# 01 The Hammer's Mark

The Story: A Foundation of Craft

The Hammer's Mark is the first true Artifact forged under the Grounded Roots Code of Honor, and it remains a constant reminder that the work must start somewhere. This knife is not pristine; it bears the physical memory of its creation. You can still see the hammer marks where the straight rasp was forced into its final, slightly curved kitchen shape—a permanent signature of its birth in the heat of the forge. This knife embodies the principle: The process is everything.

Integrity of Materials & Form

• Blade Material: Reclaimed from an authentic, high-carbon steel hoof rasp (approx. 1% carbon). This steel holds a razor-sharp edge, perfect for the continuous demands of the homestead kitchen.
• Handle: Crafted from a reclaimed hoof knife handle, providing a sturdy, comfortable grip. The material itself is a nod to utility and necessity.
• The Mark: The residual rasp teeth and the visible hammer marks offer a beautiful, dark texture, ensuring this blade is immediately recognized as a tool of integrity and purpose.

The Value: More Than a Knife

This is not a high-polish, display-case knife. It is a workhorse—a tool built from necessity and shaped by honest effort. It is the physical manifestation of the moment when the philosophy of self-reliance became a tangible skill.

Owning the Hammer's Mark is owning a piece of the TS Homestead Nation's history and a direct reminder that mastery begins with the courage to swing the hammer for the very first time.

Purpose: General-purpose homestead kitchen utility, slicing, and chopping.

Note: Due to the high-carbon content, this blade will develop a unique patina over time—a sign of its continuous, honest use.

🧼 Care and Longevity Instructions

These Artifacts are forged from high-carbon steel—not stainless steel. High-carbon steel holds a superior, long-lasting edge and is far easier to sharpen, which is why we choose it for tools built for honest work.

However, this material requires care: The blade will rust if left wet. To ensure the longevity of your Artifact, always clean the blade immediately after use, dry it thoroughly, and never wash it in a dishwasher (which will quickly destroy the handle and the blade). When storing the knife for long periods, apply a light coat of food-grade oil (like mineral oil or olive oil) to the blade to protect it.