hawk

[anvil1231]

Here is one I forged from 5160. O.A.L is 8 3/16" blade width is 2 1/4". Handle is maple that has been fire blackened and sanded lightly. anvil

 

[boar]

Very nice, very nice Dilly

 

[F.G. Ford]

That is one fine looking hawk. You should be proud.
You do good work.

Best Regards
Old Ford

 

[LRB]

Anvil, you've done it again. You have a great eye for shape, and do a fine job of finish :thumbsup:

 

[Brasilikilt]

Very nice work as I've seen from you a few times before.

As for the spike, is there a utilitarian purpose for it, or is it only for sticking into people?

Keep up the good work :thumbsup:

 

[dlemaster]

That is open to conjecture. The spike on early tomahawks is often shaped like the one above, and could be used to stick someone or to hook and lift items. As time went on the spikes became more curved and some are almost complete curls which pretty much make them useless except as an ornament. Harold Peterson discusses this some in his book "American Indian Tomahawks."
There is also a new book on tomahawks, but I can't remember the authors right off, that also discusses the uses of spikes on tomahawks.
I do recall a period reference to a fight in Kentucky (or maybe Western Penn) in the 18th century where an indian was stuck in the back with the spike end of a tomahawk.

Regards, Dave

 

[anvil1231]

Pretty much as Dave said. The spikes in the beginning were to used as a weapon,but evolved to be mostly decorative. anvil

 

[musketman]

That is open to conjecture. The spike on early tomahawks is often shaped like the one above, and could be used to stick someone or to hook and lift items. As time went on the spikes became more curved and some are almost complete curls which pretty much make them useless except as an ornament.

I wouldn't say useless, it would still work as a counter-balance weight or a bludgeoning devise...

 

[Claude Mathis]

As for the spike, is there a utilitarian purpose for it, or is it only for sticking into people?

It's my understanding that, depending on the curvature, the spike was originally designed to penetrate armor or as a "boarding hook" during navel engagements.

But, as some have suggested, the Natives took a fancy to it and it became popular as a style.

 

[davy]

As for the spike, is there a utilitarian purpose for it, or is it only for sticking into people?

It's my understanding that, depending on the curvature, the spike was originally designed to penetrate armor or as a "boarding hook" during navel engagements.

But, as some have suggested, the Natives took a fancy to it and it became popular as a style.

Yeah ... well unless ya tripped and fell on it! :hmm: That would defintely leave a bruise, and take all the fun right outta it! :redface:

davy

 

Be good for tapping a maple tree for sap. :v

CP

 

[musketman]

It's my understanding that, depending on the curvature, the spike was originally designed to penetrate armor or as a "boarding hook" during navel engagements.

In my opinion, the double pointed weapon is a faster weapon to bring into battle, you can kill with it on the back swing as well as the forward cut, this saves time when you don't have to bring the blade about to face your opponent...

 

[Claude Mathis]

It's my understanding that, depending on the curvature, the spike was originally designed to penetrate armor or as a "boarding hook" during navel engagements.

In my opinion, the double pointed weapon is a faster weapon to bring into battle, you can kill with it on the back swing as well as the forward cut, this saves time when you don't have to bring the blade about to face your opponent...

And, when you throw it, it'll stick with a full-turn or a turn and a half! :grin: