Mankind has used hammers for as long as we've had opposable thumbs. There's something primal and reassuring about the form factor. Even If I never knew nails existed, with a hammer in hand I'd feel like I'd know what to do. This block of steel and branch of tree will made into a gennou, a Japanese chisel striking hammer.
A block plane takes care of the knots.
Though a spokeshave works best on the bark.