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Pros: Handle Material, Balance
Cons: None
Not perfect, but nice
Okay, I gave it a 5, even though it could be improved easily and cheaply, because I figured in the price point. The head is nicely shaped, be aware the spike is not sharpened. The blade itself is not very sharp, will not slice paper, but it's a hawk, not a knife. (I will get it much sharper, just haven't had the opportunity.) The sheath is very nice, BUT LACKS A WAY TO ATTACH TO BELT, PACK, etc. My main complaint is the handle, which feels like plastic. IT IS WAY TO SLIPPERY! It would be easily and cheaply improved if the handle were stippled, had finger groves, and most important, had extra material at the base to prevent your hand from sliding off. With the weight of the head, and slickness of the handle, I am concerned that a hard swing would send the hawk flying. This hawk is extremely top heavy. Doubt it is intended for use as a throwing weapon, handle is not robust enough. Yet, for the price, one gets a very good tool, well worth the cost, which is so rare these days. I'll try to fix the handle issues through the propper application of duct tape, and maybe introduce some stippling with a soldering iron. Cold Steel sells replacement handles.