You then can break each of the individual pieces open by directing your hammer to the outside of its husk. while keeping the shell as nearly perpendicular to the floor (or whatever) as you can... :)..
BTW, I owned a pecan orchard for years, and harvested those little buggers for days at a time.. soon I became a pro with all kinds of NUTS.. Funny I ended up on FReeRepublic.. DUH!.. Hahahahaha
.. I love Hickory nuts, Hickory in my Coffee, and I would smoke any meat with Hickory at the drop of a hat.. :)Where is that Hickory Nut Pound Cake recipe.. Please ping me when JustAmy's thread comes up.. HUGGGGGGGG
Will make sure you're pinged to Amy's Potpourri thread at The Finest.