"Did you ever eat fish heads and rice"

 I love this quote from the flick "Rear Window", Jeffries is talking to his girl friend about his lifestyle as a photojournalist.

"Did you ever eat fish heads and rice? Did you ever get shot at, run over or sand bagged in the middle of the night because someone got unfavorable publicity from your camera? Listen...in this Job you carry 1 suit case, your home is the available transportation, you don't sleep very much, you bathe less and sometimes the food that you eat is made from things you couldn't even look at when they were alive!"

Jimmy Stewart as L.B. 'Jeff' Jefferies, in the Alfred Hitchcock flick "Rear Window"

The Huachuca "Dragon"

Last winter while on a short camp out in the Huachuca mountains of South eastern Arizona, I had an interesting experience with a winged creature. In the middle of the night, I was awakened by a loud flapping sound which, reminded me of the sound of someone shaking out a rug. There was a subsequent crashing sound of branches breaking. Next, I heard what can only be (to me at the time) described as the sound the pterodactyls made on the movie Jurassic park, These vocalizations continued for several minutes then finally ,  whatever it was flew off and I again heard the loud flapping sound, which continued to echo off the canyon walls at it flew up the mountain, but grew faint at the "creature" expanded the distance between us. A few days later I was telling my local friend about it, and he told me about a story in an 1890 addition of the Tombstone epitaph news paper. I was able to easily locate the article online and have posted it here for your enjoyment. I have had many interesting and unexplained encounters during my many years as a wilderness wanderer, but this one sticks out in my mind at the strangest.....

Eyewitness Accounts --Strange Winged Monster Discovered and Killed on the Huachuca Desert.Tombstone Epitaph, April 26, 1890

A winged monster, resembling a huge alligator with an extremely elongated tail and an immense pair of wings, was found on the desert between the Whetstone and Huachuca mountains last Sunday by two ranchers who were returning home from the Huachucas.

The creature was evidently greatly exhausted by a long flight and when discovered was able to fly but a short distance at a time.

After the first shock of wild amazement as it passed the two men, who were on horseback and armed with Winchester rifles , regained sufficient courage to pursue the monster and after an exciting chase of several miles succeeded in getting near enough to open fire with their rifles and wounding it.
The creature then turned on the men but owing to its exhausted condition they were able to keep out of its way and after a few well directed shots the monster partly rolled over and remained motionless.
The men cautiously approached, their horses snorting in terror and found that the monster was dead. They then proceeded to make an examination and found that it measured about ninety two feet in length and the greatest diameter was about fifty inches.

The monster had only two feet, these being situated a short distance from where the wings were joined to the body. The head, as near as they could judge was about eight feet long, the jaws being thickly set with strong, sharp teeth.

 It’s eyes were as large as a dinner plate and protruded halfway from the head. They had some difficulty in measuring the wings as they were partly folded under the body, but finally got one straightened out sufficiently to obtain a measurement of seventy eight –feet, making the total length from tip to tip about 160 feet.

The wings were composed of a thick and nearly transparent membrane and were devoid of feathers or hair, as was the entire body. The skin of the body was comparatively smooth and easily penetrated by a bullet.

The men cut off a small portion of the tip of one wing and took it home with them. Late last night one of them arrived in this city for supplies and to make the necessary preparations to skin the creature, when the hide will be sent east for examination by the eminent scientists of the day.
The finder returned early this morning accompanied by several prominent men who will endeavor to bring the strange creature back to the city before it is mutilated.

Frontier Classics by Jason hawk at "Outlaw forge"

Frontier Classics by Jason hawk at "Outlaw forge"

A love of the American Frontier is what first inspired Jason Hawk to forge knives. The blades of the Old wild West, the Mountain Men, and eastern Long Hunters, are a slice of pioneer America. Jason's Frontier Classics are historical inspired works, not reproductions. They may not be the knives that won the West, but they could have been. Like their historic counter parts these knives are perfectly imperfect, and possess a rich worn look.


All of our products are hand made, by Jason & Mary Hawk.
Items that are in stock usually ship in 1-2 business days.
To place a order for a knife that is out of stock please email us at jason@jasonhawkknives.com.
Made to order knives usually ship in 4-12 weeks. 
Shipping costs are based on U.S. orders please contact for international shipping costs.

"Arkansas Toothpick" $525.00 by Jason Hawk at Outlaw forge - www.jasonhawkknives.com

The "Arkansas toothpick" is a  good old fashion pig sticker in a classic style. With a full sharpened back edge and a slight convex primary edge, this little critter is a hog stabber! The blade is a wicked 83/4 inch,done in a 1095 with steel antique. The fitting are cast pewter with a forged and filed copper guard. The over all length is 13 1/4 inch. Made in hidden tang fashion with a antler handle. Comes with a 9oz. leather sash style sheath with brass spots. This sheath style keeps the sheath to the inside of the belt, keeping the blade secure against you, while allowing you to easily adjust the sheath in multiple positions of carry.

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 The Trail Knife $425.00 from Jason hawk at Outlaw forge - www.jasonhawkknives.com

The Trail Knife is a favored elk camp knife, with a blade length of 6 3/4 inch, it is big enough for most chores, yet light enough for cooking or butchering. It has a classic rough forged and blued work finish. The primary edge is flat ground with a apple seed secondary. The over all length of this blades is 11 1/8 inch. The construction is full width tang, with a desert mesquite handle pinned with copper. Complete with a 9oz. leather sheath done in sash style. This sheath style keeps the blade to the inside of the belt, keeping the blade tight against you, while allowing you to easily adjust the sheath in multiple positions.

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The Jerome Pocket Knife $125.00 by Jason Hawk at Outlaw forge - www.jasonhawkknives.com

The Jerome pocket knife is a gentleman's (non-folding) pocket knife. It is the perfect crafting knide with a 1095 steel 2 3/4 inch blade. Around here we use them in the shop for leather work, carving, and the occasional apple peeling for the little ones. This blade sports a full tang construction with a forged rat tail at the but end, and a antler handle with copper pins. A great knife for a grandpa that whittles, and makes whirly gigs on the porch. These little knives remind me of lightning bugs and mint juleps. It comes with a heavy leather crafting sheath (no belt loop), to fit in pocket.


 

Kitchen cutlery by Jason Hawk at "Outlaw Forge"

"There isn't much better in this life than a home cooked meal, fresh from the garden and butcher shed." 

~ Jason Hawk

 

All products are hand made, by Jason & Mary Hawk. Items in stock usually ship in 1-2 business days.
To order a knife that is out of stock please email us at jason@jasonhawkknives.com 

Knives made to order, usually ship in 4-12 weeks.
Shipping costs are based on U.S. orders please contact us for international shipping costs.

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Jason spent many years working in kitchens, and butcher shops,where he gained vast knowledge of how to use the proper knife to fit the job, and although he left the restaurant industry long ago, he still loves cook, butcher, and  continues to enjoy making the cutlery he uses to do those jobs.

The Jefi de Sonora $150.00 from Jason Hawk at - www.jasonhawkknives.com

Jefi De Sonora is a Old Spanish Style Pheasant kitchen knife. Forged from 1940's timber saw out of the Flagstaff Arizona area. It's eight inch long blade is a comfortable length for most chores. The wide heal tappers in a nice rocking arch for julienne cuts, while the tip remains narrow for fine cuts. The blade sports a hammered finish.

Blade length-8 inch. O.A.L.-12 inch.

The handle is desert mesquite wood, with hand penned solid copper rivets. A poplar soft wood sheath is provided for storage and transportation.

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La Paloma $350.00 bt Jason Hawk at - www.jasonhawkknives.com

La Paloma is a elegant shaped chef knife forged of 1095 steel, with a blade length of 9 7/8 inch. It's hybridized lines make up the graceful feel, even with a over all length of 14 3/4 inch. The blade dawns a rich hand rubbed finish, spotted with forging marks. The handle is done in a Japanese hidden tang style crafted from Rambutan wood, accented with burled desert iron wood and set with a brass and bamboo pin. Comes complete with poplar wood storage sheath.

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The E-Wok $50.00 by Jason Hawk at - www.jasonhawkknives.com

The E- wok is made of recycled tanks. The size and thickness of these tanks make a great camping wok. Lighter than cast iron to tote around, yet durable! We have taken ours all over the country. The woks come with steel handles and setting ring solidly welded. Can be used direct on the camp fire or on the stove at home. These woks come pre-seasoned, so a lite wash when you get them and a little oil, there ready for your adventures at home and in the field.

The Tiriwac by Jason hawk at Outlaw Forge

Tiriwac -  Head hunter style - $600.00

http://www.jasonhawkknives.com/borderlands.html 

Blade- forged 5160 hand rubbed finish.
​Construction- Socket style..
Handle- Steel with sealed cotton wrap..
Blade length  14 inch.    OAL-20 inches

Amongst the Tribes of the Apocalypse, the Tiriwac are greatly feared as head hunters. They control a Region of what use to be the Mississippi river bottoms. A humid place plagued by thick brush, vines, and cane breaks.

Wood dose not last long in these in places, so the handles are all steel.
The handle forms a socket for a longer reach. But unique to their tribe, they have a forged pipe bowl in which they partake of their sacred smoke.

Mufasa Rouge by Jason Hawk and Outlaw forge

​Mufasa Rouge $1,200.00

(The Lion Hunter)

African Neo-Tribal style.
Blade- forged 5160 antique finish.
Fittings-Copper.
​Construction-Hidden Tang.
Handle-Carved Mesquite,
with sealed cord wrap..
Blade length  29inches.    OAL-36 1/2 inches.
Sheath- Mesquite (open style).
African coin, Warthog tusks, embellishments.

Mufasa Rouge- A bush sword, from the African Plains. Mufasa was rumored to be the last King of Kenya before the British took control. After the fall of civilization the tribes rose again, forging scraps from their native land into practical weapons, as they have always done, nothing is ever new in Africa.
Adorned with the trophies of the hunt, and scraps of the world that once was. Mufasa Rouge is ready for battle, cause lets face it a Zombie Lion would be some scary shit!

The C.T.-1 (Crow Town) by Jason Hawk and Outlaw forge

 When the world is nothing more than some Nomadic raiders, what kinda blade would they carry?
​Across the wastelands into the burned out slums that make up the new world we journey.Scavengers collect up bits and pieces, remnants of a world gone, and craft a new world from them.The dusty world of Crow Town, This is Their Blade...  

http://www.jasonhawkknives.com/borderlands.html 

C.T.-1 (Crow Town) Price $450.00

Apocalyptic Second Gen., style.
Blade- Forged 1095 skin textured finish.
Fittings-Patinated worn steel wire.
​Construction- Narrow Tang.
Handle- Blue/Black antler and Leather.
Spent shell .38 casing pin.
Blade length 6 1/2inch.     OAL-12 1/4inch.

About Outlaw Forge ; Jason Hawk Bio

 

About Outlaw Forge ; Jason Hawk Bio

www.jasonhawkknives.com

Jason Hawk is passionate about making beautiful functional artwork. He is from a long line of master carvers, and he was taught by his father and grandpa the value of quality craftsmanship.

Jason started making blades in his teens living in Colorado. He got into historical re-enactment and making all of his own clothes and gear for rendezvous and extended treks into the mountains. At 15 Jason became Colorado's youngest licensed big game hunting guide. It was during this time he came to appreciate the functional homespun knives of the frontiers men.

When Jason graduated  he moved to Montana where he studied welding and metal fabrication. He then moved back Colorado where he worked his way up in the restaurant industry to became an executive chef. There he honed out his skills with fine kitchen cutlery.
Starting about 10 years ago Jason started teaching his primative and mountainman skills including blacksmithing to people from around the world.

Another important important part of Joson Hawk's life started about 20 years ago when he discovered Fillipino martial arts. Master Chris Petrilli taught Jason to not only be  deadly with his hands but he taught Jason the lethal art of knives, stick fighting and improvised weapons.

About 8 years ago Jason met the love of his life, Mary.  This tough country girl lived in a cave with  her family as a little girl before moving to the their current homestead. Jason was born in rural Arkansas, so when this hill-billy met his cave girl it was pure magic. Finally someone just as twisted as him. Mary is good with a knife, loves to butcher goats and chickens, loves to harvest and preserve food, loves to garden and get her hands dirty, and is rather crafty. She makes mesquite furniture, jewelry, soap, lotion, and herbal preparations. Mary recently decided to become Jason's shop slave and learn the art of knife making and leather working.

In the last handful of years Jason has been working with the History Channel resulting in one season of No Man's Land (a desert version of Mountain Men). This last year Jason and his family spent the winter up in the mountains of NW Arkansas filming for the 5th season of Mountain Men. The large and lethal population of wild hogs provided him with a unique testing ground for his combat knives. Knife hunting hogs was a dangerous and fast paced means to put some delicious pork on the table.
Jason Hawk has spent his life making and using knives. From guiding, hunting, butchering, and living remote, to slicing and dicing in high scale restaurants, to the study and application of the martial arts, Jason has dedicated his skills and passion to the persuit of perfect blades (for who could choose just one).

"Outlaw" Forge - Jason Hawk

My good friend and fellow blacksmith Jason Hawk has finally got his website up and running. Jason is a well known metal smith and bangs out some very beautiful, functional and artistic knives. I know he has been a bit behind on orders recently due to family issues and starring in 2 TV shows on History channel. If you are interested in his work you can either contact Jason directly via his website ORRR, you can email me at pathfindertom@gmail.com and I will ensure that he gets the message.

http://www.jasonhawkknives.com/

Check out the website for awesome picks and more detailed info.

Tomahawk - See you on the trail!

A poem dedicated to my hero - Pat falterman

Pat was an awesome young man, I met him in Mexico and south America, his intelligence and confidence impressed me. Simply put....he was a good kid.
Now, sadly with his passing, he has joined the ranks of lads like Everett Ruess, and Chris Mcandless. The world traveler/vagabond community is small and Pat will be missed. I would like to dedicate this poem to him. 

 "To An Athlete Dying Young" by A.E. Housman

The time you won your town the race,
We chaired you through the marketplace;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
As home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears:

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.

So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl's.