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 Square 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? This Tonkachi Square Genno hammer is a versatile Japanese hammer suitable for a broad range of detailed tasks.
About Japanese Chisels
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 Square Genno Hammer
The Tonkachi Square Genno has a squarish copper jacketed steel head with rounded edges and both a flat and domed hardened face. The handle is made from beautiful White Oak. The weight of this hammer means it is great for all types of striking. Whether it is a chisel, a nail or a plane, this hammer is your best workshop friend. Read on to learn more.
Copper jacketed head
The Tonkachi Square hammer weighs 225g and is jacketed with copper. This finish reduces the chance of damage to the metal tool being struck - it also reduces the chance of sparking. This feature is particularly important when using the hammer to adjust planes or when striking steel hooped chisels. The faces of the head are hardened, whereas the body of the head is unhardened. The softer steel allows the hammer to absorb the shock created when striking, further protecting the tool being struck.
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 and adjusting tools. 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.
Rolled edges
The long edges of the Tonkachi Square hammer head are rolled and softened. This feature makes these hammer heads increasingly compact and removes any sharp edges that may interfere with or damage the work. Even if you are working in the tinniest of spaces, or tapping the most expensive of plane blades, your hammer won’t be the one who creates a disaster.
White Oak Handle
The handle of the Tonkachi Square Genno is made from beautiful White Oak. The handle is smooth and feels great in the hand. Overall, this hammer is 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.