[skunkriv]

I use "Original" Udder Balm, made in Des Moines. Like to keep my hand soft enough that my hammer doesn't go flying out of it from being too dry. Another great thing about it is that it doesn't freeze. Maybe it would at -30 or something but it has never frozen in my shop.

I was working a show one time and was having trouble keeping hold of my hammer. Kept putting my hand in the slack tub every couple heats just to keep some traction on the handle. A blacksmith friend stopped by to see me working and asked "Do you have any chapstik? Put a little on your handle and it will fix you right up." I did and I did and he was right. Worked like a charm.