Hawk handle finish

[oomcurt]

I recently ordered a new hawk. The question is how do I either remove the existing finish on the handle (if it exists at all) and then what I'm after is a sort of worn smooth dirty finish...as if the thing has seen years of use? Also, what about using tacks on the handle...to give it an indian appearance? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ladysmithtrading]

what kind of hawk is it? a regular throwing hawk, a pipe hawk,a belt axe?

 

[oomcurt]

throwing hawk

 

[ladysmithtrading]

well you can strip the finish on the handle with a commercial stripper, give it a quick sand and then whatever color stain suits your fancy followed by a couple coats of rubbed linseed oil or tung oil or true oil, you must be a darn good thrower, most of the guys i know and myself usually go thru a couple handles a year,(or a weekend if your playing handles) no time or energy to play with the finish, now if it were a nice pipe hawk..........................., well thats for another time, good luck!

 

[schrecengost]

I have a very simple throwing hawk I picked up at the EPR last year. The hickory handle was real dirty with soot and soil. I sanded it real lightly with some 220 grit to take the big chunks off. Then polished it with some linseed oil. I like the way it looks and it feels great in the hand too. Smooth, but real easy to grip when throwing. :m2c:

 

[Stumpkiller]

Hickory is a light wood and not fond of stains (especially if the handle has been sealed before you get it). I wipe my new handles with wood ashes, then hit them with a propane torch. Maybe two seconds to pass the length of the handle. Spin until the whole handle has been singed (not charred). Buff with a 3-M pad. I then wipe in a couple coats of tung oil. The handle on the left is finished that way.

The striped handle is finished by twirling the handle in the flame of a propane torch until it chars, then wiping a couple times with tung oil.

 

[ladysmithtrading]

Stumpkiller, nice lookn faux maple handle, think ill try that, great lookn long hunters knfe, you make that?

 

[LRB]

Knifemaker,Rade Hawkins, sells some of the nicest curly ash handles I've ever seen. They cost around $20.oo.

 

[adkmountainken]

how could i get in contact with Rade? could really use a few new handles, thanks,
Ken

 

[Stumpkiller]

Stumpkiller, nice lookn faux maple handle, think ill try that, great lookn long hunters knfe, you make that?

Thanky,

The blade is a 10" edge "Ticonderoga" that Dixie Gun Works used to sell which was based on one unearthed at Ft. Ticonderoga. I stuck it in an antler crown with a small brass oval guard. It's a tapered 3/4 length tang, so I pinned it with two large finishing nails peened flush. So, I guess you can say I assembled it.

The spine is 1/4" and the blade itself is heavy, even though it's only 1-1/2" wide. The backside has "klonked" much small game that was only "mostly dead" from #6 shot.