Trailhawk question


Smooth out the taper on the handle, there should be no grove.

Then take a half round file (If you have one, if not use what you have to work with) and round the edge of the eye of the hawk. Just the edge.

That's how I did it. You may need to take some material off the sides of the handle if it rocks, but try the above first.. If you want.

I'll take some pics for ya if you need/want. Someone had made a video but I do not remember who it was.
 
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a video question? we're used to video instructions, but I like this - i hope someone can answer your question


after I sanded my haft down to where it was smooth - i placed the head on, let it slide up and banged it to seat it - stayed snug for me


maybe someone else has a tip/trick?
 
MANIMAL said:
a video question? we're used to video instructions, but I like this - i hope someone can answer your question


after I sanded my haft down to where it was smooth - i placed the head on, let it slide up and banged it to seat it - stayed snug for me


maybe someone else has a tip/trick?
Click to expand...

I figured it would be easier to understand the question if I did a video and moved it around so people could see.
 
how about sanding the top of the handle a bit to receive the head, obviously leaving space so the head doesn't slip off the top, spread some epoxy to hold it into place, whenever your ready to change the handle heat the area where the epoxy is and it should come off.

not sure if this helps?
 
remember you do not want it too snug - the ability to remove the head is what makes this a great little pack hawk
 
Slip the head back on. Turn the 'hawk upside down and pound it on the floor a few times. Nothing crazy, just three or so hard taps. You head is now seated.

I carved just a hair off the shoulder the head left on my handle (cold steel rifleman's hawk) and took a semi-round file and just eased the inside of the top of the eye to debur and ease it a little. Seats much better now.

I don't use the set screw at all in mine.

Found the vid I had in mind. IA Woodsman made a cool vid about the hawks and demonstrates what I was yapping about.
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21172&highlight=Woodsman+tomahawk

He talks about the screw in the beginning, but if you skip to 7:08, you get to see what I was talking about.
 
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I think the idea of using the vid to ask a question was very smart, it showed exactly what you were asking, good job.
 
Here's some pics and a short description of what's in 'em.


This picture is showing the small gap between the handle and the eye. It's only the very first part of the eye that is away from the handle. This helps it press itself on the handle, rather than digging in. That's why yours has that grove.
IMG_3374.jpg


The next two pictures show how I rounded the first 1/6 to 1/8" of the eye. I just used a half round file. You can see that marks from the file.
IMG_3379.jpg

IMG_3382.jpg


This one shows how I smoothed out the handle and made the transition a little more gentle.
IMG_3384.jpg


And here is a picture of some adult material.
IMG_3387.jpg


I hope it helps you some brother. No need for the set screw really. They were throwing my hawk at the PA meet and the head never came loose.
 
I think this is all the info I need. Thanks guys, I'll get it worked out. Then I'll oil the handle and sharpen her up some. BTW, how did you get that nice dark color for the handle? What did you use?
 
CarbonEvergreens said:
I think this is all the info I need. Thanks guys, I'll get it worked out. Then I'll oil the handle and sharpen her up some. BTW, how did you get that nice dark color for the handle? What did you use?
Click to expand...

I just sanded the handle down, the stained it with ebony stain, but did not let it soak in for too long - Added a few coats of boiled linseed oil after that.
 
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