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HAMMER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is a Hammer In? I have often wondered that myself and I understand they take many forms. Some are seminars, some are classroom hands on and some are HUGE!

The Trackrock Hammer In is about a group of generous and wonderful folks getting together, bringing in their forges and anvils and spending 2 or so days spreading joy, smiles and a love of steel.

The cast of characters is wide and varied. From Carl Rechsteiner , Mr Jim Hamer and Wayne Hensley to Don E, a hobbiest that loves to teach others to heat and beat steel.

Rick tells me this is a hobby for him also but I sure got to see him teach like a pro. The young man in the next picture has a forge at home and has self taught. He is a senior in High School and this was his first hammer in. He got some great pointers and a good deal of respect for having learned so much on his own. Truly a dedicated young man

Josh started here about 5 years ago at the age of 14. A Talented young man with a high regard for for talent and "old ways" Also, brings his set up to help with the many youngsters

Scout, just beyond the age of boyhood himself, he has begun to teach his younger brother to forge

ALL IN ALL, The Trackrock Hammer In is about bringing the fun of forging to those that want to try it. The big kids as well as the youngest of the bunch. They are taught the tricks of the trade and those are shared with anyone wishing to learn. Smiles at this event are built one hammer strike at a time

Tags: Hammer, Rock, Track, in

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on May 8, 2014 at 21:24

That is hysterical Earl, you had me laughing over that one and it exactly fills my image of what they are LOL!

earl johnson said:

A Hammer-In is usually a group of growin older men with arthritis telling lies and watching younger guys hit hot metal.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on May 8, 2014 at 21:29

Ha, ha yes its Hammer Time!

Alexander Noot said:

No, it's a reference to this song, check at the 2:50 minute mark.

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on May 9, 2014 at 17:29

Looks like Earl has never been to Trackrock. You are welcome to come stand at my anvil and match hammer blow for hammer blow (I'm 65 by the way).

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by earl johnson on May 9, 2014 at 17:36

Well I am 70 and 5 minutes into shaping a blade on the anvil I reach for the ibuprofen another 5 and I can't hold the hammer. That is when I slyly say .. "Here You give it a whack".... and hand the hammer to one of those younger fellas. lol

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 9, 2014 at 17:39

LOL. First I would never have guessed Carl at 65 and I have seen him swing a hammer for hours (right there with the kids)

Earl, my hammer swinging would be more like yours LOL, ok I hit it once....your turn

I have promised I will make one at the next spring track rock though. Earl, should I take my aleve first then?

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on May 9, 2014 at 17:53

The trick is like any other occupation, staying in shape and keeping active in it. My sessions at the forge usually run between 4 - 6 hours straight. Something you won't see me do at Trackrock, just got too many other responsibilities in running the event. I do have to hit the gym 3 days a week or more and spend as much time as possible in my kayak or chasing the grandkids, just to keep the joints lubed so to speak. 'Fraid to stop moving if you know what I mean.