Having spent a fair amount of time around hot metal, I would not recommend replicating the author's choice of apparel for this task. It is not unusual for small bits of metal to go flying as you're hammering. If one of these lands on your skin, you're in for some pain.

I was torch-cutting the bolts off of a commercial mower (like the ones they pull behind tractors) once, when a BB sized ball of hot metal wedged between the tongue of my shoe and my foot. My pants leg had managed to tuck itself inside the tongue of my shoe, providing all the opening it needed to get in.

The shop foreman had previously recommended the use of work boots (with a high ankle) and welding chaps when using the cutting torch. I ignored his advice.

On that day, as I squelched my foot in the toilet (it was the nearest source of water), I learned the value of proper attire in a working environment.

Who was it who said (may be paraphrased), "Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who didn't"?

Meh. I'd personally rather be the oppressed than the oppressor.

May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countryman.

That was Charleston Needsahug I believe.

too bad you can't eat from it.

Isn't there something you could cover it with to make it food-safe?

I'm pretty sure I could electroplate it with something that would be safe, but I don't think it'd be worth the risk. It's probably getting added to my metal shop as a tool for handling molten metal.