Forged Striking Hammer: The Handcannon

We've got a big forge, it's time we put her to use! This series of learning experiences lead us to create The Hand Cannon. Weighing in at six pounds, it'll make for a great "light" stiker's hammer....now if we can just find a striker.
Come Aboard: / brettmcafee
Behind the Scenes: / skullandspade13

[@vampyrew0lf]

"I don't claim to be the best blacksmith in Whiterun. Eorlund Greymane's got that honor". Humility and being willing to learn is how we grow. You've made a fine tool. 😎

[@skullandspade]

Thank you batdog. It ain’t about egos. It’s about accepting failures and learning from them

[@whazee]

I just want to take this opportunity to say... LOOK AT THOSE TONGS WITH THE TINY HANDS OH MY GOSH!!! ...plus it's a really nice looking hammer. 😉❤👍

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Billiam. I love those tongs.

[@RedSmithLeatherwork]

I love starting my sunny sunday morning with a good breakfast and a video from the Captain. Well done Sir! That's a sexy hammer.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Red. I’m glad I could help start your day ; )

[@keystone]

Have not watched yet, at work and don’t want to burn the data. But let me just express how great of a job you do, how good your finished videos are and how happy I am to see you still making content. I don’t know if it’s KZbin not showing me makers anymore but the biggest smile came across my face when I saw this pop up on my main page!

[@TrevorHigginsDustysqueak]

As we say “I don’t know what I’m doing because I get bored doing what I know.” Nice work Cap. It looks like a beast.

[@skullandspade]

Well said

[@MichaelKieweg]

Your video reminded me, that there are a perfectly good coalforge and an Anvil rotting away in my shed. Have to do something about it. And by the way - Nice hammer!

[@skullandspade]

Get to it Michael!

[@MichaelKieweg]

@@skullandspade I might have to...

[@HueyLionsheart]

That's a fine looking hammer, the attention to detail never fails. A difficult birth by the look of it, with lessons learned and I for one am very glad you took us along on this voyage of discovery! The final few scenes bathed with the erratic welding flashes....Brilliant!!!!😁👍👍

[@skullandspade]

Hahah, that’s just the frame rate + halogen bulb, but yeah... a flashy mess ; )

[@HueyLionsheart]

@@skullandspade A happy accident...gives a great effect...otherworldly😁👍

[@rossmcmenemy5206]

Googly eyes make everything better. Also, dem sparks at 10:06 👌

[@skullandspade]

Yusssss

[@adayco]

“We ain’t been beat yet...We’re still sailing” “Que the music” Thanks for sharing the journey and the destination. Good stuff Captain!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed

[@InsideAlan]

That gloss black reflection when it came out of the quench😮💓💓💓💓💓🤯

[@skullandspade]

Nom nom nom

[@RichardMartin]

Great work Cap’n. We only fail if we don’t learn, and you definitely didn’t fail. It looks fantastic. Cheers.👍🏻

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much Richard

[@IAmKyleBrown]

The profile and facets of that hammer are gorgeous.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Kyle!

[@larsokland]

The big hammer, Bammer™️, came out great! The perfect blend of forging, failure, learning, and persistence, all the trademarks of a quality Bammer! Well done Brett! The build up to and execution of the first strike was excellent, and the frame rate flickering of the lights added that little extra👍 Increased the anticipation for the full lenght feature film too😉

[@skullandspade]

Ah, thanks as always Lars. Such a gentleman

[@JayDoscher]

It's great to see you showing off your forge welding skills, Brett! Great video.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@Brownstone31]

The shot of the first blow with that thing was epic.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir. Hope you enjoyed

[@danielcrawford7315]

Press Eyes, nom nom nom. Sooo kuul. Aye mate, now that's a proper 'ammer! Love the work. Lessons learned too. Thanks fer sharing n not making me walk.the plank again... that barnicle taste is...unforgettable! 🙏 blessings abundant yall Crawford out 🧙‍♂️

[@skullandspade]

Cheers as always mr. Crawford.

[@FigmentsMade]

Cue the music! The music was the perfect choice for this one. But that hammer is a beauty, Cap'n! And I can't believe those googly eyes haven't fallen off yet!

[@skullandspade]

I’m surprised as well. Must be a sign

[@Madein515]

Tiny hand tongs FTW! Hahahaha. Great video. Awesome to see the new forge fired up.

[@skullandspade]

Hell yes!

[@alanscannell]

Just watched with my boy Arthur. He asks me is he a real pirate? Yes son. Then why does he need a big hammer? To hit big things son... 😂 Great looking hammer cap'n looks like it has quite the impact 👌

[@skullandspade]

Hahah, well that’s awesome

[@awoodworkersson396]

That hammer is a beaut! Loved the look of the filming as always.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@griefman6550]

Awesome work. loved the shot composition and the score as well as the product.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Fish Moba!

[@robgoodlife6460]

Subscribed after just 30 seconds of watching, love the effort you put into this video

[@scoobshagg]

Well done, way to stick with it. I liked the idea of welding on the bars of wrought iron to the hammer. And was sad to see the delamination. But you pushed on and ended up with a very nice boom stick. Three cheers for you sir.

[@skullandspade]

Boom stick indeed. We will have a go at that WI jacket again. Thanks as always Tim

[@dragontattooee]

Great video to watch with my morning coffee .. thank you

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Brian!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Even if you've not yet reached the level of blacksmithing you're striving for, your work is amazing and impressive! Great job on a beautiful Hammer and wonderful video Brett! 😍👍🏻🔥🔨🎥🎬👊🏻 ..... And professional level googly eyes placement to boot! 👀😁

[@skullandspade]

Thank you so much Fred!

[@ChadsCustomCreations]

Love the hammer and the cenimatography.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Chad!

[@marceaton3128]

Even the trolls have to start something in order to be good at it. I am amazed by anyone who can do what you just did, great project and video. Thanks for taking the time to do both well.

[@skullandspade]

We all start somewhere. Thank you Marc

[@TheDIYGuy-ut7ee]

I've been collecting parts for my forge, a nice DIY low budget project. But channels like yours helps out for alot of people and we're proud to have you and show support.

[@skullandspade]

That’s what it’s all about. We share so we can all grow, help each other through problems, and in the end benefit from watching others do the things you KNOW you’ll achieve when you take that step.

[@jamiereader]

Absolutely glorious! Such a pretty result despite you not being a professional. Love the design too, very pleasing shape.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@TheRedNeckConnection]

I really enjoyed this playlist

[@jimsammons5721]

Love it. If the mark of a great blacksmith is to forge something to 90% clean what comprises the remaining 10%? Dirrrrty? You embody one of my mantras in business. Always Be Learning. You also seem to have the three traits that Patrick Lencioni feels make up the best team players. Hungry, Humble and Smart. Thanks for reminding me on a Sunday that chasing perfection is a fools errand.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you for the kind words Jim. We are quite foolish... but we are not alone. You feel like less of a fool when surrounded by the same ; )

[@gkkent]

As usual I am blown away by your craftsmanship. That hammer is gorgeous and it is awesome to watch a lump turn into functional art.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you as always Greg. Send my best to the little one

[@ceasarspartacus]

While obviously not a blacksmith, you have the tools and the time it learn and improve. That being said, I'm new here...based on what I've seen here, I was thinking carpenter. After seeing HOW you work, I'm now thinking shipwright

[@Kjata316]

So beautiful! I’m so glad you didn’t abandon ship on it. 😉 Thank you for stopping when it wasn’t going the way you wanted and showing your thought process. It’s so important to show the “glitches” and what to do to recover. So many people think that it has to go right the first time or they suck and should give up.

[@skullandspade]

I agree. Failures and mistakes happen. I think we’d all benefit from seeing how folks push through or learn from those moments. Reminds us that we’re still learning.

[@jailer23044]

Entertaining as always and a great looking hammer.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed!

[@peem1244]

Soooooooooooooo...you're not a blacksmith? You had me fooled. Super job and super hammer. Thor would be proud. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🖖😎

[@skullandspade]

We just play one on TV ; )

[@molaisonmaker6896]

I really like your idea for the wrought iron sides. Bummer it didn’t go according to plan. That thing is a beast!

[@skullandspade]

We’re not giving up on the idea just yet. Lots of Smith’s have achieved the look, just need to do a bit more learning

[@davebauerart]

Nice hammer, and I love the journey. Also, those tiny hand tongs!

[@skullandspade]

They’re the best

[@SylviePereiraSyPer]

Great job Captain !

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Sylvie!

[@ecrusch]

I don't know about "still learning" Cap'N. You look mighty accomplished to me! And I love "Mr. I Crush" Good work Brett. Your videos are some of my favorites!

[@skullandspade]

Well thank you as always Eric

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Thats a huge and a beautiful hammer. Coal forge doing great

[@skullandspade]

She’s performing very well!

[@FrancoNoce]

Gorgeous project. Glad you did that little chat in the middle. Also, big fan of the style handles you make, always fun to watch.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Mr Nopes. All about that finish ; )

[@JEYD220699]

Captain, she's a beauty. I think she'll blend well with all your gorgeous creations!

[@skullandspade]

I believe so

[@VonWalther2]

You had me at googly eyes!!! Great job.

[@skullandspade]

Woot

[@maconSTUFF]

You may have run into some issues, but that still turned out super! Well done Captain B

[@skullandspade]

We ain’t been beat yet ; )

[@seanpatterson1609]

My son and I enjoy watching your videos. The are quality edutainment. I enjoyed the Firefly quotes as well (Mal stabbing arrogant rich guy on the ground).

[@skullandspade]

Well that’s downright decent of you

[@lucashadley4880]

T'is a fine looking beast, and the hammer ain't bad either! Great video Cap.

[@skullandspade]

Hahahah

[@nikond90ful1]

Thanks for the video. Nice save on the hammer.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you colin

[@autocyclewoodsplitter4877]

Nicely done. A little humility goes a long way. The overall project worked out well. Most smiths would have edited out the delam and shown the final product. Nice job man.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers. I think we all benefit from seeing what happens when things go wrong and how we press through them

[@HerrBlei]

Very inspiring project and video as usual.👍

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@FCAutos]

I have to say it: *"Stop, Hammer Time!* -- Your editing is really good, the luts, color grading, the still - like motion bit you added... Really good stuff.

[@skullandspade]

Hahaha! You went there! Thanks as always brother

[@TimGels]

The early music had me watching for Lord of the Rings references. Nice hammer, and nice video!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Tim!

[@chrisdimase6401]

Great job. I restore hammers and love the boiled linseed oil technique thanks

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Chris!

[@tammastrongbear]

Another great video. I love that hammer it reminds me of a war hammer from WOW

[@skullandspade]

For the Hoarde

[@chybz]

Very nice hammer and as I fully agree with Red, THANK YOU !

[@skullandspade]

Thank you as always Remy!

[@jasonandhillary]

Hey man, just wanted to give you some mega props, so my new favorite channel. Production value is top notch. Just remember when you hit a million subs, I've been here since 20k, don't forget about us early fans! Ur badass!

[@skullandspade]

The north remembers. Thank you TT

[@damienbrand9422]

Beautiful work Brett!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Damien!

[@brianhartfield8385]

Beautiful work Captn"! I love an appreciate the transition point regarding "the best blacksmith," and absolutely agree - that how we learn. Me thinks the Captn's newly refurbished forge needs a more fitting lighter - maybe something in brass?? Just a thought...

[@skullandspade]

This is of interest

[@reforzar]

Someone said everything is a hammer. This looks like a mighty find hammer. I can imagine it smashes quite well.

[@skullandspade]

It does, in fact, make with the smashy

[@tekviper9]

As always you do amazing work ! Thank you for sharing !

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

The results were worth the journey.

[@skullandspade]

I wholeheartedly agree

[@heyimamaker]

I like that your stumble in the middle gave you the speed and determination to make something awesome! I also don't think you failed at the hammer it still looked heavy 😆

[@skullandspade]

It works quite well!

[@GrahamDallas]

Amazing piece of work, that looks fantastic. Great message in the middle for when things don't seem to be going right.

[@skullandspade]

Aye. It rarely goes “according to plan.”

[@sgsax]

This is how we learn, after all. By trying things and seeing what works and what doesn't. Looks like it was early effective after all. Thanks for sharing!

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@toolscrounge]

Best one yet!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@jonnyfischer4035]

Nice work nothing better then a coale fire and a sweet looking hammer

[@skullandspade]

I agree

[@jonnyfischer4035]

@@skullandspade i injoy forging stuff so much but wood and leather is also fun so youre the channel to go i like the concept on my channel i do it simular work every material i can get my hands on

[@CorsoWorkshop]

As amazing as they come! Awe inspiring every time!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you very much

[@jd000000001]

I commend your perseverance in turning this into a (really) striking hammer. Earth shattering kabooms. Check. +1

[@skullandspade]

Kaboom!

[@Sonal_Mobile]

Beautiful work!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Sonal!

[@HandToolRescue]

I wanted that wrought iron skin to work!

[@skullandspade]

Me tooooooo! Next time. On dragonball Z

[@Dopefish76]

Atta boy, Thor! ⚒ So in the end you were able to save the laminations? What is their purpose - reinforcement, adding heft? 🤔 I gotta say I admire the fact that you stopped and told us it was going wrong - had you just continued the video I for one wouldn’t have known. But you kept the course and in the end turned out a beautiful thing to smash stuff with! Well done Cap’n!

[@skullandspade]

Most of the wrought fell off or never welded in. Along with all the cleanup and grinding... the purpose was mostly to try something I’d never done, and if it had taken, acid etching would have left the exterior with a bunch of beautiful stripey texture. Purely visual aesthetics at that point. Alas, we have more to learn

[@cowbell247]

Great video as always cap!! Love it!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@JohnMadeit]

Epic ending. The hammer looks great. And I loved the press with googly eyes, eye brows and the small hand tongs. It cracked me up 😂

[@skullandspade]

Well good. Mission accomplished then.

[@tenderlovellcare]

Loved this video Cap’n. She’s a beauty! “We’re not beat! We’re still sailing!” 😉👊🏻🖤

[@skullandspade]

Indeed we are

[@milesmith-mendez3608]

A cofee and your new video.. What more? Greetings from Panamá!

[@skullandspade]

Greetings! Enjoy that coffee!

[@brodiedonnelly6192]

Best tongs I’ve ever seen !!!

[@skullandspade]

Nailed it

[@jarodtutton2721]

Really nice mate and great job for a first attempt, but a little advice I’ve been given find a hammer that you can swing all day and hold at the very of the handle (a flared end help a lot).

[@skullandspade]

This is a strikers hammer, meant to be a two handed tool. The demo at the end was more of a test than an actual use case. While you are in no way wrong, feel free to watch through some of my past forging videos to see the main workhorse hammers I use ; )

[@0Crimson0stains0]

All things considered. You did an amazing job. Love watching your videos, Brett.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you BB

[@donnie7578]

Good Morrow!...It's always nice to see ya Captain...Look forward to ya sailing by! Thumbs Up!

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Donnie!

[@StudioJLT]

Always entertaining! Thanks for sharing.

[@skullandspade]

Thank YOU

[@WorksbySolo]

Oh man, I don’t know if I like the hammer or the forge better. I guess I’ll just have to admire both of them. Nice work, sir!

[@skullandspade]

Hahah, thank you Bernie

[@eviltwinx]

Jeez Brett! That came out awesome!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@OldeCountryHomesteading]

Very nice work! Allow me to give you a tip, When creating handles for striking tools, or weapons. Make sure you have proper grain orientation. The wood grain should not be horizontal to the tool, but vertical. This way you will have an even smaller chance of cracks or splits in the future. specially if you overstrike a lot.

[@skullandspade]

I will always appreciate a good tip... but the grain is vertical?

[@OldeCountryHomesteading]

@@skullandspade Forgive me! Long day of work. Yes the grain should be vertical (up and down) Check this link, and note the top wood plank the grain is running up and down (Vertical), rather than side to side, and shown in the bottom plank with visible grain. (Horizontal). I make all of my axe, sledge hammer, hatchet, etc handles this way. www.askthebuilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/flat-and-vertical-wood-grain.jpg

[@AHBespoke]

Nicely done Cap 👍🏴‍☠️

[@skullandspade]

Cheers brother

[@garageavenger]

Just awesome. You're inspiring me every time to build a forge of my own and start smashing metal with hammers

[@skullandspade]

Yaaaaaaa! Do it!

[@chrismsmalley2626]

For nought a blacksmith ye be , tis' a mighty hammer is she ! Steady on Capt' second star on the right and straight on till mornin'....yarr

[@siliconshaman]

For future reference, the way I've seen it done is to forge weld the wrought iron onto the round billet as the first step, by basically putting the billet inside a wrought iron pipe [which might involve prefab-ing the pipe if'n you don't have one] then apply a generous helping of flux and sealing the ends with clay. That way, there's no seams or joins to gap and delaminate when it's forged out. still.. mighty fine hammer captain..

[@skullandspade]

Fantastic sharing of knowledge. Thank you very much for the advice!!!

[@siliconshaman]

@@skullandspade You're welcome, just passing on what I know.

[@skullandspade]

That’s what we’re all here for

[@derkompressorschrauber]

Nice job man, who cares if you are not a professional blacksmith? It's always awesome to see you pushing the limits and try new stuff 😎🤙

[@skullandspade]

We’re all about the challenge and trying new things.

[@agrarianelectrictractorco.400]

Great hammer, great video! Thanks

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Andrew!

[@molegrip3860]

Great video - cheers for sharing

[@skullandspade]

Thank you for watching!

[@Automative]

Thank You. Keep going.

[@skullandspade]

Will do

[@TheMessyStudio]

That's a mighty striking hammer you forged there, Brett! Well, someone had to say it! ;-) Billy

[@skullandspade]

Thank you billy!

[@timberdish]

Very nice my friend! Very nice indeed.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Matt

[@yellowmuginc]

Yep. Epic. Well done!

[@skullandspade]

Yussss

[@103m95g]

Nice WAR HAMMER Capt.

[@skullandspade]

She’s a beast

[@ramsien]

Don't know if you've changed anything, but I dig the visuals on the timing you're using for the speed-ups, it really stood out (to me) in the last two videos. If you're looking for another entry into the Log, have you considered making yourself a leather Tricorne Captain Hat?

[@skullandspade]

We’ve got it on the to-do list for sure

[@jaredmccutcheon5496]

Beautiful hammer Brett, I really enjoy your vids, but the forging ones are definitely my favorite. I love the burned in Boiled Linseed Oil handle, makes it look super classy.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Jared!

[@jl3390]

"You are a god among insects!"

[@skullandspade]

Lol

[@draka1973]

A very nice Stormbreakerish hammer! 🇮🇹🖖

[@skullandspade]

Aye

[@dfbess]

I like it! Japanese style with a Brett twist!

[@skullandspade]

Definitely a bit of dogs head in there. Liked the idea of a single striking face since you don’t really turn sledges around.