Tools, Weapons, Art—Built with Fire, Sweat, and Bad Ideas That Worked.

OHF Rounding Hammer
from $140.00

The rounding hammer is a classic style of hammer that has been used and trusted by blacksmiths around the world for as long as people have been working iron. It features two striking faces: one rounded face for more aggressive forging and one flat face for planishing and more precise hammer work.

Head weights are available in 2 lb., 2.5 lb., and 3 lb. sizes. Each hammer is hand-forged, so dimensions and appearance may vary slightly. Every hammer receives an individual serial number as well as my maker's mark, John Norwood III.

Initials may also be stamped into the hammer head at no additional charge.

Each hammer is hung on a handmade American hickory handle that has been carefully selected for the straightest grain and the fewest possible defects. The handle is charred for a smooth, comfortable grip and treated with a boiled linseed oil bath to help preserve and protect the wood.

OHF forging hammers also come with free handle replacement for life. If your handle ever breaks as a result of normal use, simply cut off the head and send it back. A new handle will be made and fitted at no charge. The only cost to you is the initial shipping of the hammer head.

I'm also happy to send you one of my hickory handle blanks if you would prefer to hang the hammer yourself.

Wood is a living, naturally imperfect material, but at the time of this writing, I have forged and shipped over 1,800 hammers to shops across the United States, and only 4 have ever come back for replacement handles.

Disclaimer

  • Please allow 2-3 weeks for orders to be shipped. All items are made to order by hand.

  • Only ships within the USA.

  • Free Shipping

Fan Favorites

OHF Cross Peen Hammer
from $140.00

The classic blacksmith's hammer, the cross peen, is favored by many smiths for its versatility across a wide range of forging applications. It features a gently crowned work face for general forging and striking, along with a cross peen used for directional forging. The cross peen excels at spreading material widthwise, making it ideal for projects such as decorative leaves, flared ends for scrollwork, widening knife blades, forging arrowheads, and countless other blacksmithing tasks.

Head weights are currently available in 2 lb., 2.5 lb., and 3 lb. sizes. Each hammer is hand-forged, so dimensions and appearance may vary slightly. Every hammer receives an individual serial number as well as my maker's mark, John Norwood III.

Initials may also be stamped into the hammer head at no additional charge.

Each hammer is hung on a handmade American hickory handle that has been carefully selected for the straightest grain and the fewest possible defects. The handle is charred for a smooth, comfortable grip and treated with a boiled linseed oil bath to help preserve and protect the wood.

OHF forging hammers also come with free handle replacement for life. If your handle ever breaks as a result of normal use, simply cut off the head and send it back. A new handle will be made and fitted at no charge. The only cost to you is the initial shipping of the hammer head.

I'm also happy to send you one of my hickory handle blanks if you would prefer to hang the hammer yourself.

Wood is a living, naturally imperfect material, but at the time of this writing, I have forged and shipped over 1,800 hammers to shops across the United States, and only 4 have ever come back for replacement handles.

Disclaimer

  • Please allow 2-3 weeks for orders to be shipped. All items are made to order by hand.

  • Only ships within the USA.

  • Free Shipping

OHF Japanese Bladesmiths Hammer
from $140.00

The OHF Japanese Bladesmiths Hammer is also commonly referred to as a "dog head" hammer; this style was popularized through its widespread use by historical Japanese blacksmiths and bladesmiths. It remains a favorite among smiths all over the world today. Many users prefer the forward weight of the hammer head, claiming it naturally swings at a favorable angle for forging bevels on knives and swords.

Head weights are available in 2 lb., 2.5 lb., and 3 lb. sizes. Each hammer is hand-forged, so dimensions and appearance may vary slightly. Every hammer receives an individual serial number as well as my maker's mark, John Norwood III.

Custom Initials may also be stamped into the hammer head at no additional charge.

Each hammer is hung on a handmade American hickory handle that has been carefully selected for the straightest grain and the highest quality. The handle is charred for a smooth, comfortable grip. It is treated with a boiled linseed oil bath to help preserve and protect the wood.

OHF forging hammers also come with free handle replacement for life. If your handle ever breaks as a result of normal use, simply cut off the head and send it back. A new handle will be made and fitted at no charge. The only cost to you is the initial shipping of the hammer head.

I'm also happy to send you one of my hickory handle blanks if you would prefer to hang the hammer yourself.

Wood is a living, naturally imperfect material, but at the time of this writing, I have forged and shipped over 1,800 hammers to shops across the United States, and only 4 have ever come back for replacement handles.

Disclaimer

  • Please allow 2-3 weeks for orders to be shipped. All items are made to order by hand.

  • Only ships within the USA.

  • Free Shipping

Shop Talk

The Forge

The Blacksmith’s forge is the heart of the shop. The heat source that allows the metal to be forged. forge, furnace, hearth. They go by many names and come in many shapes, sizes, and types.

Getting Started

When people ask me what tools they need to start blacksmithing, they’re often expecting a long shopping list and a big price tag. The truth is, you don’t need a museum-worthy forge or a hundred specialty tools to begin. You need a solid foundation, a few reliable tools, and the willingness to learn by doing.