The ultimate Hawk! What does it have?

Hmm.. a DDR utility hawk?? WOW!

Look at the blade on the new Ranger hawk on the ATC forum. it has a single beard (on the bottom) and the edge is curved. That si about all I know; it will be interesting to hear what people with experience have to say!
 
Darrel,

It's good to see ya in the 'hawk forum. I am gonna agree with cray on this one. The new ATC hawk looks damn near perfect. I personally like the look of the "bearded" type 'hawks. For stickability(I think I made that word up)it would be a little better to let the top edge come up a little also, it ups the stick percentage a bit. I think weight is probably the most important aspect of a good throwing 'hawk. You could have the greatest design ever, but if it is too heavy to throw repeatedly, it is useless.

As far as a utility hatchet, I think the most important aspects are; edge geometry, weight(needs a bit of heft to it, but not too much) and handle comfort. The design will be worthless if it is too uncomfortable to use. The problem with most axes today is the edge geometry, the edge is just too thick and does not chop well. The edge of an axe does not need to be as thick as the average axe company thinks it should be. That is where a skilled maker comes in handy. Find the perfect ballance between a strong edge and a thin edge. Don't just slap on any ole bevel and call it done. The goal is to make an axe that chops WELL.

Of course steel type and heat treatment are an equally important aspect of both ‘hawk and hatchet.
 
Darrel --

Please check out the thread I started in this forum, entitled "Re-thinking the woodworking/fighting 'hawk". It is a discussion about a tool that I think isn't being met, but might find an interesting niche. It's a hatchet/hawk based tool. Like a hatchet, it's got high-performance edge geometry, secure handle for backswings, and is not meant to be thrown so the head heat treat can be more hatchet-like. Like a 'hawk, it's got a fighting poll, hatchet blade shape, and straight handle (until the bottom). [thanks to Cliff for his feedback].

Joe
 
The ultimate Hawk has Two Hawks signature on it! I own three of Two Hawks Competition Hawks and they are absolutely the finest made hawk you will ever handle.
 
The ultimate 'hawk...bearded, with a hammer poll. Weight, one pound or less. Handle length?...make it long so the individual can cut it to fit their needs. Handle should be hickory.
Just my 2 cents.

Paul
 
I may add some thoughts later but, for now, my ultimate tactical hawk would feature:
  • blued blade, curved main cutting edge, ~3.5" long, ending in sharp points on top & bottom
  • sharpened top & bottom edges (extending back from main edge)
  • sharpened back spike with slight downward curve for hooking/trapping
  • ~18" synthetic handle textured &/or contoured to improve grip (i.e., checkered, shallow finger grooves, etc)
  • total weight ~1.25-1.5 lbs.
  • good throwing balance (Yeah, I know you don't throw away a weapon. However, I know myself & it may as well be a good sticker. ;))
 
the best tactical leaning hawk that appears virtually indestructiable with all the features you want is at rmj forge very reasonable :cool: :cool:
 
I like the looks of Justin G's entry hawk and the RMJ forge Crash axe protos. Personally I want a hammer option if not a poll then a flat on the head. I would rather have a claw then a sharp spike. Better utility and if ya can't f#$k someone up in cqb with a claw or hammer then yer doin' itwrong. JMO of course.I reference the two previously mentioned hawks for handle design.
 
I would say bearded hawk with hammer poll, high tech steel, maybe look at blade geometry from gb axes, I hear they cut really well... also a spike option and wood and syntetic handle options... i would also love to see something like a lonnie hansen tactical tomahawk! :D i also like the new emerson from american tomahawk, mid-tech l-max, and jen anso's hatchets on tadgear....

oh and reasonable price!!
 
I'm a bit of a traditionalist, so I like a classic French and Indian War hawk design or something similar.
But it has to:
1) be a thrower
2) be able to be a self-defense tool
3) chop kindling
4) steel not brass
5) forged or cast is not an issue, but decent quality
6) BE UNDER $50......
7) easily replacable handle
8) BE UNDER $50
9) did I say that being inexpensive should be on the list?

I see some hawks that sell for $150 +. I don't get it. Why are they so much durn money?
 
Hello all. I wish I had a picture, but, ... y'all have seen an Estwing framing hammer. I cut off the nail-puller spikes (leaving plenty of weight though for fine tuning later. I heated the hammer end sufficiently hot and whumped it pretty good with a hammer. Spread nicely. nice simple geometry, slightly raised and foreward point. I rounded the nail-puller side, took it off completely so the handle lines go right up and over into the blade. Looks like it's nicely 'bent' from handle to head. I had to grind the rubber handle, though, into a tapering oval with the widest at the bottom and blending right into the steel haft. I tempered it to cut stone. An extremely elegant 'simple' (like me) line, totally indestructable. Throw it till San Diego freezes over! *__- It does all the little chores it should, and just keeps on going... (the martial aplication is obvious) I left the haft in its original flattened diamond shape and left a hammer finish on the head with tempering colors (like a tad of lipstick). Never made another. Ive made a few and that one seems to give me what I was 'looking for'.
Peace...
 
This is still everything I would want in a hawk (designed by Justin Gingrich and myself..yes, I still plan on having Justin make me one, but money is about as tight an ants @ss right now). Go to search and look up "dream hawk" and it will explain the function of everything.
 

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I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tease. I'm just so techandicapped! I try to get a pic today and post it. PEace...

Ok, I have a pic on my desktop. How do I get it here?
Stumble, fumble, toil and bumble....
Hmmmm... Lets see if this works..
MyEstwingTommyhawk.jpg

WOW!!! It works!! Ok, heres another with a bit more spike to hawk ratio. No, its not a thrower! Hahaha..... It's my sickle-hawk..
Brightersickle-hawk.jpg
Sickle-hawkinsheath.jpg

Thats it for now..
Peace...
 
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