Hammer weight Epiphany!

Tai Goo said:
With lighter hammers you end up swinging harder, losing control, and they just bounce off...
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Yes now I realize that this is what it was doing. I will shorten the handles somewhat. Thanks.

One quick question. I've seen pics here with the thumb on the hammer handle or around it. Are they both good? I tend to put the thumb on the back of the handle for more control and around (like a sword grip) for more power.

Patrice
 
Yes, the thumb on the back of the handle can help give a little control, but can also lead to "arthritis and tendonitis" in the thumb joints. It's a hard habit to break, even after over 30 years of it, but you are better off trying to avoid that as much as possible. Same with the index finger. Use a “power grip” (thumb and index wrapped around) and choke up instead, as much as you can, and let the handle rock and pivot in your hand instead of flexing the wrist so much... easier said than done, but try to develop good habits the best you can.
 
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Tai Goo said:
Yes, the thumb on the back of the handle can help give a little control, but can also lead to "arthritis and tendonitis" in the thumb joints. It's a hard habit to break, even after over 30 years of it, but you are better off trying to avoid that as much as possible. Same with the index finger. Use a “power grip” (thumb and index wrapped around) and choke up instead, as much as you can, and let the handle rock and pivot in your hand instead of flexing the wrist so much... easier said than done, but try to develop good habits the best you can.
Click to expand...


That is exactly how I hammer, I had recently read or seen videos of somebody forging with the thumb pointing forward on the back of the handle and started trying it but now I will forget about it.
 
I still catch myself putting my thumb or index finger up a lot more than I should (shame on me). I guess it’s something I’ll always have to make a conscious effort to avoid… my thumb will appreciate it in the long run.

Instead of flexing the wrist so much, what you can do is,… on the up stroke loosen the middle, ring and little finger a bit and let the hammer rock back in your hand. Then, on the down stroke, squeeze those fingers to rock the hammer forward. This will add a lot of power and snap to your blows, and help save your wrists.
 
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I was a drummer long before I was a bladesmith... it is good to have the ability to change your technique on the fly... from wrist to arm to finger control. This way you are not using any ONE style with too much repetition.


Rick
 
I use my thumb more than I should which is really wierd as I was taught not to and never did until i started bladesmithing. I have one hammer with a plastic handle and If I use my thumb with it I get blisters so its good training!

Jamie
 
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