THUNK!...GOt my Ranger Spike Hawk

[Brian Jones]

I pulled this baby out of the box and right away felt as if I'd found a perfect historical specimen from a dig! This hawk has classic lines and shouts "French & Indian War."

I threw the hawk a few times and started getting it to stick pretty consistently in the woods. Some hikers happened by and were a little nervous at first until I explained the hawk, the history, etc., then let them try a few throws. I gave 'em the ATC web address.

To experiment a little with skills, I tried using the hawk for some initial leather and whittling work. I drove the spike into a log and moved the "work" (leather and wood) over the blade, rather than trying to work the heavy blade over the pieces. The blade of the hawk was facing straight up, and it did a nice job of whittling even finer pieces of wood when mounted like this. The spike itself worked well as an adze for breaking up dried rotted wood into kindling size pieces, etc. to get ready for a fire.

Looking forward to building a shelter next with it -- I'll report progress as I go.

Simply awesome!

THUNK!

Brian.


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Brian Jones
Co-moderator
Wilderness & Survival Skills Forum

[This message has been edited by Brian Jones (edited 04-23-2001).]

 

[GPB]

OUTSTANDING! I am very eager to hear your "torture test" reports from afield with your authentic piece.

How do you find the balance for chopping?

Out.

 

[Brian Jones]

I found it surprisingly blade heavy (GOOD surprise), and the profile of the hawk lent itself very well to chopping. It still handles very well for possible CQB applications (people with weaker arms can choke up on the grip slightly until they develop better arm strength to wield it).

When I really do some extended chopping for shelter, I'll be able to better report on the ease of use over an extended time -- but all initial use screams that this hawk is a USER in every way...

I am really looking forward to relying on this piece for my trip to Idaho in June. 2 weeks in the backcountry...

Best,

Brian.

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Brian Jones
Co-moderator
Wilderness & Survival Skills Forum

 

[GPB]

Brian what would be your recommended equipment for feild sharpening. I use a Spyderco kit with ceramic sticks.

 

[Brian Jones]

Hi, Frank,

I bring along three things usually: a fine diamond hone from ez-lap, a flat DMT coarse diamond hone, and a double-sided spyderco ceramic. The coarse hone only comes out to repair inadvertent blade damage, such as striking a rock, etc., in the course of use.

I've found, as have others, that the hawk edges respond very well to the ceramic.

Peace,

Brian.

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Brian Jones
Co-moderator
Wilderness & Survival Skills Forum

 

[GPB]

Thanks for the info. Your insight is appreciated and welcome anytime.

I look forward to your further tests of the Hawks.

Out.