It can appear to be a very simple thing - hammering on the anvil. But there is a lot more to it and it takes time to learn the skill of hammering. When working with heated metal you are not just using the hammer, you are also using the anvil. So you have to think of everything you do as the effect of the hammer and the anvil on the piece. This is very clearly shown in the eight basic techniqes of hammer strikes. You can see how both the hammer and the anvil affect the piece. This is easily seen when you hammer over the edge of the anvil.

I also have a video at the bottom of this page that shows you these techniques

The 8 Basic Hammering Strikes

1 - Parallel

2 - Angle

3 - Half Face Near

4 - Half Face Far

5 - Edge Hammer Near

6 - Edge Hammer Far

7 - Back Face

8 - Shearing

New Sword Making Tutorial - I take you through the whole process of making a sword. And this one is a good sized sword! Really beefy and feels good in the hands. How to Make a sword

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A Blacksmithing Primer: A Course in Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing

Virtually every task beginning and intermediate blacksmiths must master is presented in this excellent book. Over 400 detailed drawings help increase comprehension levels. This is a reference manual that will be found lying open on the workbench more often than found on the bookshelf and is highly recommended to anyone swinging a hammer to shape hot metal. This is an excellent introduction to this glorious craft and an excellent resource for advancing your knowledge, skills, and vision for blacksmithing.