I'd use a buffing wheel on a drill, or lots of elbow grease, fine abrasive (toothpaste, tcut or similar) and buff away.
My custom tomahawk is now finished!
- Thread starter Samon
- Start date
Thanks for the continued kind words! 
Overall weight is 650grams and the head is about 330grams! Very light but a mean cutter.
To get the polished head you need to first remove the forging marks, I do this with the angle grinder and a worn 120 grit flap disc. A fresh disc will leave orbital scratches and I used a medium grit normal sand paper to dull them down then gave it a few minutes on a pair of buffing wheels. Ithe wheels and buffing soap cost less than a tenner and cover 'grinding marks' to final polish.
The head isn't mirror polish, but it does reflect colours and such. If you want mirror polish you need to knuckle down through the grits and that will takes hours!!
My brother now 'needs' an axe like this. I offered to do it all but I suggested he come over for a weekend and we do it together and I'll just chip in with advice as and when needed. He has decided he might like to keep his spike, but make it rounded and the blade more bearded.
My next one will be the Norse hawk! Done right they too can look very nice, OTB they look a bit crap but we all know effort = reward!
Overall weight is 650grams and the head is about 330grams! Very light but a mean cutter.
To get the polished head you need to first remove the forging marks, I do this with the angle grinder and a worn 120 grit flap disc. A fresh disc will leave orbital scratches and I used a medium grit normal sand paper to dull them down then gave it a few minutes on a pair of buffing wheels. Ithe wheels and buffing soap cost less than a tenner and cover 'grinding marks' to final polish.
The head isn't mirror polish, but it does reflect colours and such. If you want mirror polish you need to knuckle down through the grits and that will takes hours!!
My brother now 'needs' an axe like this. I offered to do it all but I suggested he come over for a weekend and we do it together and I'll just chip in with advice as and when needed. He has decided he might like to keep his spike, but make it rounded and the blade more bearded.
My next one will be the Norse hawk! Done right they too can look very nice, OTB they look a bit crap but we all know effort = reward!
It took a few hours and a little on and off time between ordering bits. Nothing you can't do in one go with a few tools though!
With anything its hard to time your efforts, but with all the tools there and 4 hours you'd easily get it done.
Thanks again dudes.
Right, I'm tempted to buy another to transform. But!
What model from the Cold Steel line should I acquire next?? I'll likely end up swapping it on here after a few months of having it anyway lol, so what model do you guys want to see get dolled up?
What model from the Cold Steel line should I acquire next?? I'll likely end up swapping it on here after a few months of having it anyway lol, so what model do you guys want to see get dolled up?
Yup, I like that a lot. Must admit I've been thinking of blacking my own handles recently.
Im guessing it's no different than a normal wood handle?
Did it affect the fit of the head?
All the best
Andy
Im guessing it's no different than a normal wood handle?
Did it affect the fit of the head?
All the best
Andy
Yep, that looks hot! I have the lighter 'Trail hawk' myself but have always regretted buying after seeing Bushcraft Bartons (Canadian youtube bushcrafter) do this same modification. That said, he managed to cut the spike off at a wonky angle and it looked nothing like yours. You could see he was pi##ed off about it!
Btw, you still torn with your Hulators vs GFB dilemma? The latter make their own 'hawk and its a steal at £150 something (!)
Nice work mate,
T
Btw, you still torn with your Hulators vs GFB dilemma? The latter make their own 'hawk and its a steal at £150 something (!)
Nice work mate,
T
I didn't notice any shrinkage, probably because I apply oil right away to get it drawn in deeper.
Wow, what a transformation. Beautiful work.
Thank you!
I have just ordered a Norse hawk. If anyone is interested I can and will do a more detailed work in progress thread. As this one will be a gift it won't be up for trade in 18 days like usual lol, but if takes anyone's interest I can of course trade my handy work for needed goods!
Should be here by monday and I'll crack on asap.
how much weight did you loose by lopping off the spike?! and is the spike hardened all the way back (=the stump still useable as a hammer)?! and how long is the handle now?!
i:m tinkering with the idea of getting one myself to modify as a small belt hatchet...
i:m tinkering with the idea of getting one myself to modify as a small belt hatchet...
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