Set the romance aside, Japanese tools are made for working wood. But hang on, what’s with all these different hammers? The Japanese take their hammers very seriously so there is a hammer for every task. If you are into hand tool woodworking, then check out these Tonkachi Octagonal Genno Hammers.
Working with hand tools is one of the great pleasures of woodworking. And using Japanese tools takes this experience to the next level. If you are purchasing your first Japanese tools, why not start with a hammer? These Tonkachi Octagonal Genno hammers are a light compact Japanese hammer suitable for a broad range of detailed tasks.
Tonkachi Octagonal Hammers are available in two different weights, please select your preferred option from the dropdown menu
Japanese hammers are different to Western hammers - not a claw in sight! This does not mean that are either superior or inferior, after all, they virtually do the same job. They are simply the Japanese approach, built upon hundreds of years of tool making tradition.
Your Tonkachi Genno Hammer
The Tonkachi Octagonal Genno has an octagonal steel head with both a flat and domed hardened face. The handles are made from beautiful White Oak. The weight of these hammers means they are great for detailed striking. Whether it is a chisel or a nail, this hammer has the restrained weight for the more detailed task. Read on to learn more.
Two weights and hardened faces
The Tonkachi Octagonal hammers are available in two weights – 115g or 185g. The faces of the heads are hardened, whereas the body of the head is unhardened. The softer steel allows the hammer to absorb the shock created when striking. The lighter hammer is a popular choice for detailed chiselling, assembling fine joinery and adjusting planes. The heavier hammer does all these tasks as well - also great for nailing.
Two striking faces
One striking face is flat the other is slightly domed. The flat face can be used for a broad range of work in particular striking chisels. The domed face’s common purpose is to compress the surfaces of joints made from softer timbers before final fitting. “Killing” the joint by hammering allows for a very tight fit. The domed face is also excellent for the final setting of a nail.
Chamfered edges
The long edges of the Tonkachi Octagonal hammer head are chamfered, which leads to the octagonal shape. This feature makes these hammer heads increasingly compact and removes any sharp edges that may interfere with the work. Even if you are working in the tinniest of spaces, your hammer won’t be the one who creates a disaster.
White Oak Handle
The handles of the Daruma Genno are made from beautiful White Oak. The handles are smooth and feel great in the hand. Overall, these hammers are nicely balanced allowing for multiple grip positions depending on the work at hand. The soft steel hammer head absorbs the shock, so the striking force is not transferred to the handle. The hammer head are securely fitted using a timber wedge and steel wedge plug.
Versatility
Japanese hammers are a pleasure to use. With their compact heads and variety of designs, they are useful in all woodworking situations. If you are tapping in a fine wedge, adjusting a plane, chopping joints or nailing, there is a Japanese hammer for the task. Reality is that you will end up owning three, a kit tuned to the work you do.
Japanese Chisels
And let’s not forget Japanese Chisels. Most varieties of Japanese bench chisels are fitted with a steel hoop so they may be used with a steel hammer. This is different to the Western tradition of using a heavy wooden mallet. Using a steel hammer has distinct advantages, in particular the agility and preciseness one can achieve when working. From the tinniest tap to the heaviest blow, working with a steel head Japanese hammer provides you with incredible control.
Made in Japan
These Japanese hammers are a high-quality product, 100% made in Japan.