Carrying Material
Place a small amount of microcement or plaster on the flat surface of the hawk, and the hawk provides a portable platform for holding the material as you work.

Accessibility 
The hawk allows you to have easy access to the material while you are applying it to a wall or surface — easily scoop up material with your trowel from the hawk as needed.

Mobility
The handle on the underside of the hawk allows you to hold it securely in one hand while you use your other hand to apply the material with a trowel. This mobility and control make it easier to reach different areas of a wall or ceiling.

Precision
Using a hawk helps ensure that the material is readily available and at the right consistency for the task at hand. This allows for more precise and efficient application, which is especially important in tasks like applying vertical overlays or plastering.