Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors

Subject: Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 10:56 AM

Bubba Luke broke the handle on his throwing "hawk" yesterday. (It was ancient, already taped and re taped, etc). Now, I know he can order a new one from Panther Primives, etc. but he wants to carve his own.

He has a billet of seasoned oak, and my question is:

Doesn't it have to be shaped so that it balances correctly, length to fit Bubba, etc? There is more involved here than just making the hawk head fit on the shaft, isn't there?

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors
From: jeffp
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 11:13 AM

Sorcha:

There is a Mountain Man Discussion List that I'm sure would generate a lot of answers. The page to join is at http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html. You have to join to post to the list, but I've been reading their archives and there are a lot of very well-informed people participating, most of whom do a lot themselves.

My wife and I recently started Buckskinning ourselves, so we're absorbing as much information as we can. Let me know what you and he find out.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors
From: Mrrzy
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 11:19 AM

Reminds me of the old joke, here is the authentic axe that George Washington used to cut down that cherry tree. Yup, we've had to replace the head twice, and the haft three times, but it's genuine! I guess I was wondering about that hawk, had it been repaired so much that the existential "is it Luke's hawk" question could arise...? (Sorry. Shutting up now.)

Subject: RE: Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 11:33 AM

LOL, mrz. Actually, no, it was my dads'. The head is the same, tho!

Subject: RE: Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 11:54 AM

Nice straight grained Ash, would be my choice for a handle replacement.. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Help: ? For Blackpowder ReEnactors
From: GUEST,Rick Campbell
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 12:16 PM

Been doin' that for 20+ years now. Nothin' magic about a 'hawk handle. Use a straight grained hardwood like oak, hickory, ash or maple. If the head has a tapered hole, and it most likely does, then the top of the handle has to be shaped to match the hole so it does not come all the way through the head. (That is what keeps them together) As far as balance, there are many "secret" methods but what works very well for me is: place your elbow on a table with your forearm sticking up, make a fist, and the length from the table top to your knuckles should be the length of your handle.