Use Of Hawks This Hunting Season

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DancesWithKnives

Joined
Apr 21, 2001
Messages
1,385
Man, it's getting pretty slow around here! A couple weeks ago I went hog hunting, hoping for the opportunity to test one of Two Hawks' fine products in butchering a pig. Unfortunately, they didn't cooperate. Since we're now well into hunting season, can anyone share any stories about using a hawk (or axe) on a hunt this season?
 
I used a hawk I make this bow season. I was needing something to help in the use of tree steps. In Missouri tree steps are legal but on some of the tight grained trees its really hard to get them to start. So I forged a spike hawk out of a piece 1" tie rod. The hawk proved to be a very valuable asset.
I move my stands around alot looking for a good buck, and hanging off the side of a tree trying to get a tree step to screw in can some
times be a difficult task. This hawk proved it self in a hurry, just one hit with the spiked end and the steps would screw right in, I used it several times in the course of the first season but not only did it do a great job with the tree steps, I arrowed a nice 8 point buck, and when field dressing, it came in real handy for spliting the pelvis to get the bladder out. The gun season is going on right now, but as soon as its over, I'll be bow hunting for my second season buck, and you can bet that hawk will be right there with me.
Here's a picture of another hawk I made similar to the one I carry.

Good Huntin
Bill
 
Don't get too jealous, guys, but the one pictured is heading up to NY. :D Thanks again, Bill.
 
Apparently you guys didn't recall the rule about the person who started the thread having first refusal rights on all hawks pictured therein or thereunto appertaining!

Seriously, thanks for the excellent story and photo. The hawk looks extremely cool and practical.

One question regarding using a hawk to split a deer's pelvis and remove the bladder. I've usually used a saw with a protected/blunt tip or a wire saw threaded through the pelvis. Is there a problem controlling the depth of penetration with the hawk so that you don't go farther than desired and create a "leak"? Is it just skill and good control or is there something else I should know?

Thanks again!
 
I apoligize if I was out of line or stepped on anyone toes when I posted the story and picture of my hawk, You are welcome to contact the moderator and have it removed and scraped, it was not my intention to cause any problems and I will not post any pictures here again.SORRY, but I throught this was a axe and tomahawk forum.

Bill
 
Ah, DancesWithKnives, don't feel too bad. I'm sure Bill will make you one if you ask him nicely. ;)
 
Bill,

I hope you know I was just joking with you and Brian because I was envious of his good fortune in getting that fine hawk. I hope you were just joking with me in turn, because we really appreciate your picture and story.

Thanks again for posting them!
 
Actually, I had the inside track on this hawk all along. I liked the hawk that Bill made from a railroad spike so much that a few days ago I asked him if he ever made one with a spike rather than a hammer poll. He then told me his tree step story & said that he planned on forging out some more hawks soon. I'm sure you can figure out the rest. :cool:
 
I have used my Skachet as a skinning/chopping tool for over 20 years. Handles vary according to where I am at when I make one. I have several handles of cured osange orange that I am partial to and I keep one of them installed most of the time. During hunting season it is often easier to just carry the head on my belt without the handle and make one when I need it. The handle below took about 3 minutes.
SCHANDHANDLE.JPG
 
I always liked the look of the Skachet. Thanks for the pic, ROS. Does anyone know if these are still in production?
 
The Buxton spike hawk pictured above just arrived today and, as nice as it looks, pictures doesn't do it justice. It is extremely solid and gives the impression that it could smash through practically anything, yet it is well balanced & not at all unwieldy. Like the earlier hawk I got from Bill, it came shaving sharp.

It may not be as pretty as the great looking knives that Bill makes but form follows function & this hawk means business. Here's a closer shot of its head...
 

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Brian,

Thank you for all the great compliments, I'm really glad that you like the new hawk and I am looking forward to hearing about some of the adventures you take it on.

Thanks
Bill ;)
 
Dear Bill,
Good to see somebody posting a functional use for a spike hawk (other than punching through Kevlar helmets).
I do hammer polls on mine, since it seems more likely that the hunters and trappers need to pound stakes and nails more often than making holes in trees. Just my opinion, though!
Keep up the good work. Looks like a fine hawk, and some of the folks going to Afghanistan could probably use one.
Best regards,
TWO HAWKS
http://www.2hawks.net
 
Two Hawks,

Thanks for the post, I agree with the hammer pole, I make most of my hawks out of RR spikes, they make a good inexpensive camp hawk, but I was wanting something for my own use as for a tree steps starter so I made the spike hawk. It just so happened that Brian asked about a spike hawk so I made him this one. It turned out really well and is a very solid hawk, should provide him with service for a long time. Do you make a double edged hawk, I throught the next time I have a little free time I'm going to make one and see how it turns out , just for fun.

Have a good evening

Bill
 
Dear Bill,
I don't do a double-bit hawk, but there is historic precedent in the little Fort Meigs Axe used in the 1700's. The biggest problem with it, I feel, was the extremely narrow "hatchet-type" eye that made for a fragile handle and required wedges to keep the head on. Also, of course, you had two blades and no hammer.
Would rather carry one tool to do two jobs.
Best regards,
TWO HAWKS
http://www.2hawks.net
 
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