back and the only handle they had left looked more like a small sledge hammer handle but I got it anyway. A few minutes on the belt sander and it looked like I wanted. I sanded it back down but it had a lot of score marks from the sanding process. When I applied dark stain every mark took stain. It actually looks pretty cool. I will try to get pics up soon.

Jay Mulcahy · Oct 31, 2006

I took a Norlund hatchet and put it in my forge, then ran a tomahawk drift through the eye. I now use hawk handles with it. It makes a great hawk once it has been heat treated and tempered. I am always looking for them at flea markets, but so far i've only found that one. If you know a blacksmith its worth the conversion.

windplex · Nov 3, 2006

If you look on google I suspect you can find norlund axe photos with original handles if that is of any help to you. Good luck! Windplex

FULMTALJKT · Nov 4, 2006

Thanks everyone for your help. All great ideas.