Blacksmith	Last Updated: 9/25/2003
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The Hofi Hammer

It would be foolish to think I could describe the many techniques taught by Uri during this week. But they all have the Hofi hammer in common. Here's a closer look at the Hofi Hammer design.

The Hofi Hammer

This is the hammer Uri has designed and uses to forge with. It is impossible to forge using Uri's technique if you don't have a hammer like this. Currently, Tom and Uri both sell this hammer for about the same price. Uri can be reached at: Uri Hofi Kibbutz Ein-Shemer D.N. Menashe, Israel 37845 Tom can be reached at the Ozark School of Blacksmithing.

Hammer Shape

Uri uses the edge of the hammer to fuller material in a single direction. This is one of his secrets to moving metal quickly and easily. If you strike the metal with the face of the hammer, metal moves in all directions. If you strike the metal with the edge of the hammer, metal moves in a direction perpendicular to the edge. This is great for drawing iron. The cross pein is also used to fuller material as well. Uri frequently uses it to spread leaf designs in a specific direction. It's also used to make chisels as well. The shape of the hammer allows it to be easily tilted during a blow without throwing off the center of gravity. This is important for accurate blows -- and is most difficult using traditional hammers.

Flat Blow

If the hammer strikes the material with the flat face at the point designated in Fig 1, then the material is pushed out in all directions -- Fig 2. This type of blow is good for plenishing and smoothing the final surface, or when moving metal in all directions is desired.

Fuller Blow

When the hammer is tilted at an angle, the edge of the hammer becomes a fuller (Fig 3). The fuller effect moves the metal in a direction perpendicular to the edge (Fig 4). This is a great way to draw reins for tongs or move metal fast in a specified direction.

Head Shape

Notice the centerline through the hammer head. This represents the center of gravity which the hammer is balanced upon when striking a fuller (or tilted) blow. This is the reason the Hofi hammer head is designed short and squat, so the hammer head stays balanced during off axis blows. Other hammers will tend to twist upon striking the material when hit off axis like this.

Technology by: Altuit, Inc.

Contact: Chipp Walters