hammaslukuina

Hammarslukuina refers to a type of traditional Finnish ironworking technique used for centuries in Finland. Specifically it refers to the single-step process used to shape and sharpen one edge on iron or steel weapons, typically swords or axes.

In Finnnish language the term 'hammerslukuina' itself means 'hammer-tooth' implying perhaps one sharp point has been struck on an edge. This technique allowed artists and craftsman to add small decorative features on their ironwork creations, many of which carry symbolic meaning.

To perform the technique, a U-formed 'hammersluku' which is a broad, sheet-whittled steel holder with a very precise edge, moved polished away around the steel, usually in a very curved ride path being worked. Not only the techniques itself was main area of work but the 'hammerslukuina' itself is a unique example of Finnish tradition and continuingly important cultural relic of the Finnish past.