Thomas Hawks

[toadboy65]

Seeing some of the axes posted here, I was inspired to start a new one. After fooling around on the forge today, I have this so far-

Still a ton of work to do. Years ago, I did a Texas-themed full stock rifle, and this is designed to sort of go with it. The cutting edge is 1095, so it will probably take and hold a good edge when complete.

But I am not particularly experienced as an axe maker. I have made a couple that I am pretty happy with, but it has been a while. Here is one from a long time ago-

It was mostly a beadwork project, and not the best steel.
My metalworking skills and tooling have improved tremendously since then, so I am optimistic that this project will meet my expectations.
T

 

[toadboy65]

I sort of finished the hawk. There remains some pitting from the forging and hammering process, but I got tired of sanding. I have not decided on a finish for the steel yet, but probably something dark would work. The handle is a very old piece of hickory that I saved from the firewood pile a long time ago. The handle goes from round at the top to rounded octagon for most of the length. I formed the eye with a taper of 6 degrees, and matched that on the handle using my lathe. I am very happy with the edge, it is hardened and annealed to Rockwell 61, and will shave hair.

I noticed after posting that there is a yellow ink mark left from when I traced for the leather cover.

 

[rusty]

it looks really good I think I would leave it as is

 

[RoaringBull]

Cool hawk