Some of the sledge hammers used by strikers either on struck tools or directly on the workpiece. The one on the right followed me back from Turkey.

A simple squirt bottle helps a lot when tending the forge (preventing unwanted spread) as well as keeping the hammer and anvil wet for wet forging.

Mostly done, I just need to clean up the hide-glue stains and engrave the brass plate. The blade is 83cm long and 5cm wide at the base. The centre of balance is 17.5cm in front of the guard and total weight is 1.145kg. Grip: 10.7cm with limewood core with calf-skin covering. I am starting work on the scabbard soon.

Ironwork

A few items for the house made during a brief one day detour into the gentle art of blacksmithing before returning to the usual blade oriented routine. It does help one relax and reset before continuing with a challenging project.

We managed to forge this hammer in one and a half hours. Not bad for a 4.4 pounder.

Some of the tools used in making hammers.