Talk to me about inexpensive throwing hawks.

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welby

Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
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Hi all, I'm a new poster but a lengthy lurker. Usually I don't have anything to add to discussions, but now I've got a question and I figure you guys know your stuff, so I'll ask here.

I do a twice yearly primitive camping trek with friends. We rotate everyone for bringing new survival toys or gifts. This trip it's my turn, and I'm looking to find some relatively inexpensive throwing hawks for the boys to play with this time. We usually try and keep the purchases around the $20 range, but I'm wondering if there's anything out there in that price range worth owning.

I'd prefer a hawk that allows easy replacement of the handle for breakage. I don't see them having to be heavy work tools because we'll probably only pack them the once and then use them in our just about monthly non-primitive trips that include kids and wives.

Suggestions?
 
I dunno, probably have better luck in the 40-50 range, then could take a look at Fort Turner, H & B Forge, and Cold Steel
 
looks like whatever hawk they used in the video (cold steel) had some serious work on the edge and handle fit, definitely wouldn't shave outta the box
 
A buddy of mine has a Trail hawk. It was good but not that good. Still a hefty and tough SOB! I ordered the 32oz Rifleman for me.
 
Great suggestions all around! I know a decent hawk costs more, but I can see ~$100 a lot more easily than ~$200. I won't need to order for a couple of weeks yet, so keep the suggestions coming. Right now the Rifleman hawk looks like the leader.
 
If you are going to be throwing it, I would NOT suggest the Rifleman Hawk!!!

Get the Frontier Hawk...

ThrownColdSteelFrontierHawk.jpg
 
Glock17JHP said:
If you are going to be throwing it, I would NOT suggest the Rifleman Hawk!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah, the Rifleman is a PIG. It's easily the single heaviest piece of outdoor gear I own, except for the big family-size tent. On the other hand, if you throw it at someone and manage to hit them, it won't matter if you stick it... the weight impact alone will knock them down and/or out. :D

Don't get me wrong, I love my Rifleman... it has an honored place next to the firewood pile in campsites, and is GREAT for rough yardwork. Mine's been used to dig out a nasty old stump in rocky, clay-y soil and only needed a good sharpening afterwards. The fellow I was helping asked, "Are you sure you want to use that? I'd hate to bust it." Hah!

I just wouldn't choose it to carry or throw around. To be completely honest, for the weight of the thing, I'd actually be better off with a good hatchet or small axe, which would chop nearly as well and split a lot better. But oh well, the Rifleman's paid for. :)
 
Ended up with Trail Hawks for the pack potential. Thanks for all the good suggestions.
 
welby said:
Ended up with Trail Hawks for the pack potential. Thanks for all the good suggestions.
Click to expand...

Congrats on getting your new hawk. How do you like it? The Cold Steel Trail hawk was my second hawk... If you deside you want more hawks check out Great River Forge. Mr. Johnson is a member here and does great work. I have one of his Medium French Hawks and it's good stuff!!

Heber
 
There are some hawks I see around simply marked "3J", which are said to be forged by some guy in the PNW. They are a bit on the rough side, but well balanced and inexpensive, about as much as the Cold Steel ones. I've always meant to buy one, and failed to pull the trigger when the chance came.
 
I like it very much Heber, as did the rest of the group. We spent the weekend throwing using them for camp work and decided all in all they were a pretty good value, especially for packing. We're planning a June pack trip and will play with them a little more then.

I looked at Great River, and will likely be picking one up in the near future for variety. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
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