Vannhammere

Vannhammere, also known as the Van Hammer, is a traditional Norwegian tool used for flattening and smoothing the surface of wood, particularly in the construction of traditional wooden boats and other wooden structures. The tool consists of a heavy, flat metal head attached to a handle, typically made of wood or fiberglass. The head is usually rectangular or square in shape, with a smooth, flat surface that is often polished to a high shine.

The Van Hammer is typically used by skilled craftsmen, known as "båtbyggere" or boat builders, who have a deep understanding of the techniques and materials involved in traditional Norwegian boatbuilding. The tool is used to shape and smooth the planks of wood that will eventually form the hull of the boat. The craftsman will use the Van Hammer to gently tap and shape the wood, gradually flattening and smoothing the surface until it is perfectly even.

The Van Hammer is an essential tool in the traditional Norwegian boatbuilding process, and its use requires a high degree of skill and precision. The tool is often passed down from generation to generation, and its use is closely associated with the preservation of traditional Norwegian boatbuilding techniques and the cultural heritage of the region. Today, the Van Hammer remains an important tool in the hands of skilled craftsmen, who continue to use it to create beautiful and functional wooden boats that are true to the traditions of their ancestors.