Carry of Tomahawk

[Trench]

I just picked up this Hawk from Track of the Wolf. I was wondering what an appropriate mode of carry would be on my person. Sheathed or unsheathed? I guess I'm looking for historical carry of the item.

 

[mark starr]

some guys make a blade tip cover and carry them tucked in their belt. I carry a caywood belt axe in a shoulder strap sheath with the strap tucked under my belt. :thumbsup:

 

[pichou]

Most just had them in the belt, from what I have seen.

Alexander MacKenzie's was a sort of leather envelope with a hole in the bottom for the handle. It has a warp-faced linen striped shoulder strap. The sheath leather has incised cross hatching on it. There is no closure at the open end (top).

 

[LRB]

At least make an edge cover. I have seen injuries from not doing so.

 

[silverfox]

I agree with some cover on the edge. I too have seen people with bad cuts from carrying open blades. You don't see knives or swords carried without a cover. I can't see carrying a hawk without a cover unless you are ready to use it or expect to use it immediately. You would not want to have your hide touch the blade of my hawk or knife.
Keep all edged weapon and tools covered until ready to use.
Fox :thumbsup:

 

[Scott_C]

Some make a simple blade cover of a folded piece of leather with whangs to tie around the handle under the head. Tucked thru the belt would be the most common way to carry depending upon your persona.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

My belt axe has a fitted blade cover with a very tight strap that goes the length of the head and is forced down over the poll. Then the axe slides under my sash or belt. I'm told it's P/C but I won't swear to that.

 

[Lostrifle]

My battleaxes(I don't have anything as small as a 'hawk yet) all have a cover over the edge; two pieces of leather, with a heavier piece as a welt, to protect the stitching, and leather thongs attached that tie behind the back of the head.

 

[Birdman]

Most deffinately have some sort of edge covering. I carry mine simaler to what Pichou described, its a sort of pouch with a hole in the bottom where the handle hangs through, no flap on top, and the whole rig hangs from a thin sholder strap. very convenient both to get to and hang up around camp

 

[Dphar]

Most HC is probably without a cover.
Might be some military ways of carrying a small axe, seems like I have seen drawings, but I don't think its typical of civilian carry.
Its not something that got documented for the most part.
I do question having one horseback without a guard of some kind on the edge.
???

Dan

 

[Dphar]

In thinking about it I seem to recall a hatchet sheath on the back side of a hunting pouch.
Needs more research for "HC".

Dan

 

[pichou]

Circa 1790.

 

[Rod Lassey]

If nothing else, a worn out mocassin will make a good cover. Most illustations I recall (Rindisbacher, etc.) show it just thrust into the belt, with no cover to the blade. Often, when I'm using my half axe, I'll carry just in my belt at the small of my back. But this is when I'm using it frequently ---trapline, out gathering wood, making a shelter, etc. I'd agree with Dan that an unsheathed blade on horseback is an accident waiting to happen. It's pretty easy to extemporize some sort of covering for when it's not in use.

Rod

 

[Troy Allen Christianson]

I picked up a Ft. Meig's belt ax a few years back. I had no idea what kind of steel it was made of or it's edge holding potential. I gave it an edge and made a small slit in the back of my hunting pouch to pass the ax through when carrying it(sans any type of cover) Well I was out squirrel hunting with my .32 flinter when I noticed my hunting shirt was slit in several places and my hand was bleeding. That darn little ax was sharp! Now it sports a leather cover I made to save on shirts and band-aids. :redface:

 

[Trench]

Good points made here. I've got a cover for it. Since I don't have to worry about the occasional Indian raid, I'll save myself and my equipment any future damage and keep it sheathed. :grin:

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Dan, the more I think about it, the more I think they must have had a safe way to carry a 'hawk or belt axe. No matter how I place my belt axe, just normal movements have me brushing against the edge. Blade forward or blade aft doesn't matter--it still poses a hazard. Maybe this is just one of those things that was so common that no one bothered to mention it?
Dan

 

[pichou]

I dunno. They did bother to mention it when they slipped on the ice and amputated a hand. I'm guessing that one had no covering? :shocked2: :barf:

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

It just seems odd that they'd take such a risk when medical help, even if available, wasn't worth much and the danger of infection was so great. I hear that pocket lint for example was a real killer.

 

[Claude Mathis]

No matter how I place my belt axe, just normal movements have me brushing against the edge.

I carry mine in the back. Haven't had a problem brushing against it.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Ditto! :thumbsup: