Possible weird side biz venture: shock-absorbent hammers?

Years ago I worked a couple of summers as an assistant to a general contractor. I've known some other people in the biz too...one key thing they're always complaining about is their hammers.

The guys doing wood-frame housing get hit the worst. They use fairly large "pro grade" hammers with a straight wood shaft, and over a period of years it *really* screws them up, mainly in wrist and other tendon damage.

Soooo...what if you built hammers with a Khukuri grip and grip construction method? Steel shaft, stick tang, etc? Even a slight forward curve to the shaft would help "straighten the wrist during impacts". Give it about the same ergos as an 18" Ang Khola and you wouldn't be too far off.

Would they hold up? We're almost certainly talking about a "professional sales only" proposition, I imagine the cost would hover in the $75 - $100 range. But some guy slamming nails all day may joyfully pay that kind of money if it solves pain and injury problems, and if the things become fairly well-known major contractors could end up buying them in gross lots because it may be cheaper than the medical bills saved.

They'd have to be *tough* as hell of course. And as I recall, there are maximum standard weights that they're allowed to use per OSHA regulations, 36 ounces stands out in my head but I'm not quite certain. We'd have to find out. These big "framing hammers" generally have a hatchmarked face, they're not used for interior "finishing" work but that's not where the biggest problems are.

A trip to any hardware store should net you an example, if the clerks know what they're talking about.

I guess the Rosewood grips are less likely to crack than horn? If there's a specific wood less likely to crack, use it...'cuz these guys will abuse these babies on a steady daily basis that even Cliff Stamp can't even *begin* to approach.

Just a thought...in part, I'm thinking back to the "hungry kami" thread. These won't take quite the skill to make as a khukuri and the market is if anything far LARGER in theory. There's probably a few people on the forums who could test a prototype if it gets to that...?

I just thought of something: the hammer face has to slam down parallel with the target or you bend nails. That means, the only way to do a bent grip for better wrist position is a "double curved" shaft, one that comes up out of the grip, curves forward, then curves back again slightly. Done right the hammer face would line up dead on with the lower tip of the pommel. I could draw a picture if needed?

Jim March
 
hammer.gif
 
Just about to take my medication soon as I finish this post, Bill, but can't you visualize the Ang Khola fuller along both right and left sides of the hammer head along the shaft either top or bottom? But what I really wanted to say was that by leaving a little point in the center of the claw ( a W instead of a V ) then you would have your cho. But that brings us to the subject of which tools replace the karda and chakma...

On second thought, go with a khanjarlis type handle ( like the confederate D guard bowie ) to make sure you don't scrape your knuckles.

[This message has been edited by Rusty (edited 12 September 1999).]
 
:
Uhhh,Rusty.

A very pointy sharp awl and tweezers for removeing those pesky splinters?
(vbeseg) OH! And a toothpick for after lunch.
wink.gif


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>>>>---¥vsa---->®
The civilized man sleeps behind locked doors in the city while the naked savage sleeps (with a knife) in a open hut in the jungle.

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Namate all!

This is an interesting concept and one I think we might be able to do. But, right now we are very busy making khukuris and have little time for making hammers.

The kidney surgery of my Gurkha brother put us behind on special orders more than six weeks. This is why the Ang Khola bowies and the Bay Knife Club khukuris remain unfinished. We must get caught up before we take on experimental projects.

Pala
 
Pala, I understand completely. My only thought is that if you get big enough to saturate the Khukuri market this is worth thinking about.

Jim
 
Jim :

[long term hammer use]

and over a period of years it *really* screws them up, mainly in wrist and other tendon damage.
Click to expand...

Using a hammer requires little effort from the individual. There is no need to use much force nor should your grip transmit excess force to your wrist. In general it is much easier to hit something softer multiple times than hit it harder once. Let the hammer do the work, and if it can't - get a bigger hammer. You don't hit with a hammer like you chop with a khukuri.

I worked from 16-19 for my uncle who was (and still is) the owner of a construction company. Being the youngest one on virtually any job I always got to do the hardest labor. I did the carrying and pounding while someone else did the measuring and cutting. I never had a problem, neither did my uncles (4 of whom are carpenters), nor my grandfather who spent almost 80 years driving nails until the day he died.

-Cliff
 
Jim is thinking,but I`m with Cliff.I`ve pounded A few nails with a 28 oz. and 20 oz. Estwing with steel and wood handles respectivly. The wood is nicer to use.I wonder if H&H or Purdy would make me one with English scroll engraving?I`d have to go to England to be fitted,of course.I`d bet not.
 
H&H would do it I think - they did a .700 NE double for some guy with more money than sense, and that was much much sillier than what you ask for, Ghost.

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Namaste,
Jeff Paulsen

"Oh, a magic khukuri. Why didn't you say so?"
 
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