What size hammer???...

okzj

okzj

Joined
Aug 16, 2008
Messages
222
Guys, I was just curious what weight and configuration your go-to forging hammer is. At present, I use a 4lb mallet from Lowes. I need to get one with a cross pein, and I need to do some face dressing on this one, but it does the job. So, what do you guys use?
 
My primary forging hammer is a drilling hammer that I modified to a cross pein. It weighs 3#. I am lucky that my lovely wife is getting me a 3# Hofi cross pein for Christmas. I can't wait to try it!
 
nc_cooter said:
My primary forging hammer is a drilling hammer that I modified to a cross pein. It weighs 3#. I am lucky that my lovely wife is getting me a 3# Hofi cross pein for Christmas. I can't wait to try it!
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I have been wanting to try one of those hammers and a 3 pounder would be a beauty.
 
Mainly,I use a 1Kg and a 1.5kg Hofi (2.2# and 3.3#). IMHO, they are about the best out there.
Stacy
 
I would say 2 to 2 1/2 lb. Its far more important in Bladesmithing to maintain control when hammering. That size range is heavy enough to allow you to move a lot of material if necessary, but not so heavy that it quickly wears you out, and allows you to maintain a high degree of hammer control.
 
JTknives said:
i love my 2.75 pound Japaneses forging hammer i made. very easy to handle.
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JT I didn't realize you where Japaneses:D

I have a 3# cross pein a 2# and a 3# sledge and 1# ball pien that I straighting and clean up big marks with, I also have a 1.5# cross pein of my grand fathers that needs a handle.

But don't listen to me I have only made 1 forged knife and four more blades on the way. You guys where right when I'm in the shop doing stock removal knives I am sitting there thinking how much fun forging is.
 
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Starting out I would suggest only having a couple hammers. I really like having both a cross peen and a straight peen around 3 pounds. Hammers are something if you just keep your eyes open you can get some really good deals on just the heads. I would also suggest if there's a fire in your future to go with metal handles. Here's my hammer head collection. At the time of the photo there were still a few missing.
PDRM1386.JPG
 
I use a 4 lb driving hammer that I cut the back face out to make into a straight peen. Dress the face up and dress up the straight peen, and I have about 3.5 lbs of straight peen goodness. Sanded the handle diameter down to fit my relatively small hands and I'm quite happy with it!

MVC-009S.jpg

MVC-010S.jpg
 
2# 3# cross-pein German style 4# 6# Double face. Six is a long handled light sledge with the handle down cut down (Don't use that one much :-)
I really like that remodled hammer too Dan!:thumbup:
 
I use a....Stanley 18" 22 oz Fat Max Framing Hammer

* Head design for larger striking surface and better overall balance
* Forged and heat treated head for greater durability
* Rim-tempered chamfered edge to prevent chipping
* Specially designed magnetic nail starter for one-hand nail setting
* Double wedge head-to-handle assembly for extra secure fit
* Ergonomically designed axe-style hickory handle for a balanced swing and better leverage
* Contoured hand-grip provides better control and prevents hammer from slipping
* High quality hickory handle
* 18 length
* 22 oz

mAKE SURE TO GET MODEL NUMBER....

* 51-402: Checker face, designed to provide nail
grip

MOSTLY because I like the WAFFLE pattern on the face!

It gives my TAC-TEE-CULL knives a dark, low reflective signature finish!

Betcher never thought of that one!

Shane

Dude, I actually use a two pound rounding hammer with a really lovely flat crown one one side and a round on the other...worked good for me...but I am left handed..so I work backwards....mostly...

Hammers don't matter as much as the guy using it...

Just get a good solid 2 pound ball pein and go to it...you will switch to a better hammer as you gain experience....and get the feel for how you work.
 
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