Angled handle on Cutlers hammer

Jonathans

Jonathans

Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
588
I am wanting to try using a cutlers hammer for forging the edge on my blades.
I've only seen folks using Dog hammers where the handle is perpendicular to the head.
When I search online for examples of Cutler hammers the handle is at a slight acute angle to the head.
This is supposed to reduce user fatigue. When the edge you are working on is on the near side of the blade, it appears that this angled handle would make it that much harder to do heel strikes, so is the angled handle designed to facilitate toe strikes of the hammer as when the edge is on the far side of the blade from you?
When slitting and drifting an angled handle hole is there a set up, or technique to use that will help me get a reasonable result?
I hope I explained my question here in a manner that can be comprehended.
 
A cutlers hammer is good for riveting. A Swedish hammer or a small dog's head is better for forging edges.
 
The dog's head hammers are very nice for this. I have a 1-3/4# that I forged from 1-1/2" rebar (!!!) that has been my go-to edge hammer for twenty years.
 
Many angled hammer handles are for tasks often done while seated. Most of the Japanese hammers you see with an angle to the head are for forging while seated.

A hammer face should strike the surface at the proper angle when held normally and comfortably. In most all situations, a straight handle is preferred.
 
Alrighty then! I don't plan to be seated at the anvil for a while, so straight it will be.
 
I made hammers and sold them here a bit ago. I drilled and milled the eye and just angled the hammer head in the vise to create whatever angle of hammerhead to handle I wanted. For slitting and drifting I would assume a similar approach may work or just make sure you slit and drift at a bit of an angle. I have not actually done enough slitting and drifting to be sure though.
 
John,
I never milled a hammer head. Are you just using a 3/4" end mill or similar? What kind of steels were you milling?
 
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