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.

[@RedSmithWorkshop]

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 ; )

[@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

[@InsideAlan]

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

[@skullandspade]

Nom nom nom

[@IAmKyleBrown]

The profile and facets of that hammer are gorgeous.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Kyle!

[@HandToolRescue]

I wanted that wrought iron skin to work!

[@skullandspade]

Me tooooooo! Next time. On dragonball Z

[@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

[@robgoodlife6460]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@chybz]

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

[@skullandspade]

Thank you as always Remy!

[@nikond90ful1]

Thanks for the video. Nice save on the hammer.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you colin

[@VonWalther2]

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

[@skullandspade]

Woot

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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...

[@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

[@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 ; )

[@toolscrounge]

Best one yet!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@HerrBlei]

Very inspiring project and video as usual.👍

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@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

[@TheMessyStudio]

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

[@skullandspade]

Thank you billy!

[@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

[@tenderlovellcare]

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

[@skullandspade]

Indeed we are

[@SuperiorEtchworx]

That's not ridiculous !!!!!!! Still love it!!!

[@skullandspade]

Woohoo

[@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

[@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

[@jl3390]

"You are a god among insects!"

[@skullandspade]

Lol

[@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 ; )

[@MichaelAlm]

So cool! And those tiny hands tongs 😂 Hey, what was the purpose of the forge welded wrought iron?

[@skullandspade]

The aim was to get a proper weld, do all the shaping, then acid etch for woodgrain textured outer jacket. Wrought produces beautiful lines when etched. But alas...

[@diegoantunez505]

Great video, man! Love it

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Diego!

[@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!

[@TheMakerMonster]

The hammer was impressive but I couldn't stop thinking about how much I want to make a face for that press..

[@HueyLionsheart]

You absolutely have to do this! 👍😁I hope the Cap'n gives you permission!

[@skullandspade]

Hahahah, I totally agree. I’m not so sure Jim would enjoy that as much as I would

[@TheMakerMonster]

Brett McAfee Hmmmm. Magnets? 🤔

[@skullandspade]

Yes

[@TheMakerMonster]

@@skullandspade I think we can make this happen

[@awesomeinprogress4189]

Great video Brett, and a great warhammer/striking hammer😁 too bad with the wrought iron, but that shit happens sometimes😊

[@skullandspade]

Indeed it does. I’d like to try again sometime, just a lot of mass to try to keep hot and clean. Learning as we go

[@awesomeinprogress4189]

@@skullandspade the best way to learn😉 what was the plan with the wrought iron? Was it to etch it so the rough structure would show?

[@skullandspade]

Yessir

[@awesomeinprogress4189]

@@skullandspade nice😁

[@stageforgejon905]

Awesome hammer! Love the skulls!! Keep on ⚒️ ing my friend!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you!

[@TwistedTwineWoodworking]

Fantastic hammer!! The music was perfect, as always. Truly a video making inspiration! 🖤☠️🐞

[@skullandspade]

Thank you kindly Christy

[@CreaseysWorkshop]

Beautiful.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you John

[@CreaseysWorkshop]

@@skullandspade I love how you do the black handles.

[@marquiscustomknives4040]

Great forging, idk if it’s the right way but I’ve always been taught that forging hammers are supposed to be soft because the face of your anvil is hard and you don’t hit hardened steels together. If anyone has anything contradicting that lemme know, I’m always trying to learn.

[@skullandspade]

The 1045 steel used in a lot of hammers is typically a much “softer” steel than most anvil faces. Being that it’s a much lower carbon, and lacks hardening minerals like vanadium or molybdenum, after the harden and temper, this hammer would have a hard time marring an anvil. My main work horse is made of S7 which will absolutely ding an anvil. Then again, you’re not supposed to hit your anvil. Accuracy over power ; )

[@calvin2787]

That is one hogleg of a hammer, well done!

[@skullandspade]

She’s a beast

[@jpwoodwork]

sweet looking hammer dude!! love your never say die attitude!!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you brother!!!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Aren't those coals hot? Are you also a Shaolin Priest? : ) A sign of a master is knowing you'll never live up to the name. Awesome video. Gorgeous hammer. Mahalo for sharing. : )

[@skullandspade]

Mahalo for watching GMS

[@allenmckinney9533]

You should make a small set of those tongs to use at Chinese restaurants instead of chop sticks.

[@MakeEverything]

Thst my friend is a good lookin hammer!

[@skullandspade]

Come use it!

[@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

[@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

[@TimGels]

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

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Tim!

[@RamonSalys]

Faz um machado

[@jamiereader]

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

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@tammastrongbear]

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

[@skullandspade]

For the Hoarde

[@m.d.customs3751]

What's up with the long handle bro?

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Love the filming on this one! Maybe one day we will get to meet :-) keep up the great work

[@skullandspade]

One day, I’m sure of it

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

@@skullandspade are you going to be at (Good of the land fest 2019) ? I'll be there teaching blacksmithing and just heard Jimmy was going... Maybe we might meet there :-) at any rate great video and keep up the great work

[@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 ; )

[@rossmcmenemy5206]

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

[@skullandspade]

Yusssss

[@teun7923]

awsome

[@skullandspade]

Thank you

[@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!

[@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

[@AndrewJordanBladesmith]

A word of advice about striker handle length . A strikers hammer should be long ! everyone is different sizes . Take the height of the hip bone and add one palms length to that measurement . This will be the correct length of handle for that persons striking hammer . Using that hammer one handed will ultimately injure the user , the shape length of head is for two handed use . Long term hammer use with a incorrect hammer will hurt your body long term . Blacksmithing work is very hard on your body , please look after it , even if you are strong and jong .

[@skullandspade]

A word of advice about “advice”. Each smith swings differently, but should adhere to the principles. Short handled striking hammers mean the user can swing from head height, squared up and closer to the anvil/material. This increases accuracy as well as preventing the user taking a shot in the gut from the handle end. Check around for all the other smiths using shorties. Most of the professional smiths I learned from do the same and it makes sense for me and the way I swing. That said, advice and personal preference are different things. “There is only one way” isn’t always the right attitude. If that we’re the case, we would never see anything unique or try anything new. I learned from some talented folks, and now I’m translating what works best for me based on their teachings.

[@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

[@dragontattooee]

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

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Brian!

[@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

[@jailer23044]

Entertaining as always and a great looking hammer.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed!

[@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!

[@leoszes]

one of the reasons for the Delamination couldve been that you fluxed it at too high a temperature and the steel already started to scale/oxidize on you. the right temperature for borax flux is usually around red to bright red, orange is too hot. im assuming your flux uses borax as a base? borax does clean/dissolve some steel/scale and lowers the melting point but im not sure if it works to dissolve fully formed thick forge scale of 0.5-1mm thickness.

[@skullandspade]

I appreciate all the info. This flux is made by a blacksmith and sticks at a black heat. This was a load of tests all rolled into one project. I agree about the flux in general, we’re still learning ; )

[@Shadow-gc6le]

It reminds me of some illustrations of thors hammer

[@skullandspade]

Mission accomplished then

[@ChadsCustomCreations]

Love the hammer and the cenimatography.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Chad!

[@ashersinz]

Anybody else watching this while shitfaced or just me?

[@JayDoscher]

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

[@skullandspade]

Thank you sir!

[@dan5her]

What was the purpose of the wraught iron?

[@skullandspade]

To create an etched jacket. It would have produced some really nice grain lines, but unfortunately it didn’t take : (

[@dan5her]

@@skullandspade ah ok, I look forward to seeing how it comes out next time! Good luck

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Always 👍

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Sparky!!!

[@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

[@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 ; )

[@douglidz2944]

Hi Brett, another well done video, a couple of quick questions if you don’t mind. First, was the hammer shape influenced by the shape of Japanese forging hammers at all? Second, why the wrought iron lamination, is it for added toughness? And finally...I love those tongs with tools like that how could you stay out of the forge.

[@skullandspade]

First question: yes Second: not toughness, was hoping to acid etch for those beautiful wrought grain lines Third: I cant

[@tangovictor324]

Again very Nice video. You become beyond the point of the pareto rule of makers. You make something extra ordenary with 60% or more of skills To make something beautifull for more than 95% of the beholders.

[@skullandspade]

Well hell... that is a very kind thing to say

[@sirtblairjr]

Hey Brett, I like your channel and vidoes. Why don't you build the hammer from Wrath of the Titans, Ares God of War hammer Thanks, keep up the good and Kool work.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 ; )

[@sledgehammer9966]

U know I got the idea of this hammer just being epic and cool and stuff. But you will ruin your wrist if you keep on swinging it with one hand and the handle doesn´t need to be *that* long. But overall nice work and the hammer by itself is just awesome. ;)

[@skullandspade]

It’s a strikers hammer, for 2 handed swinging. My usage in the video was for test purposes and getting a sense of performance.

[@jd000000001]

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

[@skullandspade]

Kaboom!

[@Vertical8]

Pardon me if I'm wrong, but doesnt H20 treating also cause micro fractures? Like going from hit to cold shatters glass, wouldn't it do the same to the metal?

[@skullandspade]

There are many different quenching needs depending on the steel. 1045 is a tough but mid/low carbon as far as tools go, so it holds up when hardening in water. Other steels react poorly to such a “fast” quench and can fracture. Higher carbon steels tend to have issues with water, but it is standard for 1045.

[@wayneshirey6999]

I can't imagine a "professional" blacksmith creating a better hammer... and they don't have little hands on their tongs, or expressive eyes on their presses.

[@skullandspade]

Well thank you Wayne

[@cam2484]

U should always heat treat in oil any kind is better then water

[@dariocarafa3788]

Why burn the handle? It looks kinda terrible. That hammer is super sick and deserves a handle just a cool. A little sanding and some blo ur good to go

[@skullandspade]

The way it looks, and your thoughts on it, are personal preference and opinion. I happen to like this finish, and do it to most of my tools. The charting of the handle is an old technique from hundreds of years back. The exterior becomes more water/weatherproof, as well as creates a layer of antiseptic in case of a burn or blister. Check out old Japanese smithing info if you’re interested more in the why. I file/rasp finish the whole handle before doing the char on the upper portion. Leaving the bottom with a rougher texture for when we’re doing heavier swings holding the bottom. Grip for power, a smoother finish for smaller, more accurate striking.

[@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😁👍

[@JamesBowers]

Beautiful hammer and a great video! What was the purpose of the wrought iron? Was it just for a different look to the outside? Thanks for sharing.

[@skullandspade]

Yup! Idea was to acid etch it (if it had worked) and we would have ended up with some beautiful texture

[@chrismoore9997]

It looks nice but how useful will it be? It looks badly proportioned to be anything more than decorative.

[@skullandspade]

It’s already been used in a few sessions. In fact, it is better performing than expected, again, as a two handed striker hammer.

[@brickdaddiy]

How did I miss this till now?!?!

[@skullandspade]

Your guess is as good as mine

[@cliffdoes_stuff4012]

I have one complaint... the shave horse needs googley eyes, but I loved the video and the hammer turned out beautifully.

[@skullandspade]

Crap...totally agree

[@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

[@Madein515]

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

[@skullandspade]

Hell yes!

[@TheRedNeckConnection]

I really enjoyed this playlist

[@CatFitzGerald2009]

Anvils shouldn't wobble

[@skullandspade]

Cats shouldn’t play in comment sections

[@davebauerart]

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

[@skullandspade]

They’re the best

[@c.fyffe0]

Hmmmm forge check press with goggly eyes check making a big hammer aaaaaand subcribed

[@skullandspade]

Woohoo! Welcome