Related note: I believe the "loop" to which you refer is a standoff to keep the hammer away from one's body.
Here's one that I made earlier this year: http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/... Final Pics/?action=view¤t=100_3487.jpg RB
Yes, look at all the pics. There are a couple other ones that I designed. All hand forged from L6 and W1. RB