Please help a noob

[KarlMaldensNose]

Oh boy, this is getting out of control. First folders, which have recently led me to axes/hatchets, large choppers, and even flashlights. Now it seems hawks are creeping into the picture, which is weird b/c only yesterday I didn't think twice about 'em... until I saw the "RMJ Tactical on Modern Marvels" video. I specifcally like the RMJ TAC Hawk and the little one Ryan Johnson is holding and talking about at about 20 sec. into the video.

I seem to like hawks with short, thin hafts and small (sharp) heads. I'm looking for recommendations for good starting points for hawks of that nature. Could be certain companies, makers, websites, web stores, etc. Anything to point me in the right general direction. Does this kind of hawk have a specific name? Thanks.

 

[HighDesertWalker]

Welcome KMN. I know what you mean by that out of control feeling. I've explored more categories of sharp objects than I knew existed. But what the hey, it's a lot of fun.

Check out Allan Foundry Axes at:

http://www.ragweedforge.com/ThrowingCatalog.html

 

[Kenny H.]

Welcome KMN. I know what you mean by that out of control feeling. I've explored more categories of sharp objects than I knew existed. But what the hey, it's a lot of fun.

Check out Allan Foundry Axes at:

http://www.ragweedforge.com/ThrowingCatalog.html

I second this.

Other people you could check out that I've dealt with personally is Steve(Coal creek forge) and Kentucky(Wolf Creek forge), both make exceptional hawks.

 

[CitizenQ]

Oh boy, this is getting out of control...

Tell me about it. Mrs. Q asked me what I wanted for my birthday..."maybe a hatchet" she says...and a wave of guilt washed over me when I thought about all of the knives and hawks that've come in thorugh the basement door over the past year. "Nuttin' honey...I'm good...your love is all I need."

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Two Hawks makes some like that.

 

[CitizenQ]

Two Hawks makes some like that...

I have a Two Hawks Long Hunter and I like it a lot. You can find my review here. Note that Two Hawks sells cast hawks and (although I have not been able to determine which foundry does the casting for 'ol Two Hawks) I'd bet a dollar to donuts they are manufactured by Allan Foundry.

 

[Kenny H.]

Those expensive things are cast!? Pfffft, forget that!

 

[CitizenQ]

Those expensive things are cast!? Pfffft, forget that!

Thou shalt not disparage cast heads

 

[Kenny H.]

For their prices of 100$+ that seems a bit expensive for a cast hawk to me, you can buy custom hawks for their prices.

 

[KarlMaldensNose]

For their prices of 100$+ that seems a bit expensive for a cast hawk to me, you can buy custom hawks for their prices.

Speaking of customs, I wouldn't mind checking out some, even though I'm guessing most are upwards of $100 or $200. So if you have the skinny on any custom makers who make the little hawks that I described but tend to be on the pricey side, don't feel like they're not worth mentioning.

I checked out the Allan Foundry stuff and am amazed at how inexpensive his stuff is. That's dangerous too, though. Ya start thinking they're so affordable that why the hell not pick up a few more, and then... BLAM!... you're stuck with a $200 bill. But that's nothing new. Thanks for the info so far.

 

[Kenny H.]

Speaking of customs, I wouldn't mind checking out some, even though I'm guessing most are upwards of $100 or $200. So if you have the skinny on any custom makers who make the little hawks that I described but tend to be on the pricey side, don't feel like they're not worth mentioning.

I checked out the Allan Foundry stuff and am amazed at how inexpensive his stuff is. That's dangerous too, though. Ya start thinking they're so affordable that why the hell not pick up a few more, and then... BLAM!... you're stuck with a $200 bill. But that's nothing new. Thanks for the info so far.

Two hawk makers I've had a pleasure of dealing with is Steve(username: Coalcreekforge) He makes hawks in a range of prices I think the lowest price you'll get is around 100$ but you'll have to ask him. And Phil(Username: Kentucky) I just got one of his farrier rasp hawks and fell in love(with the hawk), mine cost 80$ shipped.

 

[Burl Source]

Every once in a while Keith Johnson will forge some hawks that he sells in the Makers "Fixed Blade" for sale forums. Very reasonable price. I paid under $50. It came with a plain hickory handle but I made my own from maple. He will usually list about 5 or 6 at a time. They usually sell out within an hour or so.

 

[crossada]

that Johnson hawk has some personality to it thanks for the pic

 

[CitizenQ]

... if you have the skinny on any custom makers who make the little hawks that I described but tend to be on the pricey side, don't feel like they're not worth mentioning...

Check out the web links in the first post in this topic bro. :thumbup:

 

[PayetteRucker]

HB Forge's Lady Hawk or Belt Axe Tomahawk

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I have a Two Hawks Long Hunter and I like it a lot. You can find my review here. Note that Two Hawks sells cast hawks and (although I have not been able to determine which foundry does the casting for 'ol Two Hawks) I'd bet a dollar to donuts they are manufactured by Allan Foundry.

I had to do a bit of digging, but remember the stamp on the side that says "Polaris 6150" The company that casts them is Polaris Industries (or Polaris Technologies, one makes semiconductors, the other cast products). They also cast things like motorcycle parts, engine blocks, etc.

Those expensive things are cast!? Pfffft, forget that!

For their prices of 100$+ that seems a bit expensive for a cast hawk to me, you can buy custom hawks for their prices.

Investment casting done right and heat treated right is just fine. Given the other things Polaris makes, I have a feeling they do some very good investment casting. Two Hawks went with them because of how consistent they are and makes good throwers because of balance and consistency. A poorly cast piece will not have good balance or consistency.

It's also cast 6150 -- a high end spring steel. I've contact plenty of custom makers, all of whom would not make a forged head with 5160 or 6150. I even asked Jerry Busse to send me a billet of INFI that I could have someone forge, and then send back to him for heat treat, I even said I wouldn't ask for a warranty, and if he wanted, I'd keep it under my hat that it's INFI. He wouldn't do it. So, if I wanted a good, extremely tough spring steel, this was the only game.

Besides, no one seems to mind running vehicles with cast iron or cast aluminum engine blocks that take a lot moire heat and stress than we'll ever put on a tomahawk.