After I saw the BP for a hammer adz by Bill Epps, I went and gave it a shot. This is the result. I decided to scroll the claws towards the eye rather than cut them off, to maintain the mass while still moving the center of gravity further forward. I'll post how it works when I get a handle on it.

The head was forged down mostly with my "Thor's Hammer", a 9 or 10 pound head on a short handle. It's the first time I've ever used it on a project.

I mentioned in chat a couple weeks ago that I've been having some issues with cracking, and I did get a couple cracks on this. On the "seam" (don't know what else to call it) left over from making the head, just behind the head, it cracked above the seam on one side, and below on the other. Maybe it was a weak spot on the head? A preexisting crack (it's an old head)? I do think I was working it at an appropriate temperature, I don't think it's from me, but it's very, very frustrating. But I decided to keep working, and I'm happy with the results, though I wouldn't sell or give this one due to the cracks.

I had fun with this, I'd like to make more. My dad works with wood, maybe he'll get one for Christmas.

Nick

Nick,

I've been wanting to make one of these myself. I like the curled claws.

You might want to double check the direction you cupped the blade:

Remember, these tools cut back toward yourself.

Hi Don,

It's cupped the right way. I think it's just the light making it look like it's backwards.

Cheers

i don't know what u use the hammer for but looks nice like an elephant i bet u had fun making it

here's a tip on your hammer head; buy the ones with the the broken claw just don't tell the person you buy from what your going to do with it...after all we all know a broken hammer ain't worth nothing!

yeah what is that third hammer's practical usage? it looks like the wierdest thing ever, heh
good job though, maybe i'll try that with some old hammers

Evan, It's all the same hammer. before reforging and after. He's forged an old claw hammer into a tool called an adze. Which is used kind of like a giant chisel with a hammer handle on it. to scoop out wood. Say from the inside of a barrel, or maybe a log canoe.

huh. nifty. there's a tool for everything i suppose.