Twisting metal means heating the metal to critical temperature and, while red hot and pliable, twisting it in two different directions. Once the nails have been ground to acceptable shape, the handles are heated in the forge. When red, they are grabbed out with pliers and, with a locking wrench, the handle is twisted so the end is parallel with the blade.The knifemaker demonstrated the technique. It looked so easy -- like twisting a thick piece of stale licorice. When the knifemaker's aunt tried it, Yikes! The hand strength necessary to twist the hot metal seemed beyond the old girl. She could only make a quarter turn before the metal would cool beyond movement. Bummer. She returned to sweeping until the knifemaker could swing by her station and twist the rest of the nails.
