Tomahawk Touch-up and Handle Material

[pipascus]

Looking to replace the handle on my Cold Steel tomahawk. I have some oak, I think white oak. Would that work, or is it too brittle?
I did the carving below on the original handle with my Swiss Army Knife years ago, but the handle cracked and split with regular use.

Also, any examples/advice on making that hawk head look a little nicer? Particularly the hammer part on the back.
Do I have to anneal the steel? Is it even worth it?
Thanks!

 

[Robby]

There are several species of white oak, but generally it is tough and hard, not brittle. Red or white ash and hickory would be a better choice though. Take a file to it and if it bites, you won't have to anneal it. Whether its worth it or not is your call, myself, I always like to add my own touch to things, even if I didn't make them.
Robby

 

[Rifleman1776]

Agree with the white ash or hickory recommendation. However, keep in mind one of the first rules of tomahawk life. 'the prettier you handle, the sooner it will break'. After a couple heartbreaking losses you will end up like me using plain ole replacement handles.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Looking to replace the handle on my Cold Steel tomahawk. I have some oak, I think white oak. Would that work, or is it too brittle?
I did the carving below on the original handle with my Swiss Army Knife years ago, but the handle cracked and split with regular use.

View attachment 46706View attachment 46707
Also, any examples/advice on making that hawk head look a little nicer? Particularly the hammer part on the back.
Do I have to anneal the steel? Is it even worth it?
Thanks!

Go to your local hardware and purchase a Hickory handle for any hand tool that meets approximately the size you need. Nicer? What does that mean?
If you want to re shape, then you need a grinder and it does not care if the steel is hardened. Yes, it is worth it, if you don't like the way it is.
Flintlocklar

 

[user 48679]

A few ideas for altering/reshaping the poll on your CS

Another option would be to remove the poll

 

[pipascus]

Wow! Nice stuff!
And thank you gentlemen for the wood suggestions!
No more carved handles for me! At most I will do the "candy-cane" stripe burn thing.

 

[Robby]

A coarse file heated red can leave a nice pattern on a handle.
Robby

 

[pipascus]

Went to the hardware store and nothing. I am seriously thinking of using the oak scraps I have.
Still need to determine if I need to anneal the hawk head.
If so, I'll look up some videos on how to do that, and it'll give me an excuse to build myself a little mini wood forge!

 

[pipascus]

PS

Any ideas on making the handle stronger?
I read somewhere that submerging it in something like linseed oil for a few days makes it practically unbreakable.
I live in AZ and I think the dry climate makes the wood more prone to cracking.