Mod'ing The CS Trail Hawk

Glad to help CQ.

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If you are not set up for caustic blue I would recommend a 'Express Blue' finish.
I have Had real good luck with Mark Lees Express blue #1. I get it from Brownell's for $9.50 (4 oz.) or $20.00 (16 oz.). The key is to get the parts VERY clean and wair cloth or rubber gloves (to avoid skin oil contact) and apply in even coats.

It is easy to work with and gives a good looking and durable finish. It will take several coats but you can re do it any time with out stripping, just clean and re apply.

It only requires boiling water and fine steal wool or a soft wire brush/wheel. I apply with a paint sponge from any hardware store. it will take 5-7 coats usually to get a good finish.

I have had less than happy results with cold blues. Brownell's 'Oxie Blue' was the best I have tried but it is not very durable. Good for touch ups but I don't recommend it for complete parts of any size.

 

Don't you love it when a plan comes together.

 

great post love the idea so much i just ordered one to do the same but going to stain mine olive green and i think i will try to polish the head if i can or i will paint with flat olive paint good job
can anyone tell me the best paint remover to use for the head?

 

Finished the basics for my CS Trail Hawk mod - probably add a paracord wrap and a lanyard at some point. I used Minwax Red Oak stain and a single coat of satin polyurethane. The head is Krylon Ultra Flat Brown Camo - I'm not satisfied with the paint job. The paint was applied with a foam brush so it's a little uneven and I wonder how it will hold up to chopping. I didn't remove the original black paint which creates the kanji symbols for 'wood' and 'fire'. I'm going camping in Maine next week so it'll get some use and we'll see how well the paint holds up. Thanks for the tips CQ! :thumbup:

 

very classy Japanese style !

 

I found that an old style 30rd mag pouch for the m-16 makes a decent sheath for my trailhawk

 

can you post a picture for us? I sure would appreciate it...

 

Hope this works, I have dial up at home, it's painfully slow


http://http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/bcarroll_2006/IMG_0384.jpg

http://http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/bcarroll_2006/IMG_0383.jpg

http://http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/bcarroll_2006/CopyofIMG_0382.jpg

It aint pretty, but it works in a pinch,
bryan

 

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Thanks CQ, I was going to try from work next week, got HS there

 

My hawk turned out rather well. I could have spent motre time sanding out the grind lines but considering the hard use it is going to get did not bother. I just used the cheap cold blue from the local CO-OP store.


Thanks everyone for all the help and advice.

 

Looks good, now enjoy!

 

the paint is so inexpensive to do, and only takes a couple minutes to mask off that gorgeous handle of yours and spray the thing.

ya might also try some spray BAR-B-Q paint on the head, just run some tape down the edge if ya like.

i paint right over the edge to keep rust off while the hawk is static.

the paint just peels back from where it chops.

i can't imagine an impact tool's finish will last, so ya might as well go cheap and renewable on the head, by my low-forehead's reasoning ...hehehe...!

....anywayz, i share your love for the Trail Hawk and paracord as a brother can see ...!



i hope ya try out some wood burning on your handles ...that'd be great to see done....


i just found this forum, i am so happy to know that i am not the only hawk-maniac ...har...!

vec

 

thank you kindly, brother 'Q.

i have a huge problem.

a couple in fact.

i admit it.

my name is vec and conditions are always a little choppy....

vec