I was told by my FIRST teacher to never strike the anvil face with the hammer, although I saw him plenty of times get in a "rest stroke" on his own anvil. I think the idea was he didn't want a bunch of punk kids beating the xxxx out of the schools anvils.
I've SINCE been taught that a "rest stroke" gives you a pause to think or figure where you need to hit or turn or whatever while maintaining your rhythm and giving your arm a brief rest.
I don't see anything wrong with a "double tap" off the work once in a while.
And I've been around many smiths for many years... this is the first time I've heard about the "superstitions" surrounding the shop. Hofi states he kisses his hammer, then walks around his anvil, then repeats 7 times. Someone here stated they kiss their hammer too. Now the 3 taps in the morning and 3 more when you're done.
Anyone care to start a new thread just about the blacksmith-related superstitions? I'm -afraid- to start any new traditions/superstitions in my shop... I don't think my OCD can take any more "patterns".
Bill