Steve Herschbach Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 The striking power is only an issue if it is an issue. In Australia we were getting nuggets down into material that for all intents and purposes was solid rock. A Hodan would probably just bounce off while taking small chips where the Estwing would take out chunks. At the time I was using a Walco pick but JP had this big honkin heavy super pointy pick just for that kind of material. The Walco was useless in that stuff - just too light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deathray Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 My favorite pick right now is that Hodan. Got mine free...found it at my local river, asked around, couldnt find the owner. Great pick! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldbrick Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 I too use a Hodan as my favorite pick. If I am swinging a big coil or in hard material then I take my Apex pick. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tortuga Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 I purchased a Walco from this Australian dealer but the shipping wasn't cheap- http://goldsearchaustralia.com But a good pick is important to me. The next best thing might be to contact Ivan and have him make you a Walco pattern pick with the nice round handles they have. Should be cheaper than paying for shipping from Australia for a real Walco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grass Valley Buck Master Posted May 26, 2016 Author Share Posted May 26, 2016 Thanks to all who responded! Steve I really appreciate the pictures. It helps me get a good idea of what i need to look for. I already have the Estwing but will probably get the 24 inch Hodan. I'm also intrigued by the 16 inch as I do a lot of packing. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivers rat Posted September 27, 2016 Share Posted September 27, 2016 On 26 May 2016 at 3:45 AM, Steve Herschbach said: That is a Hodan Pick. The logo is for Hodan Machine - same pick I currently use. Unfortunately John Hodan passed away. However, there are still some picks to be had in inventory from some dealers for now until they are gone. They come in 15", 22", and 34" handle lengths. I liked the 34" which was nicknamed the "Walking Pick" as it really did make a decent walking stick. I am not sure what grade steel John was using in them but the metal is very slow wearing. Fred Mason commented once on how could I use a pick with such a narrow hoe end. I like it because it hangs well on my belt, far better than the ones with super wide hoe. Those I usually carried in hand or over shoulder. This pick I chop the ground up with the pick end, then lay it sideways using the entire pick head on edge to scoop the hole out. Works just fine for me. I have just changed the handle on mine we imported them from Arizona years ago and it wasn't cheap but it cut through hard black compact gravel like a knife in butter .............i am breaking spade too easily Hodan all the way!!!!Got 1 brand new spare RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MannyScoot Posted January 30, 2020 Share Posted January 30, 2020 What ever happened to WALCO picks ? I have an old one I purchased from Doc's 10 years ago that the head has become so small, it takes me (2 hours) to dig a hole and was looking to purchase a new one ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MannyScoot Posted January 30, 2020 Share Posted January 30, 2020 On 5/25/2016 at 7:20 PM, DolanDave said: I have been using Bunks Hermit Pick, very lightweight, yet strong, has a nice wide spade, made by a local prospector. Dave Where can I purchase this pick ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MannyScoot Posted January 30, 2020 Share Posted January 30, 2020 19 minutes ago, phrunt said: Just get yourself a Gold Digger pick, I couldn't be happier than with mine. https://www.x-coils.com/gold-digger-picks I even lift massive boulders using it to lever them out, not an issue for it. I checked man..... they want the same price of the pick for shipping to Arizona USA ..... and it will take 4-6 weeks delivery time ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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