Had a bunch of inquiries to make tomahawks etc... Being always behind on orders ive never really had the time, but figured I better stop putting it off and at least try one.
I had a old 32 oz. ball peen laying around the shop for years, and only occasionally use it. So I figured it would be a good candidate for a "tomahawk". I wanted to make one that had a bit of a Norse/Viking flare, so when forging I drew it out top/bottom to have the points at the cutting edges. Not really sure if this would be called bearded or lugged... what ever you wish to call it I can attest it is very effective as the "points" bit me a few times!
Any how, this hammer head made a real big 'hawk, really more of a small axe. Cutting edge is just over 5" and shaves easily. It was a fun project and I have a sack full of large ball peens in bound for more. think im going to do the next one without a spike, and a single bottom "lug".
Some quick cell phone pics, obviosly everything but the cutting edge is as forged.
Very cool, did you think about spreading the eye so you could use a more traditional haft? I have a small hatchet I cut on the waterjet machine that I going to make into a hawk but I want to use a round haft instead of a hatchet handle so I am going to make a tapered drift to reshape it.
yep, I didnt have one or time to make one, just decided to make it and banged it out. The future hawks and axes will have the eye drifted, and a tapered handle.
As a fabricator and heavy equipment mechanic i have tons of steel scrap, I salvaged a really nice fiberglass handle made for whats called a beavertail hammer used for breaking the bead on truck tires, They broke the handle just below the head, so I grabbed a surplus square head machinist hammer that also lost its handle, shortened the beavertail handle to about 18" and made the two fit together, used a plastic epoxy to keep the head on, the handle has a long rubber coating from the bottom up for a grip, its my "go to" hammer when I need something a bit lighter than a full sized sledgehammer and with a shorter handle, I think the head is a four pounder.
My next project is a modified dead blow type of fighting hammer, would have a tube full of lead shot inside so as to further increase its impact ratio.
And also is checking out some of these new carbon fiber handles out on the market used in framing hammers, would make for a strong handle I expect.
This was really fun to make, and already have a sack full of hammer heads coming in... also found one 40 oz. head!!! Im going to make me a Norse single bearded war axe with that one.
Ive got to be carefull not to spend all my time making these know, still have a few years of Bowie orders back logged!
I really like what you did with the hammer. My hat/appreciation is to you whom can make practical tools from cold hard steel with your hands. Thank you for sharing.
Checked out your website. Nice work. Question, I am assuming these are not new cheap hammers from wherever, these are older ballpeens from back when real steel was used? Just wondering.
Matt made a Fighter/Bowie for me with a beautiful hamon blade. It is absolutely my favorite knife, a real piece of work. I find myself pulling it out just to feel it in my hands and admire it. Completely pathological. Highly recommend his knives.
Is it just me? the only pic I can see is the 1st hammer pic? Lamey... I visited your site and All I can say is wow.. you sir are a craftsman with a fine eye for proportions. I love your work. I will be visiting you for my next order instead of Randall. However, I need to finish buying Receivers before our October 1st ban before I can think about blades again. Are your tomahawk, broadaxe pictures somewhere else I can view them?
Oh man, yes the pictures are not showing up...really want to see this. I just started taking some blacksmithing classes earlier this year and really getting into it. Thanks for sharing Lamey.. can anyone refresh the pics? Thanks, Mac
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