OT: Remember How You All Were Telling Me To Try Ragnar's 'Hawks?

Dave Rishar

Dave Rishar

Joined
Oct 25, 2004
Messages
3,178
Well, I ordered a few. I spent an enjoyable week putting them through their paces. The three I got in 6150 were the Iroquois, Woodland, and Viking Bearded Axe. (The latter struck me as particularly well suited to general usage.) Here are the little guys in all their glory.

hawks.jpg


I'm having quite a bit of fun with these:

Bearded Axe Cutting Fun

Even pool noodles are easy.

They're not khuks, unfortunately, but until we have a decent throwing khuk (or at least a properly calibrated cho ;) ) I suppose that I'll always have a few 'hawks kicking around.
 
It pleases me greatly that you are satisfied with Ragnar's products. I've bought a lot of things from him over the years, and have been very happy with all of them, and his service. Looks like I'm going to have to invest in one of the bearded axes.
 
I want a throwing axe too. I was on my way to getting one when I stopped by the HI forum to read. I never returned. That was over three years ago. I bet I'm allowed to get a throwing axe if I want one. Will keep Ragnar in mind.


munk
 
The SE grin at the end says it all...my next purchase. (well...after another is completed anyway)

.
 
Wow, nice axes! Did you sharpen the bearded axe or did it come that sharp? That's the one I've had my eye on.
 
Mr.BadExample said:
Wow, nice axes! Did you sharpen the bearded axe or did it come that sharp? That's the one I've had my eye on.
Click to expand...

It came sharp, but not quite that sharp. At the end of the first day I had to resharpen it; after that, it's only needed stropping. (Kind of reminds me of khuks like that...it takes a sharpening or two before the edge "holds.") I've gone through some gnarly wood but I've been careful to avoid any impacts with rocks and such.

It's a real handy shape, that's for sure. Every time that I pick it up I find a new use for it.
 
I've had my eye on the Iroquois for some time now. I really need to quit dragging my feet and get one. I have a canoe trip coming up in a few months. That'd be perfect for my cutting/pounding needs.

Jake
 
i ordered me the woodland and the octagon. I wanted the French LadyHawk but she's all sold out.
 
Yup...they were tools first, then used as weapons after all. The combination of ax to cut and trim combined with the hammer poll for building.

Both neat features for an essential item to have.

See BruiseLeees thread for more information on ball peen hammers. ;)

.
 
OK then. Since they both have hammer polls, what makes the better all around fighting and working axe. The bearded or the Iroquios? I'm inclined to say the Iroquios because it is 4 oz lighter, but the shape of the bearded lends itself to a very long cut. Creating, of course, a better wound. But the Iroquios will be a better chopper and faster.

What do you think Satori? And everbody else too! Either way at about $50 they're both good deals.

- D
 
Vampire Hunter D said:
OK then. Since they both have hammer polls, what makes the better all around fighting and working axe. The bearded or the Iroquios? I'm inclined to say the Iroquios because it is 4 oz lighter, but the shape of the bearded lends itself to a very long cut. Creating, of course, a better wound. But the Iroquios will be a better chopper and faster.

What do you think Satori? And everbody else too! Either way at about $50 they're both good deals.

- D
Click to expand...
Daniel, either one. It doesn't matter whether it's a large or small hole in the head, both are gonna kill ya.:p ;) :D
But it looks like the Bearded Axe would take an arm off with a lot less effort.;)

Glad to see you paid attention again and got the 6150 Satori.;) :D
I guess 2 outta 3 ain't bad, about my rate of paying attention too.:p :rolleyes: ;) :D
 
There's a definite poll on the Iroquois but as you can see, it's quite small. Works well enough for busting up cinderblocks. ;) It will drive nails as well but I really need to dress the face of the poll flat - it tends to bend nails with the slight curve it has right now. I personally prefer a more pronounced poll (say that ten times quickly) to balance the blade out a bit more.

I'd have to say that the bearded axe is my favorite for all around use. That beard is far more useful than it appears. It allows one to manipulate the edge in all sorts of ways. Even without a handle attached the head itself can still do a lot of work just because of that shape. (In fact, when I do eventually break the handle, I'm planning on making and installing a new one using just the head.) My only complaint is that it's about two ounces too heavy for my liking. If you've got a lot of chopping to do it will tire you out eventually.

If I could only keep one, it would be the bearded axe - it will do the most jobs satisfactorily. If I could have two, the second would be the Woodland for fighting and working clear wood. (Very light and fast - I can swing it for hours without getting tired.)
 
Don't give up on the Nessmuk, though. That baby will do the fighting and chopping, too.
 
Aardvark said:
Don't give up on the Nessmuk, though. That baby will do the fighting and chopping, too.
Click to expand...

Ever since handling one at the MWKK I've been lusting after one of my own. The 6150 model has been out of stock for a bit (Ragnar's waiting on the foundry) but - I kid you not - I check daily to see if they're in. :) That was my first time handling a bipennis and while it was a bit disconcerting to see a sharp edge coming back at me on each swing, I remembered that I hadn't (yet) hit myself in the head with a hammer poll either and things became better after that.
 
Satori said:
...That was my first time handling a bipennis and while it was a bit disconcerting to see a sharp edge coming back at me on each swing, I remembered that I hadn't (yet) hit myself in the head with a hammer poll either and things became better after that.
Click to expand...

That you *recall* anyway...:eek:

As I remember...you had never caught a razor sharp 22" Ganga Ram with your knuckle before either.

.
 
Nasty said:
That you *recall* anyway...:eek:

As I remember...you had never caught a razor sharp 22" Ganga Ram with your knuckle before either.
Click to expand...

There's a reason I usually stick with the lighter khuks. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top