Questions on Building 'Hawks

[Rasch Chronicles]

Howdy Folks!

I recently bought Bubby (my Youngest) a couple of tomahawks from Track of the Wolf. Coincidently, I was reading Mr Ken G's Tennesse Hog Gun website. He makes a comment on his Tomahawks page: "If your are just starting off building guns I strongly suggest building a few tomahaks.  Adding inlays and working with metal on a tomahawk is a cheap, quick and very fufilling way to learn some of the skills needed for building a gun."

That makes so much sense, that now I want to encourage him to try to do more than just mallet the handle in and threaten his older brother with a scalping. (Needed or otherwise.) I am looking for some resources that might have just hawks as the theme. There are plenty of metal and wood working references that I can use, but I am afraid it would just cloud the issue with  Bubby.

Also, who makes good heads? There is a huge selection, and I'm not certain if one is better or worse than the other.

Best regards,
Albert “Yes, I am still in Afghanistan!” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn

[The Original Griz]

First off, THANK YOU for your service to our country.
here is a couple site that may help out...
http://ez061134.ezdriven.com/historical-tomahawks/
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2011/07/uli-perghers-new-tomahawk-made-by.html
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/2011/01/living-with-collection-tomahawks.html
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/6292801/Tomahawk_-axe-

These will give you some ideas, but if you go here and have a little time to search, there is enough of the nations best on here and some of thier work will make your head spin,
http://contemporarymakers.blogspot.com/
Have fun... and post some pics when they are done.

[bob in the woods]

Castings that a lot of folks use as a basis for their creations , can be purchased from R. E, Davis Co.

[Ken G]

Albert,
Glad you found something on my site as helpful.  I firmly believe what I said.  Its much cheaper to learn to install inlays in a $25 haft than a $300 piece of wood.  

R.E. Davis is about the best place for purchasing heads and handles.  They have a large selection of styles.  The below little booklet is (IMO) the best for getting started. It's only $13.50.  It's pretty basic but it gives you a good start on what you can do to fancy one up and how to go about doing it.

Instructions & Hints for Assembling Pipe Tomahawks by Gutchess & Gutchess
http://www.redaviscompany.com/0319.html

Thanks for your service to our country!

Ken

[alyce-james]

THANK YOU for your service to our country. Some great information has been shared with you on this thread. So good luck. Jim & Alyce.

[Rasch Chronicles]

Thank you for all the responses I really appreciate them!

While doing research, I also found H&B Forge Co who hand forge some very nice hawks. From their site: This process of wrapping softer steel around a hardened bit results in hawks and knives that are made to take it all. The price is pretty reasonable too for what you are getting. Of course I am all about buying American, and supporting small local buisnesses too.

I'll be ordering some in time for me to fool around with them when I get home for R&R. Pictures will soon follow!

Best regards,
Albert “Yes, I am still in Afghanistan!” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
Extreme Wild Boar Hunting, Chronicles’ Style!!!

[LURCHWV@BJS]

 :)Albert,

  You really need to change your name on the forum,for whatever reason having the three names won't allow me to send you PM's ;Dk

[Ken G]

If you are looking at forged hawk heads I would take Beaver Bill into consideration along with several members of this board.  I've seen some outstanding forge work posted here.
Ken

http://www.beaverbill.com/products.htm

[RobertS]

Yes, thanks for your service!  You'll want to check:   http://www.redaviscompany.com/edgedweapons.html

They have hawk heads, handles, and kits, and an instructional manual, and though I haven't bought anything, it looks tempting.

[Rasch Chronicles]

Thanks everyone, I will check them all out.

And let me see what is up with my profile!

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles: George Washington, President and Fisherman

[Rasch Chronicles]

Ok, changed it to my name. Someone try me on PM.

Albert

[Leatherbelly]

Al,
 Here's another site to check out. I bought two castings of their pole axe. Worth the look. 4140 is decent steel. These need lots of work to finish but I like these ones shape big time!
Pole axe has  long handle,they sell nice curly maple handles if you want to build a "strutter".
mailto:smilingfox@smilingfoxforge.com

[Ky-Flinter]

Ok, changed it to my name. Someone try me on PM.

Albert,

I sent you a PM at 5:15pm EST.  Seemed to go fine on my end.  Hope you receive it.

Thank you for your service.  Which branch are you in?  Stay safe.

-Ron

[Rasch Chronicles]

Ky Flinter,

I was in the Army, but I am a contractor now. (PC euphemisim for mercenary. I don't know why they quibble over it...)

It's a good living, but it keeps you away for well to long from your loved ones and friends. On the other hand, if I survive, I can retire early and build rifles and furniture.

Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate everyone's help!

Oh! And PM works properly now. Thanks!

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
Best Hog Hunting in Florida!!

[LURCHWV@BJS]

Ky Flinter,

.
I was in the Army, but I am a contractor now. (PC euphemisim for mercenary. I don't know why they quibble over)

Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate everyone's help!
Oh! And PM works properly now. Thanks!
Glad to hear PM's work.  Personally I like the word Mercenary,  it adds a certain flair of adventure to your title.
  Rich

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
Best Hog Hunting in Florida!!