John Hawk

Rat, I've forged  dozens of throwing hawks with A-36 mild steel. You're not forging a straight razor. It hardens more than one might think. I have never had on break or bend. The socket needs to be 1 1/4 " wide minimum to mount securely on the haft. A 1x 1 x 4 " blank will work fine. Drill a row of holes for the socket before slitting to get it straight. Spike hawks are evil and dangerous, avoid them.

I just finished a new set of hawks.

Very Nice. Is the knife on the left forged from a farrier's rasp?

Mr. Smith, I've been told that tin solder works well and is less expensive than online pewter ingots. I'll try that next.  JSB

Yea HW, Not doing so was my first mistake. I was surprised  that the inlay popped right out, considering the rough interior of the carving.  I undercut and drilled 4 holes at an angle inside the cross. On my end caps I drilled right through the handle.  I didn't have any problems with charring on black walnut or hickory. JSB

Teeny, They are  ball pean hammers.  JSB

Interesting, Mr. Boggs. I have some Ukrainian ancestry. Perhaps there's a genetic link to my inspiration to make these. Thanks,  John  (DBA  Dark Side Forge)

This is my first successful attempt at pouring molten pewter. I've since done some end caps and rings.

These are a little spin-off on hawks. No one bullies up on Grandpa anymore.

I haven't posted in awhile, but I'm still forging hawks. My stuff is actually starting to sell. Here are a few photos.