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Thread: The Versatile Trail Hawk

  1. #1

    Default The Versatile Trail Hawk

    A few months ago I found a very versatile piece of kit. The cold steel trail hawk is becoming my favorite small chopping tool. Let me say it will never replace an axe in the cold weather, but is very useful.



    It can be used as a light duty chisel.
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    Is a functional plane.
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    An adz.
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    It is also possible to make a functional replacement handle in the field useing only the head.
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  2. #2
    Senior Member Winter's Avatar
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    Nice little write up.
    I had a compass, but without a map, it's just a cool toy to show you where oceans and ice are.

  3. #3
    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    Nice job. They do make some nice hawks.
    Tracks Across the High Plains...Death on the Bombay Line...A Touch of Death and Mayhem...Dead Rock...The Griswald Mine Boys...All On Amazon Books.

  4. #4
    Senior Member hunter63's Avatar
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    Thanks for posting, I'm kinda a hawk guy my self, and carry a small belt ax on my hunting fanny pack.
    has use mine for anmost everything you mentioned except an adz.
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  5. #5
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    That trail hawk reminds me of the old Charter Arms Skatchet, the only thing different is the Skatchet had a threaded area for putting a field expedient handle on. I found the Skatchet somewhat awkward unbalanced design. I have one of them buried somewhere in all the clutter, never really liked it. I think I am going to order one of those trail hawks, they look very balanced in use when you were putting it through their paces... any suggestion where to grab one at ?

    The small hatchet I use now, I have used various stones and rocks from where I am hiking at to make sparks with. I have only recently started using a magnisium fire starter, was always using a char cloth and the axe/stone method to start fires.

    Where exactly did you add the edge to use with the magnisum rod? Did you use hand stock removal or a grinder ??

    What degree of edge angle do you use on your hachets? I usually use a 20 degree edge, done with an older Loray sharpener with the axe/hachet guide rode. I find that using 17 degrees, the edge wears out faster, the 20 seems to be more durable although less sharp by a fraction.

    That Trail Hawk looks like it would suit my rustic furniture making a lil easier than the bulky axe I am using now.

  6. #6
    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    Good stuff as always IA W.
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  7. #7

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    OK Now I will admit I am not a "Fan" of Cold Steel stuff. However I do believe you sold me on this item!!! GREAT Job!!
    Because a survival situation carries an aura of timelessness, a survivor cannot allow himself to be overcome by it's duration or quality. A survivor accepts the situation as it is and improves it from that standpoint. Prologue from Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen

  8. #8
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    I dunno Pocomoonsky, the Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) that I have is the best all around camp/outdoors/survival knife I have ever owned from a blade every 20 seconds mfg. I have owned a few customs and other maker knives and none have held a candle to the SRK. About the only knife (I kick myself for trading it away) I found better is a vintage Randal #1.

    I do agree, Cold Steel does have a crappy line of cheaper knives, the ones they do well, I feel they do very well.

    This Trail Hawk looks like they did some homework and got it right. The lowest price I have found is $20.99 from Plum Outdoors.

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by OhioGrizzLapp View Post
    That trail hawk reminds me of the old Charter Arms Skatchet, the only thing different is the Skatchet had a threaded area for putting a field expedient handle on. I found the Skatchet somewhat awkward unbalanced design. I have one of them buried somewhere in all the clutter, never really liked it. I think I am going to order one of those trail hawks, they look very balanced in use when you were putting it through their paces... any suggestion where to grab one at ?

    The small hatchet I use now, I have used various stones and rocks from where I am hiking at to make sparks with. I have only recently started using a magnisium fire starter, was always using a char cloth and the axe/stone method to start fires.

    Where exactly did you add the edge to use with the magnisum rod? Did you use hand stock removal or a grinder ??

    What degree of edge angle do you use on your hachets? I usually use a 20 degree edge, done with an older Loray sharpener with the axe/hachet guide rode. I find that using 17 degrees, the edge wears out faster, the 20 seems to be more durable although less sharp by a fraction.

    That Trail Hawk looks like it would suit my rustic furniture making a lil easier than the bulky axe I am using now.
    I filed the top of the hawk as close to 90 as I could. As far as the angle I sharpen chopping tools goes, about 20 degrees. I agree that the edge lasts a little longer.
    Quote Originally Posted by Pocomoonskyeyes3 View Post
    OK Now I will admit I am not a "Fan" of Cold Steel stuff. However I do believe you sold me on this item!!! GREAT Job!!
    I also own a CS Shovel. That thing is bomb proof.

    Thanks to everyone else's comments also.

  10. #10

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    Nice vid. You brought out some good points.

  11. #11
    Administrator Rick's Avatar
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    The Cold Steel hawks are made by American Tomahawk. I'm not certain I understand the relationship but AT is supposed to be a subsidiary of Cold Steel. My guess, and that's all it is, is that Andy Prisco is making the tactical hawks for his name and the more traditional hawks for Cold Steel. (shrug)
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  12. #12
    Senior Member SARKY's Avatar
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    I've carried one for years now, it's a great piece of kit.
    I know what hunts you.

  13. #13

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    Great vid. I was thinking about buying one and after this video I ordered one.
    -Daniel

  14. #14
    Senior Member SARKY's Avatar
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    The only complaint I have with is, the hawk face is a bit narrow for my liking. I have several other coldsteel hawks and they have a wider cutting edge than the trail hawk.
    I know what hunts you.

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