New Rounding Hammers - Diamond Rounding Hammers - 24oz & 36oz

So, after a total of 37 years, it was time to retire our old Diamond Rounding hammers. Wayne had bought them in the late 70's while he was attending Midwest Horseshoeing School, and they've lasted this long! That brings me to a couple of points that I think need to be examined. First, that shows what kind of quality products that Diamond makes. Ours didn't have a single chip, crack, or blemish in them. The rounded side of the hammer just wasn't quite as round as it used to be, and the handles were wearing out. Second, these hammers (evidently they were back in the 70's and still are now) are at a great price point. We bought these for Wayne for Christmas from Stockhoff's and they were only $37.99 each before shipping. However, it's all about preference. These rounders are great, but in my opinion,when it comes to cross peen, Big Blu Hammer is the only way to go. They're a bit more pricey, but they're also made in the USA and they back their product with a lifetime guarantee.
These hammers just feel great. They don't roll on you and they have a nice long handle that is gauged for just about anybody. I got a little creative tonight, instead of working on blades and axes non-stop, I figured I'd mix it up a bit. We've got more 3/8in square stock laying around the shop than we know what to do with. First, I rolled the end to a point, moved the metal so there was an inch overhang on the end of the anvil, and used the rounding side of the 36oz to draw out the metal thin and round. You've got to keep rolling the metal as you hammer! The result in this is a tear drop shape on the end, with a thin stem. This is a great way to make key chains and the such. Usually, I'd hammer out the tear drop shape using the round end of the hammer and glancing blows, but instead, I repeated the process, which gave me two tear drop shapes that were connected by a thin "stem". Then, just hammer the tear drops flat, take a cutting chisel and add some veins on the top one, and on the bottom, use the cutting chisel to split and make some leaves (this didn't work as well for me, our cutting chisels have all had their better days). Rub some beeswax on it to keep it from rusting, and you're done! Wallah!