Poll axe modification question

[BlackKnight86]

Hi, guys!

I've got a Cold Steel Poll Ax that I'd like to make into a battle ax. I'm going to remove the hammer poll and file down the remnants of the stub to the collar.

My question is, can I do that with a hacksaw and hand file? I don't want to use a grinder because I want fine control over it (don't want to ruin my work) and I don't want to harm the temper by overheating.

If I recall correctly, some folks have used a hacksaw to take off the poll; and they said that it was not difficult. But is the steel on Cold Steel axes hard enough to make metal removal with a file impractical? It won't be a lot; because I'm sawing flush to the collar. But I also don't want to spin my wheels on it. Anybody have experience shaping that kind of metal with a file?

Also, I'd like to give the poll end to a friend who's starting out making knives. Is the metal on Cold Steel axes something with which someone could heat and forge a knife? He's in the learning stages, and he's always looking for scrap metal on which to experment.

Thanks!

 

[762 shooter]

Hack saw and a file and you will be fine.

 

[Blue Sky]

Hacksaw and file (and sandpaper) are all I used, didn't have any trouble. Away from the edge the steel is relatively soft.

 

[BlackKnight86]

Thanks, guys!

 

[raybateson]

After getting it down enough what I did was file until even the leftover 'diamond' shape disappeared, just time consuming, really really mind numbing work. Polish the head or use some baked-on finish.