Spanish Cross

The Spanish Cross has been one of our favorites for years and a favorite with customers as well.

As a kid I loved looking at the halbreds in Nuemann's Swords and Blades of the American Revolution. Many of those pieces had pierced crosses much like the cross on these tomahawks.

There are many examples of Christian symbols (and Masonic symbols) used on pipe tomahawks. I have not seen a historical example where a cross was pierced through the blade like the halbred. This is an artistic liberty on my part.

Though the Spanish Cross varies from piece to piece, there are several themes that I try to maintain: a pierced cross, a tapered bowl with stepped rings and a classic "half-axe" blade profile. The cross is usually a classic lobed cross but I have done variations such as the Cross of Lorraine.

The Head is forged from 1018 mild steel with a cutting edge of 1095 forge welded into the blade. The eye is punched and the bowl is integral to the body of the hawk.

The haft is usually curly maple often decorated with leather and beads.

The mouthpiece and endcap is pewter that has been poured directly into the haft.