Flint Knapping Hammer?

[david w]

Has anyone seen one of these? I picked it up at a gun show. It is a hammer of some sort, but what?

 

[rafterob]

The important thing is that it has a bottle opener.

 

[david w]

The important thing is that it has a bottle opener.

Yes, I know. That's why I'm confused. The hammer is so small, that it is just about useless for anything.

 

[Abarnes]

Is it all steel or brass/ bronze? Also would you throw a tape measure or ruler on it, I am very intrigued.

 

[david w]

Is it all steel or brass/ bronze? Also would you throw a tape measure or ruler on it, I am very intrigued.

It's steel, solid one piece. The OAL is 4-1/2", the length of the hammer is 1-3/4", and the thickness is 1/2". The metal has a lot of patina. I also don't understand the cut-outs on the side. It could be used as a knapping hammer, and a turn screw. ????? I paid $5 for it.

 

[Grenadier1758]

It will work as a flint knapping hammer. Especially in conjunction with a knapping awl. This would be a short brass or soft steel or iron rod that is stepped on one end to rest on the flint. Soft steel won't draw sparks as anyone who has a frizzen that the case hardening has worn through can attest.

 

[david w]

It will work as a flint knapping hammer. Especially in conjunction with a knapping awl. This would be a short brass or soft steel or iron rod that is stepped on one end to rest on the flint. Soft steel won't draw sparks as anyone who has a frizzen that the case hardening has worn through can attest.

I've already used it as a knapping hammer. It works just fine.

 

[david w]

It will work as a flint knapping hammer. Especially in conjunction with a knapping awl. This would be a short brass or soft steel or iron rod that is stepped on one end to rest on the flint. Soft steel won't draw sparks as anyone who has a frizzen that the case hardening has worn through can attest.

The steel is soft. I tried it as a turn screw, and it bent the blade. That's why it looks shinny on the end. I ground it down a bit. Looking back, I should have peened the blade back out instead of grinding.

 

[DCAN]

Is the cutout in the handle made for pulling nails, tacks and such?

 

[david w]

Is the cutout in the handle made for pulling nails, tacks and such?

That's most likely the purpose.

 

[Abarnes]

I don't know that it was designed or built specifically for knapping or even for working on a gun, but it's cool!

 

[Abarnes]

I hope you don't mind I looked it up, it is a crate opening hammer, and quite a nice one, the screw driver is actually a wedge, the slot is for pulling nails, they were quite the tool before cardboard.
Makes a cool addition to your tool kit!

 

[flconch53]

Would it work for pulling staples out of targets. If so a great bag addition

 

[Mike in FL]

I hope you don't mind I looked it up, it is a crate opening hammer, and quite a nice one, the screw driver is actually a wedge, the slot is for pulling nails, they were quite the tool before cardboard.
Makes a cool addition to your tool kit!

That was very kind of you, especially the way you opened your comment.

 

[david w]

I hope you don't mind I looked it up, it is a crate opening hammer, and quite a nice one, the screw driver is actually a wedge, the slot is for pulling nails, they were quite the tool before cardboard.
Makes a cool addition to your tool kit!

Thanks! My research didn't pull up anything. Maybe the bottle opener was for after work?