Pipe Hawk by Jim Batson

[Buddy Thomason]

Every time I attend a show where Dr. Jim Batson has a table it seems like I always wind up parked in front of his forged blades, asking questions and getting absorbed in his answers. Jim is a retired 'rocket scientist', immediate past president of the American Bladesmith Society, author and expert on the life and times of Jim Bowie and makes some of the most interesting historical blades around. He had this pipe hawk on his table up at the Scagel Hammer-In in Michigan this past August. The price was right and I just couldn't pass it up.

[hammerdownnow]

Nice "Modified Spontoon". (spelling) It was a treat to see and handle. Thanks Buddy. I wonder if these were ever made like this originaly. Everyone I ever saw had a point instead of a blade. I like it alot tho. Inspiring!

[Ivan Campos]

This piece is really different from the usual hawks.
It is too bad thatw e don't see Jim Batson's work more often at the web - he is a maker with a style all of his own.

[Buddy Thomason]

Roc, Glad you got to examine this one up in Michigan. I'm sure you can appreciate the attraction. I have found some pictures of hawks with the 'modified spontoon' shape, as you called it. I've also seen animal motifs used in their design, but nothing quite like this one. Next time I see Jim I'll try and get more details.
Ivan, I agree it would be nice to see more of Jim's work on-line. As you know, he's just not one to engage in self-promotion. Here's something else of his that I really like. It's a Ram's Head Fireplace Poker:

[Buddy Thomason]

Just remembered that Jim Batson has made one of the raffle knives for the up-coming "Third Annual ABS All-Forged Blade Exposition" to be held in Reno, NV, Jan. '05. Last month at the South Eastern Custom Knife Show in Winston-Salem, NC Jim gave a terrific presentation/slide show detailing the making of this knife. Everybody was fascinated but it was really the knife-makers in attendance who benefitted most. Jim patiently answered question after question revealing his elegantly simple solutions to the challenges involved in making a knife like this one.


Also remembered that I bought some raffle tickets for a chance on this knife when I was at the BLADE Show in Atlanta this past June. What the heck! If anyone would like to take a chance on Jim Batson's knife or the other beauty by Jay Hendrickson, you can get raffle tickets through the American Bladesmith Society at: http://www.americanbladesmith.com/RaffleReno05.htm

[Buddy Thomason]

I have found some pictures of hawks with the 'modified spontoon' shape

The statement I made above naturally invites a skeptical response. I sure get skeptical when someone makes such a claim and yet never seems to get around to backing it up. So, gentlemen, I give you..............my references:

From Tomahawks & Pipe Axes of the American Frontier, John Baldwin, p. 73


Same book, p. 100


And this had to be the inspiration for Jim Batson's pipe hawk - Indian Tomahawks & Frontiersmen Belt Axes, Daniel D. Hartzler & James A. Knowles, p. 78

[hammerdownnow]

Cool! I like the one with the buffler head.