'Hawk Handles

[OldJoe]

Just wondering what you guys have done to your ‘hawk handles. Going to stay plain for now(just a light stain and oil). I don’t like to jump into any design too quickly, it took me over ten years before I started scratching pictures on my horns. “The Patriot’s” handle is nice but maybe a little much. It seems tacks might weaken the handle a bit. I’ve seen stripes burned in, looks OK but I’m not sure if that’s what I want. Can always do up a couple one for different occasions. Any ideas out there?

[bones92]

I've done a couple tomahawks as gifts to guys who have served as leadership the local Royal Rangers outpost.  I have typically wrapped the handle in leather lacing, and I use small brass nails for simple designs.  The wood is often so hard I have to pre-drill the holes and cut the nails down in length.

[oldtravler61]

Oldjoe I have a  of book  American Gun by R.L.Wilson  that shows several original guns an hawks with tacks,metal inlays (brass an metal)etc. Might want to look at it. It's a recent publication. Might give you some ideas.

[OldJoe]

Thanks guys.  I'll check that out.

[grabenkater]

I have seen two originals that have had the handle decorated by heating up a file and burning the wood with the pattern of the file. Looked simple but nice.