[TheForge] blacksmith question holding hammers

[Ralph E Douglass]

Alix Peshette wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> I did the same modification to the handles of my favorite hammers, but I
> used vet wrap.  It has a non-slip surface and sticks to the wood as I wrap
> it on.  I was able to put different thicknesses of layers in different
> places to 'build' a custom grip for my hand size.  It works really well!!
> 
> -Alix
> Voodoo Moon Forge

I HATE having a 'sticky' or a grippy handle... I reduced the size of my
handle with a drawknife and with a belt sander. So that it is about 1/2
the size it was and it also have a more rectangular cross-section now.
Most folks sem to think that you need to grip the hammer as if it were a
snake trying to get away.. but in reality you need a fairly loose grip.
I used to squeeze the handle too tight. And my arm got so tired that my
hand would loose its grip in mid swing and the hammer would go flying...
NOw with a loose grip and with the handle custom made to my hand no
problems...

Ralph



                                                        
					
"Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision."