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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Original Post - Oct 15, 2009 - 10:43pm PT
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I have 2 of Jim's piton hammers;...one I am selling on ebay, and one I am putting on Supertopo only. Ebay takes 8%, then paypal take almost another 3%,...then you have to wait for $ to clear, etc....supertopo viewers like Jim, like climbing gear, and some even climb....(that's a joke...I think...).....and with supertopo;...it happens faster.......so here is an opportunity for someone to own a piece of history;...Jim Bridwell's own personal piton hammer. This is a beefer of a hammer;...It has a Kong head (which Jim helped design), a long wooden handle (which Jim wanted;..he didn't want no lil' sissy handle...), and it comes with a gear sling of webbing and a leather holster. The leather holster was hand crafted by Jim in his garage from a leather weight lifting belt, and is signed twice by Jim and inscribed " The Real Deal ", Jim Bridwell, and J B . Both the wooden handle and the gear sling webbing are also signed by Jim. Bridwell has maybe 4 or 5 piton hammers, and one is already osold. Two hammer (this and the one on ebay) are presently on the market, and of the two on the market, this is by far the most impressive one. The top of the handle has been taped with electrical tape to protect the wood near the head. For any collector , this is a very unique opportunity to own a piece of climbing history from Mr. Bridwell himself. It also helps him and his family out, who , like alot of us, are facing economic challenges that we have not experienced before. I will start the price at $200...and if anyone wants it for that price;...just post;...if someone want to contribute more for the piece, then so be it....whatever the end price is on Sunday evening (say at 10 PM West Coast)..then that it's yours. The hammer is really cool;..if you collect stuff like this, or want a hammer with a manly swing;....make a bid pleas. And thanks in advance (again)..for helping Jim out....he's very thankful and appreciates all the help so far.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 15, 2009 - 10:45pm PT
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I'm sure I won't get it, but I'll bid 250.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Oct 15, 2009 - 10:49pm PT
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I wish I was in a position to bid on this, i have brother with a birthday coming up. Though i'd have started at $100, if I had it.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 15, 2009 - 10:49pm PT
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Wack;...you The Man;....here's another shot;...this hammer is way cool;..and Jim is all proud of it;....he refinished the handle, signed it all over they place, and way spouted about the hand crafted holster that he designed and made himself in his garage....he's quite handy.....it's a beefy tool;.....for hand-drilling bolts;....it would be the ticket;......Personally;...if I bought it;..I'd use it....and brag about it to anyone who would listen to me....
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Oct 15, 2009 - 10:53pm PT
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Good on ya, Todd, for helping a bro out.
Hope you and yours are doing good too! You got some fine looking boyz! God bless you, keep it up.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 15, 2009 - 10:57pm PT
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Here's the whole shabang;....holster, sling, and hammer;....
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 15, 2009 - 11:00pm PT
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" The Real Deal "....from The Man himself......
or maybe you are interested in some boots?......I think Jim has a few pairs he MIGHT want to get rid of.......(oh boy......)...
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 16, 2009 - 12:14am PT
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all right no bids.... then 300. Maybe this bid will inspire some rock warrior interested in living on the minimum. Does the hammer come with lessons? In the hands of an overzealous neophyte, it might leave some gnarly scars. All of you 20 somethings with disposable income and no responsibilities step up please. I'll bet you won't regret it.
edit: the 3 hundo is good. werd
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WBraun
climber
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Oct 16, 2009 - 12:23am PT
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That hammer was held originally by the mighty Thor himself.
The handle oozes the soul of the disciplic succession that traces its roots back to the original master of stone.
Sparks will fly ......
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 16, 2009 - 12:26am PT
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dude, look at the handle, the location of the signature, the look on THE "THE MAN"'s face. I would guess that this hammer has seen some stuff (that i never will).
edit: calling all monkeys, pool your resources. maybe donate it to the YCA museum, or start a "lending library" wing.
Money could never buy the experience that hammer has seen...
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 16, 2009 - 12:38am PT
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 16, 2009 - 12:51am PT
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Thanks for posting Todd,
That photo makes it worth at least 314. Make it an even 350. I have to get some work done.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 16, 2009 - 10:46pm PT
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442 dollars
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hooblie
climber
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Oct 16, 2009 - 11:00pm PT
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how much for the wig?
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 17, 2009 - 12:03am PT
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That ain't no wig;...it's the Donald Trump look.....but it's the real deal, .....(And thanks for the bids....you guys rock....and helping Jim and his family out is way cool of you guys;...thanks a bunch...)...
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 17, 2009 - 12:58am PT
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$500. It won't affect the bidding, but I'll throw in a bottle of whiskey for Todd (sorry a box of diapers is too heavy to ship). Anyway, I hope that whomever gets this thing considers doing something similar. Not that I have a hard on for the hammer. It just seems like a good (and reasonable) thing to do.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 17, 2009 - 01:52am PT
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I don't know the routes this hammer has been on;....but Jim was pretty proud of this hammer.....I think alot of Jim's older hammers, he has lost, dropped, or left places....I am so impressed with supertopo's support for Jim.......a great showing of heart and real compassion for Jim and his family......I'm really blown away;...Jim, Peggy , and Layton with be thrilled . I communicate with Jim a few times a week, and go down to his house a couple times a month;.....he is truly thankful for the help and support.......the climbing community has really been his saving grace.....again;...way to go.....and you really dont' know how much this helps and how much this means to Jim and his family;....it's huge...
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Tom
Big Wall climber
San Luis Obispo CA
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Oct 17, 2009 - 04:39am PT
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Thanks, Todd, for doing a good thing, in a time when a good thing is needed.
I first saw Bridwell in a Galen Rowell photo, and I wanted to do what he was doing.
Jim Bridwell is the General, for a legion of men of lower rank.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 17, 2009 - 11:41pm PT
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Mr. .
Mind if I call you Mike? If you no longer have a surname, just Mike, I may be out of my league here financially, as well as in climbing experience.
$600
p.s. no offense, but I'm tapped out, desperate, and am resorting to cheap personal attacks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW42PzDyPmA
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 18, 2009 - 12:06am PT
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Gotta love it;.......Keep in mind;...you are helping Jim and his family out;....like really big time;....so spar on, and thanks for the support AND the entertainment......you guys RULE!.....way impressed......with so many big talkers and sissys on the internet;...it's WAY cool to see Mike and Wacky throwing it down and raising the bar...YOU guys are THE REAL DEAl ......fantastic!......and also;..I'm going climbing tomorrow;...tomorrow evening is the last of the bids......maybe there is someone with bigger balls than Mike and Wack out there......you never know.....I doubt it...but you never know.....(Iron Maiden and Easy Rider;.....you guys crack me up.......excellent...)...
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 18, 2009 - 12:12pm PT
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Mr. .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CAJtu2nHLw
4 your understanding.
step up and lay some money down.
the clock is ticking,
the bell will chime,
whose will be the best bid standing.
money talks... I won't be strategically waiting to bid at the last minute. Give it up like you know you got it.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 18, 2009 - 12:57pm PT
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$650
Mr. .,
I was thinking about previous posts, and that Mr. (the) B might not know which ascents this hammer has been party to. I actually read the E-Bay description, and then Todd's comment about where this hammer might have been. I think not knowing makes it even more beautiful. It's not about the equipment man...
Money can't buy the experience that those hammers have seen, but it might set the table for similar individuals with the drive, talent, perseverance, vision, etc. Thenagain, food is easier to come by in some places than others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp10pb396RQ
I'd like to see someone carry one of those hammers on a free ascent of the captain... maybe even the nose.
forever (t)rad,
wack
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 18, 2009 - 07:12pm PT
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$750
Mr. ., If you were willing to pony up $666, then another c note only commits you to another 15%, and the leading bid. Call it a tip.
EDIT: Apologies Mr. . I was a little slow taking in the sign of the beast thing.
all apologies
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Oct 18, 2009 - 08:07pm PT
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When exactly does this auction end? With property values decling, the stock market a ripoff, and the dollar not really looking like its worth much, this piece of history almost seems priceless.....what an investment.
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Captain...or Skully
Social climber
Idaho, also. Sorta, kinda mostly, Yeah.
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Oct 18, 2009 - 09:28pm PT
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And Eminently willin' to pony up, too.
YeeHaw, Pard. Let 'er buck.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 18, 2009 - 09:51pm PT
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This is getting a little expensive for my blood. I'm hoping that when the clock strikes 10 you have a few pictures up your sleeve. Just a bit of advice. A few digits upload more quickly. Be sure to add a dollar sign in front, or go big (Euro stylie. allez, allez, golden hair wafting past the ears).
OMFG!
best...
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 18, 2009 - 09:54pm PT
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That's it. I'm played out. Hope to be able to catch you on the sharp end sometime Mr. . Not that you would need it. Purely for scientific purposes you see.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Oct 18, 2009 - 10:51pm PT
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$1,000
Do not say no
Do not say go
For it is off
To Ken's this hammer
Shall go.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 18, 2009 - 11:19pm PT
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Bids end at 10:00 pacific.....whatever the time on supertopo says.....any bids after 10:00 are not accepted. All I can say is, you guys have sac.....pretty impressive....
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 19, 2009 - 12:08am PT
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Nice John!
I'm no longer bidding so I don't have any say, but I have to politely disagree about a resting place. My unsolicited advice follows.
That hammer deserves more.
Besides an all free trip up the captain, maybe:
1) It deserves a lap on Columbia Boulder
2) It could ring in a meeting at the AAC
3) It deserves a midnight rendezvous in the Curry Village women's dorm. (Discrete respect and the mandatory protection included of course.)
4)It could be part of a book signing tour (thus continuing the purpose of this auction)
5) Maybe it deserves a trip here
Just typing out loud.
best luck! Mr. . seemed pretty serious.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Oct 19, 2009 - 12:27am PT
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$1000 for this hammer? This just seems to cheap. Legends like Bridwell are not being born anymore. The times have changed and the walls have been climbed. Yosemite is still a great adventure but not the great unknown that The Bird ventured into. For ages to come, taking this hammer out and showing it around, having it come out of the pack around a campfire, or late one evening after watching old climbing videos, watch the eyes widen as the tales come to life thru the form of a old hammer. Man oh man, wish I had the cash.
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 19, 2009 - 01:14am PT
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Oct 19, 2009 - 01:14am PT
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Ya know what whack? You are right. This hammer has a lot of life left. Many pins to yet to be pounded. Too early to retire. Jim, you are an icon. Wish I could do more. If you could do what you wanted with this hammer, what would it be?
jim
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wack-N-dangle
Gym climber
the ground up
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Oct 19, 2009 - 01:18am PT
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nice!
(Jim, if you're asking for his list of lines that have yet to be ticked, you might have to pony up some more.)
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 19, 2009 - 09:51am PT
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Excellent, gentlemen (and ladies...)....and wonderful thoughts at the end......If you can, use paypal at andreatoddgordon@gmail.com....johntp is The Man of the hour, the visionary, The Bull, The Beast, The Hawk, The Ghost......I talked to Jim last night;....he's psyched, and keeping the boat afloat........more to come!....(and yeah;...it would be nice to take this hammer to the crags for a bash or three....I would.......)....
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Oct 19, 2009 - 10:02am PT
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Impressive.
I have two of Warren Harding's hammers, but one of these days they're going to Ken (along with the WOTEML bat tent and a home made figure 8 descender!), but this sale could bode well for my tax profile when the time comes (enabling further donations).
Well done gang.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Oct 19, 2009 - 08:38pm PT
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Todd-
Who do I make the check out to and where do I send it?
Edit: Hey Todd. I'd rather send a check. If I do need to use paypal, how do I set it up and be secure? New turf for me.
Thanks for doing this. Glad to read Jim's boat is floating. Hope my oar helps.
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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Oct 19, 2009 - 10:02pm PT
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Good show gents!
'Way to bid for The Bird.
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fosburg
climber
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Oct 19, 2009 - 10:20pm PT
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I was about to hit the "like" button but then remembered this wasn't facebook.
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Oct 19, 2009 - 10:25pm PT
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Hang that hammer right along side Gaston Rebuffat's ice axe.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 19, 2009 - 11:42pm PT
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Make the Check out to Jim Bridwell;...and sent the check to Todd Gordon P.O. Box 138 Joshua Tree, Ca. 92252. Thanks again;...way impressive....good vibes and spirit.....way impressed......and give me your address and I'll put the hammer in the post...
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Oct 20, 2009 - 11:24pm PT
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Todd -
The check will go out in the morning. Thanks so much for doing this and taking your time. I hope in some way my contribution will help Jim. I'm not sure where to have you send the hammer. To me, to Chicken Skinner or back to Jim or someone else. In all honesty, I will never use it for the reason he concieved it. This whammer needs to be used by someone worthy of his integrity and vision. Do you know of any young turks that will use this and respect it's origins?
Eventually this hammer should go to Ken. But in the meantime, it needs to pound some pins, see some more rock. Maybe you can play with it for a while. I don't really care about the autographs; it they get worn off, so be it. It is more about the hands that wielded it, where it has been and respect for the effort and dreams.
I hope this makes some sense.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 20, 2009 - 11:44pm PT
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Johntp;.....your vision for this tool makes complete sense to me;...I suggest I mail it to you....you play with it for awhile;...and it will find it's way to Ken all in good time;.....maybe you could put a post on supertopo for anyone who would like to give it a swing on loan..., and for what use;.........It would be so cool to see it get used, document it's use with stories and photos, and eventually make it's way to to YO museum;...where it probably belongs......and ...if I may take my turn first;...I'll put it to use on a new route this Sunday;...start a post, and then stick it in the mail to you;....if you don't mind....(I'll take good care of it....)........and it could get mailed around a bit without you having to do anything but get it started and sort of keep track of it;....just an idea.......A trip up El Cap, a new route here, maybe a trip overseas....you never know......it's an awesome piece;..you will see.....what do you think?.....any other suggestions, ideas, ??.......and thanks again for helping out. I try to tell my non-climbing friend that Jim's hammer is like Tiger Wood's golf clubs....only I don't think Tiger Woods is struggling financially like many of the top climbers of our generation.....Two of the climbing world's greatest climbers, Layton Kor and Jim Bridwell, both are struggling, but the climbing community has stepped up to the plate and extended a helping hand;...it's an awesome thing and something to be damn proud of.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Oct 20, 2009 - 11:50pm PT
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LOL
You can buy Tiger Woods' putter, but you might not go home with the trophy.
(cheers bro, you got the sheet, no?)
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Oct 20, 2009 - 11:56pm PT
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Hey Todd-
Use it on Sunday. Like I said, I did not buy it for the autographs. Use and abuse this whammer, that's what Jim designed it for. I agree, pass it around the taco so all can have the opportunity to wield the whammer of the Bird. Just need to make sure it is not lost in the shuffle.
I thought the book signing tour got canceled? More info if is still alive? Definitely send the hammer on the tour.
Peace Todd, and once again, thanks.
Edit- just to be clear, I do not take Jim's signing this lightly. I just feel that there are many ways he has put his mark on this tool in more significant ways.
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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Oct 21, 2009 - 12:54pm PT
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JohnP, congrats on stepping up to the plate for Bridwell. (Todd, you obvious rule.) If you are going to excessively fondle it before sending it in, you might want to lightly spray the handle with polyurethane. I do this to the tops of my wooden hammers so that the rain (it rains all the time here) doesn't get the shaft wet and expand/contract and make the wood loose. Works great, I would think that it would help fix the signature as well.
As far as everyone touching it, you might consider just taking it to, or sending it with a single person you trust, to the next Yosemite Facelift. You could then hand it directly to Ken, and lots of climbers could fondle it all at once.
For myself, I'd love to touch it but figure that won't happen. But as the Bird changed out the handle, I'd really like to see a picture of it next to other hammers so I can judge the size of that new handle. Maybe The Mayor can take one or 2 and post them?
Something like this:
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Oct 21, 2009 - 01:12pm PT
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If the hammer is donated to the Yosemite Climbing Association - a 501(c)(3) - it should be able to issue a donation receipt to the donor for the fair value of the hammer. The value may have been established by the 'auction' here, and perhaps of other historic hammers. That may be an incentive to a donation. Check with Ken - he should be done with jury duty soon.
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gimmeslack
Trad climber
VA
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Oct 21, 2009 - 03:27pm PT
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JohnTP
If you're ever in VA/WV, the beers are on us!!
a
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Oct 21, 2009 - 03:35pm PT
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johntp,
really nice efforts there.
cheers,
M
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