Question for Tomahawk Makers

[shooyer_250]

Hay Folks

I recently purchased a Tomahawk, "Hand Forged Steel Tool and Weapon" with a "Steel Bit Inserted in the Softer Head". The hawk head is Black, not painted, but black as in cast iron, not saying it's cast iron, just the color.

The hawk is a very nice looking piece of work and has absolutely no markings on it. My question is simply shouldn't i be able to see the steel insert? Two different types of metal coming together, this hawk is seemless.

Perhaps I just don't know how to look at what I'm seeing, however, I have seen inserts in other hawk heads...I don't want to put up pics as yet, I'd hate to be wrong and call into question someones' reputation.

Thanks y'all

God Bless

Lee

 

[Claude Mathis]

On some brass heads, I have seen "bits" inserted into the head and they are very obvious. On yours, I would guess that the "insert" was forged into the head during the process.

 

[shooyer_250]

So Claude, being forged into the head, it wouldn't be visible? Yes Sir me too also on the brass heads...

Thanks for getting back to me...I reckon I don't know enough one way or another, I really really like the hawk tho...it's a keeper

God Bless

Lee

 

[anvil1231]

Sometimes they show,somwtimes they won't. Depends on the forge weld and how fine they are finished. I can forge two the same,one will show the other will not. I like for mine to show, But.... sometimes it just doesn't happen.

 

[shooyer_250]

Maybe I should send this one to you for a determintaion Anvil. I'm certainly stumped.

God Bless

Lee

 

[rich pierce]

On a grinder steel will throw sparks that fork and split a lot. Wrought iron does not.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Here is one I had made by a member on this forum, and the harder insert does not show. If I were you, I wouldn't get my dandruff in an uproar.

 

[shooyer_250]

LOL...Mike, I'm trying hard not to,,,LOL,,

I was just asking the question, as I said I really really like this hawk...Mainly just curious, and I'm considering buying a couple more, hence the questions.

I really don't want to put this hawk on a grinder, but that is a good idea....On the other hand my grinder is packed up and it will be a couple months before it gets unpacked...

I reckon I'll just need to hide and watch

God Bless

Lee

 

[wayne1967]

I noticed that on some of the cheap hawks(made in india I think)they say on some ads that they have a higher carbon bit forged welded into it and others say nothing about it. The hawks look identical but it makes me wonder if they are all just a simple fold weld.

 

[Claude Mathis]

Maybe I should send this one to you for a determintaion Anvil. I'm certainly stumped.

Hit it with a file in a couple places. You should be able to tell if the steel is harder on the edge. And, if it holds an edge, don't worry too much about it - just use it. :wink:

 

[shooyer_250]

I was gonna do that Claude, I was really, I was...I can't remember which box my files are in... ...I reckon this whole deal will need to wait a couple of months, till I get moved and (OMG) unpacked...

Thank all you guys for all the responses, I really appreciate it.

God Bless

Lee

 

[LaBonte]

On a grinder steel will throw sparks that fork and split a lot. Wrought iron does not.

All depends Rich - mild i.e. low carbon steel will throw sparks similar to iron rather then the forked sparks that high carbon (basically above .5% carbon content) and most hawks today made in the wrap fashion are mild steel not WI. ALso not all wrought iron is low in carbon - I and many others who have worked with lots of wrought iron have had some test out as high as .6% carbon which is in the high carbon level. Not all wrought is the same and much of it can have slag inclusions that will throw off a spark test.

As to seeing the weld or not - what Stuart said - sometimes yes sometimes no.........one way to check with minimal resources (sand paper about 220 grit and some white vinegar) - sand the head bright, then soak in the vinegar for a while - may take a couple of hours, but check every 15 minutes or so. The vinegar will lightly etch the metal and will usually show the weld line, but again dependent on several factors it may or may not show, even when made with the steel bit and iron head.

 

[Andrew smith]

I am new to the forum and this is my first post besides the intro. but anyway, There is nothing to worry about. Like already said, sometimes you can see it, sometimes you can't. The forge scale is black, that is probably what the finish is.