Best Weight/Length Hawk For Throwing

[MikeC]

Not asking who makes the better hawk, just wondering what weight and length you prefer for throwing.

If you want to mention a favorite hawk that would be appreciated also.

Thanks...Mike

 

[Birdman]

as for weight I guess its whats comfortable for each person, as to length usually ya place the head of the hawk on your forearm tucked in tight to your bicep with your arm bent at the elbow, then mark the handle where the first joint(from the tip of the finger) of your longest finger is located, cut your handle off at that point and smooth the edges. Ya may have to trim it some more over time but thats usually a good length to start off with when learning to throw. Of course others may like a longer handle but most good throwers that I know start there.

 

[Many Klatch]

I've always wondered about that too. I use a long heavy hawk that is good for cutting brush, driving stakes and splitting small wood. It is a lot heavier than anything anyone else uses but it works for me.

Basically, whatever you get used to will work for you. It just makes sense to me to carry a working hawk instead of a special throwing hawk. The throwing belt knife that I use is extra long, not because I wanted a longer knife, but because it throws from about the same spot as the hawk.

Your hawk and knife need to work together so you don't have to spend too much time remembering where to stand.

I have found that a hammer poll hawk with a narrow ground edge will stick in a real hard block better than one with a standard axe grind.

Many Klatch

 

[ohio ramrod]

Over the last twenty years I have had about 15 different throwing hawks, many expensive , some cheap, but the one I have kept and like the best is a Dixie hand forged hawk I bought about twenty five years ago for $19.One of the cheapest but it is the one I like the best.

 

[Muskeg Stomper]

Many throwers realy shorten their handles. Some use the crook of their bent arm to to the tip of the middle finger technique. Some make theirs even shorter. Much depends on what the folks that you throw with will allow. If you have to throw from any closer than say 10'-12' to get a full turn, you probably need to be only throwing with the kids IMHO. As far as heads, I've obtained them from many places and haven't seen much difference in the way that they throw. I can't see spending any more than $20 or so for a simple throwing hawk head. I do find a difference in the quality of the handles however.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

I like the head to be about 16 oz. and the handle long, 19-20 inches. It is a close match in weight to the throwing knife. My favorite is an old Dixie Gun Works 'Shawnee' hand forged hawk. The first one I had I wore it out, it developed a crack. This was after almost constant daily throwing for about five years. Dixie replaced it for free. I have that same one now for the last twenty-five plus years. Made in U.S.A. My next favorite is the Fort Turner hawk, hand made in the U.S.A. also. :thumbsup:

 

[RiverRat]

Hi Mike, I took 1st place at the last Jacobsburg rondy hawk and knife throw......yea...so what!
I use a Beaver Bill forged throwing hawk and knife. I really improved my hawk throwing when I cut down my handle to the length from the crock in my arm to my finger tips.
Looking forward to meeting you at Jacobsburg.

 

[chipper]

I like one that matches the knife I carry. It's about the same weight and my aim point and number of feet from the target are the same.

Regards

 

[bajabuc]

Get Foxfire book 5...blacksmithing...study it a bit and make your own..(these guys will tell you I'm cheap)...I used old sawmill blades and a bandsaw I built outta an old bicycle...I even used my kid to power it. I built a cheap forge from a coal furnace and cooked my own coke. You build your own and you get an appreciation of how things fit. Hickory handle...unless you can find Osage Orange. Hickory works good if you're going to use it for a camp hatchet...Osage Orange "bounces" good if you miss when you're throwing.

 

[davemcg]

Don't know about the weight, go with whatever feels comfortable, heavy enough to sail good, but if it's too heavy you'll get fatigued after a few throws, (I know this because the knife I made is too heavy and it wears me out)

Keeping a good edge on it is important, for length I curl my fingers over the head and hold it along my arm, handle down and cut the handle off even with my elbow.

I picked up a couple of cheapos from amazon.com of all places $15 each the heads were painted gloss black I tossed 'em on a fire for awhile and burned off the paint then let them cool slowly.

I had to replace one of the handles, I used a length of a broken sledge hammer handle, had to work it a little bit with the draw knife, but it didn't take too long.

Best o' luck to ya!