Hey folks, thanks for the compliments. The only thing I tried to put on the handle was boiled linseed oil, I apologize for improperly labeling that! Just didn't suck it up like hickory usually does...
My flux was just good 'ol Borax. I sometimes get bad welds, but if I find them after grinding I just go back and re weld it, then clean it up again. And I'm pretty sure its A36, I can't remember if the mild my step dad always gets at the steel yard is hot rolled or cold rolled. One of those two, though!
I did find that after I finished the hawk, my bevels on the bit were pretty steep, so next time I know to grind a flatter surface for a sharper edge and better sticking!
Thanks!