Visited a small forge in Tennessee last weekend and not a single smith there was using a power hammer

They were all doing striker work with a sledge and teamwork, made me wonder if we lean too hard on machines instead of learning the old methods has anyone else seen a shop like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

matthew_wilson4628d ago

Watched a buddy try striker work for the first time last month and he nearly took my kneecap off with the sledge. The rhythm those old timers have is something else, makes me wonder how many modern smiths could actually pull it off without a power hammer saving their aim.

zara_hunt28d ago

Oh man, "nearly took my kneecap off" - I felt that one. I've got a scar on my forearm from a similar close call and I still wince thinking about it. It's crazy how much trust you have to put in your striker, like one wrong swing and you're hobbling to the ER. Those old timers make it look so smooth but it's honestly terrifying when you're the one holding the tongs and a 12 pound hammer is coming down next to your fingers. I wonder how many of us even know anyone who could do a full day of striker work without getting exhausted or causing a trip to the hospital. Makes me respect the old ways even more though, even if I'm too nervous to try it myself.