Kyman

I think one of the big problems is education. Not enough people are trained in safe operation. Schools do not teach woodworking anymore. That is a problem not matter what the educators say.

I was an Industrial Arts teacher and that was one the rules in all the text books, don't hit hammers together. The examples always showed chips flying off and gave the dangers that could happen. I don't know about exploding but I would say it is possible after reading the stories submitted.
If a person needs to do this a piece mild steel or brass needs to be used. The risk isn't worth it.