Cold Steel Riflemans Hawk

[Graywolf]

http://www.abetterworld.co.uk/product_details.php?sku=90RH
I would like to know what you think of these,As I am thinking of getting one its the Cold Steel Riflemans Hawk.
Clayton

 

[pierre girard]

Hard to say without getting a close look at it. Looks like a reproduction trade axe - though I doubt it is hand forged. Unable to tell from the photos if the poll is a hammer head or pipe. It would probably say if it was a pipe hawk. Poll hammer head (if that's what it is) will be handy for camping. This archaic style of axe, because of the weight distribution, is a little more unweildy to chop with than more modern style blades. Not with-standing that, If the steel is good and takes a decent edge - it should be a decent axe.

Be sure to remove the haft and sand the head end of the haft free of any varnish or finish, and soak it in linseed oill for a few days, or a week, before tapping the head back on. This type of haft is most likely friction fit - like a pick or adze - and unlike most modern style axe hafts. Without the linseed oil bath, your head will come loose in dry weather, or if kept inside for any amount of time.

PG

 

[Graywolf]

Pierre,
Heres another link.http://www.coldsteel.com/axes.html
They are made from drop forged medium carbon 5150 steel?
Clayton

 

[pierre girard]

Pierre,
Heres another link.http://www.coldsteel.com/axes.html
They are made from drop forged medium carbon 5150 steel?
Clayton

Gee, I'd go with the trail hawk. Much cleaner lines, even if it is a smaller bit.

I was thinking it was probably drop forged. There was a day when I knew what all those steel numbers meant, but it is long gone. Lets see, 30 pounds, that's roughly $45. For the price - if you can get any kind of edge on the blade - I think it is a fair deal.

PG

 

[British Red]

Its a decent hawk as they go. It is a hardened hammer poll at the other end. They aren't a bad little axe at all - they work good for hammering wooden pegs. Its a VERY narrow blade profile - much more cut than split. If you are ever in Hampshire and want to try one alongside Rosellis, GBs etc, drop me a PM

Red

 

[Graham_S]

i've got one, it's a handy chopper although the edge needed a little work when i got it.
it's about the same size as a sfa but lighter.
it has a very narrow blade profile, so it's not a very good splitting axe but it bites deeply when chopping.
the hammer poll is useful around camp too.
the main down sides of it aer
it came without a blade mask,
and
the shaft is not a brilliant fit.

 

[Tack]

Hi,
I have owned one of these for about ten years. During that time I have reprofiled the edge so that it is now hair-poppingly sharp. The blade is thin making it better for cutting than splitting.
I would also echo the previous advice and make sure that the handle is well treated with linseed oil. If not done correctly the head comes loose very easily.
That said it is a very good tool. The head weight is ideal for lightwieght camping and the poll is very good for hammering. As a combination tool kit with a typical bushcraft knife it is hard to beat. I made my own head mask very easily in leather. This is essential to keep yourself and your gear in one piece.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Tack

 

[running bare]

does the round shaft not have a tendancy to turn in your hands? just an honest question as i used to have a very old axe with a round shaft and it was a beggar to control! or was it just me?

 

[Graywolf]

Thanks for all the replies,Looks like I will be getting one.I dont think I will have a problem with the shape as I have used plenty of hand tools over the years in forestry and countryside management.
Clayton

 

[Carcajou Garou]

I recently bought the CS Rifleman's hawk (not a pipe but a hammer on the poll), for a young fella's first hawk and found it to be to head heavy for the style and lenght of the handle, the smaller hawk would be a better choice, I am going to replace it with another droped forged hawk of a smaller more convenient style, (perogative of being an older ). As an axe I would (do) carry a GB hunter's or the GB SFA instead (better balance and feel). As my light (personal) carry I use a forged hawk 17th century German pattern tucked in the small of my back inside my old wool ceinture fleche (woven sash) a bit nostalgic but confortable. The CS RH seems to be of good steel and I will rehandle it to a more confortable size and lenght and reshape the head for a better balance. CG :yo: