Hawk handle

[mariobab]

Which wood would be good for hawk handle other the hickory?For hatchets and axes here in Croatia ash,hornbeam and beech are commonly used,but would those be of any good for hawk?

 

[hiraeth]

I have alwaysed used Hickory myself but would have thought that ash will be ok.Can i ask what is the problem with using hickory as a handle?

 

[mariobab]

There was not the problem.Yet.The other day when I was throwing Rifleman˙s suddenly occurred to me "what if haft get broken".Order a new one is not so good idea-shipping would cost more than new hawk,so I decided to ask for advice.

 

[John Fenna]

I would say ash would be great.
By the way I visited Croatia last auttumn and I love the place - I am going to be visiting again in April - Kayaking, rafting and walking in the Paclencia(sp?) National Park - fantastic country!

 

[cheapeats]

In the US hornbeam is called Ironwood and is used for a variety of tool handles, and an aquaintance that does american fur trade era recreations suggested making a spare handel from it when I showed him my tomahawk.

 

[Moff8]

I would be interested on how you plan on fitting the handle as I will need to do that with mine. Especially on how to get a good tight fit.

 

[mariobab]

I have some experience in hatchet handles,although it`s whole different method of fitting.Unlike for example walnut ,which once dried is very stable,hornbeam "works", it seems to me, forever.Just when think it`s,at last, dried and settled five hot dry days and axe head is loosen.We fix it submerging axe head in water for a few hours.But I don't think it would work on hawk.For hawk˙s handle is more lighter,longer,delicate,then hatchet`s,and under more stress,and repeatedly submerged and dried areas eventually rot.And axe haft is not much expensive or hard to tiller every few years .So I plan to dry wood ,rough shape haft,dry it slow again in dry and airy place,then shape it to fit firmly an then submerge in linseed oil for week.Linseed oil swells the wood and does not evaporate.And it protect it.Or to buy some hoe haft and skip drying,just tiller and some final drying.That is my plan if thing breaks-and I think it will,for Rifleman`s is very heavy and I˙m not very good thrower.With hawk.Hatchet throwing works better for me.But have to learn both.

 

[mariobab]

John Fenna I would say ash would be great.
By the way I visited Croatia last auttumn and I love the place - I am going to be visiting again in April - Kayaking, rafting and walking in the Paclencia(sp?) National Park - fantastic country!

If any help need while you`re here,please do e-mail.

 

[John Fenna]

Thanks for the offer Mariobab but everything should be fine as it is all prebooked...