Seriously, that is why I use my 2 lb hammer as well Dale. I just have better control with it. Most of my bar stock is not oversized by very much so, I rarely need a bigger hammer. I

One thing I want to find out for myself is can I make a 3 lb with enough balance and feel that I can use it a easy as the old 2 lb.? I believe hammers are like knives, some are just more efficient. I may be reinventing the wheel, but it stands to reason some are better then others.

I agree, a hammer has to feel right. I finally broke my favorite hammer. It was a two pound sledge that I bought for a couple of dollars when I first started to forge. It fit my hand right and I used it for seveal years before a chunk broke out of it. It took a while before I found another one that I could use as well. It is the same style hammer, but still felt different and I had to get use to it. Hammer control is the main thing and if the hammer doesn't feel right, you can't control it.

Good luck with your search for the ultimate hammer. It it is balanced right and the handle fits your hand right, you should not notice the added weight.

Dale

Here's what I use the most...

One is a 3 lb. Vaughn that I modified and polished. I find the squared end useful in forging the drop at the choil. Until last summer it was pretty much the only hammer I used besides a cheap cross peen that I picked up from Harbor Freight.

The second hammer is a 2 and a half lb. rounding hammer made by Estwing. I picked it up from a retiring farrier for $10.00 and it quickly became my favorite.

I'm with Lin on the lighter hammers... After using the Estwing for 6 months I find the 3 lb/ Vaughn wears me out quicker... Sure firms up my handshake though. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />

I just forged another hammer. This one is from a 6 inch X 1 1/2 round bar of L-6. I had to upset it a lot to get it to square up at about 1 3/4 and to get the sides straight on each side of the hole. I'll use this one at the museum since the pattern is from the early to mid 1800's. I hardened just about 1/2 inch into the face and the pein before drawing it back. Now that I have some drifts made I might make another if this one works.

That is cool Lin. I like it. Let us know how it works.

Brion

That is great! What kind of weight did you end up with?

Making a hammer is definitely on my list of things to do. But, it will have to be a pretty small one as I have yet to acquire a power hammer.

Im guessing 2 1/2 lbs Allan. I have it drawn back and everything looks good so far. I still have to put it to the test.

I like 2 1/2 pounders. I generally use those and 3's.

I got done with the hammer and have been using it a lot. It works great and I'm very happy with it. I forged a couple more recently from 4140 steel.

Looks great! What are you doing with the spares?

Alan,

One of these will be given away as a door prize at the Arkansas Custom Knife Show Gala on Friday evening. Have you heard? There is going to be some serious door prizes drawn for.

No, I had not heard that. Should make a fun night even more fun!