Share this review
Let’s talk about the best blacksmith hammers.
You have a red-hot metal stock freshly pulled out of the forge in front of you. How do you plan on drawing it? Or maybe forge weld two of those metal stocks? Obviously, you need something REALLY heavy to strike the metal with.
That something is a hammer. The stock itself doesn’t mind with what it is being pounded with, but your arms, your elbows, and hands? Well, they might complain a bit, unless you’re using an excellent shock-absorbent hammer.
Good hammer? Isn’t a hammer just a hammer? You’ll be amazed by the various options available for choosing a forging hammer. Cross pein, straight pein, sledge, and heck, they even have air-lift hammers with 500 to 10,000 pounds of falling weight.
So, how are these hammers categorized? The style, type, weight, handle, and last but not least, YOU!
A lightweight hammer with a wooden grip? Or a mighty 10-pounder? You decide.
Can you work without a hammer?
Technically speaking, yes. During forging, you just need to hit the hot workpiece to shape it into something worthwhile. What if you strike the workpiece with something uneven? Or maybe something with sharp edges? Apart from denting it, you can even break it.
So, you need something sturdy, has a proper handle, and a good surface area. HAMMERS!
Hammers are an integral part of any blacksmithing technique. Not all of them serve the same purpose as they’re involved in a diverse set of applications.
Blacksmiths, bladesmiths, farriers, carpenter, plumbers, and many other professionals use this tool to get things done.
Here are the top 10 hammers you can choose from.
- ST HMMR 2LB BCKSM
- ST HMMR 2LB BCKSM
- ST HMMR 2LB BCKSM
- ST HMMR 2LB BCKSM
- ST HMMR 2LB BCKSM
Why do we like it?
Are you looking for something lightweight? This 2-pound hammer might just work for you. Stanley 56-003 (affiliate link) is best if you’re a beginner who is starting out with small blacksmithing projects.
It is evident from the weight that this hammer will be of no use if you plan on working with larger metal stocks. This small-sized 14.2” x 5.2” x 1.5” hammer is ergonomically designed with an exotic, but traditional New England designed pattern head.
Efficient Construction
Most of the hammers come with a steel billet attached to a wooden handle. There is a flaw in such types as, during intensive work sessions, the billet might just come off and may injure someone severely.
This economical hammer comes with a one-piece rim temper construction to avoid such mishaps. The handle and the billet are forged together to ensure that the hammering goes uninterrupted.
Minimal Vibration
The antivibe technology is another reason for you to go with this one. Striking metal causes vibrations that travel through your hands, wrist, and ultimately to the elbows.
Some of these are high-frequency vibrations, and the rest are low-frequency ones. The antivibe technology minimizes the low-frequency ones as they can seriously injure your wrist or elbows. This unique one-of-its-kind tuning fork design helps in this regard.
Unique Features
Going forward, the handle itself is slip-resistant as it’s covered with rubber. Why is this important? Suppose you’re drawing out a hot metal piece and the handle slips out of your hand. You don’t want that, right?
The distinctive rim tempering also helps in avoiding chipping and spalling. The hammer face is excellent for focused blows as it comes with a slightly raised convex point.
Who Should Get This?
The hammer is a perfect fit for bladesmiths, bending & shaping small items, and for striking un-hardened materials. The manufacturer even provides a limited lifetime warranty for material deficiencies and workmanship.
The Stanley 56-003 (affiliate link) is built to last. The steel construction is very durable and sturdy. Being a robust hammer with a weight of just 2lb, it is the first preference of many novice blacksmiths.
Pros
Patented tuning fork design.
Antivibe technology to protect your wrists.
Rim tempered.
Cons
Thin handle.
Not suitable for larger workpieces.
Why do we like it?
In blacksmithing, you’ll be molding large blocks of metal into something useful. When you’re done heating the stock to a reasonably high temperature, you need a strong blacksmithing sledgehammer to reshape it.
Maybe this 4-pounder by Stanley will do the job. STANLEY FMHT56008 FATMAX (affiliate link) comes with a high-quality build that guarantees to work flawlessly. With a weight of 4lbs, the hammer can quickly flatten out the workpiece with only a few strikes.
With 14.6” x 5.1” x 2.1” dimensions, you can efficiently work with it. The hammer itself helps in refining your striking techniques. You can quickly develop a rhythmic hammering strategy to get better and faster.
Minimal Vibration
The antivibe technology helps in reducing the low-frequency vibrations that can strain your wrist joints and elbows. Here’s the catch, this hammer comes with a distinctive particle dampened handle.
Particle dampening? Haven’t heard of it before? Can you picture some particles moving freely in a cavity to produce a damping effect?
Great Hammer Handle
The handle is made similarly. With each strike, the handle removes the excess vibratory energy that can hurt your wrists. MUCH better than solid core handles!
Instead of a traditional wooden handle, this hammer comes with a modern shatterproof fiberglass handle. Apart from the good grip, it is tough, and durable compared to a wooden one.
Hammer Efficiency
The round hammer face provides a good amount of surface area to work with. The whole hammer is well balanced and absorbs shocks effectively. You’ll have good control over it in no time.
Last but not least, it comes at an affordable price tag. You can easily buy it from your local hardware store.
You need to be extra careful when using such a powerful hammer. Hammering is not about the tool; it’s about how you use it.
Pro Tip
Creating an excellent striking pattern will help in better hammer control as the STANLEY FMHT56008 FATMAX (affiliate link) have slightly more recoil because of the fiberglass handle.
Pros
Improved antivibe technology to reduce low-frequency vibrations.
Widely available and reasonably priced.
Shatterproof fiberglass handle with particle dampening.
Cons
The fiberglass might get brittle if exposed to UV-light a lot.
More recoil than other hammers.
It can cause blisters if gloves are not used.
Why do we like it?
Are you looking for something traditional? A wooden handle, maybe? The 1-3/4 Lb. Rounding Hammer by Anvil Brand (affiliate link) might just be the best option. It comes with a wooden handle that is attached to a durable rounding head.
Here’s the catch, rounding hammers are relatively faster than flat-faced ones in terms of drawing steel. This masterpiece by Anvil Brand can save a lot of time and improve the overall efficiency of your work.
Robust Structure
The hammer is Rockwell tested to provide focused blows. Adding more to it, the billet is heat-treated to make it reliable and robust. When a hammer has been used excessively, the billet can crack up. Anvil has already fracture inspected this one to make it last.
One side of the hammer is round, and the other is flat. With this unique combination, you won’t have to change your hammer every time you work with a hot workpiece. The flat face of the hammer can be used for smoothing.
Additional Pro Information
A 3-1/2′ wide head is attached to a reasonably long 14″ wooden handle. Although it might be too long for some users (those who have small hands), the handle itself is very sturdy and balanced. The ergonomics of this tool are perfect.
It is a US-made product. After all the heat treatments and fracture tests, the end product is spectacular. A blacksmith needs to have a trusty hammer, and this one helps in that regard.
Who Should Get This?
It may be a bit pricey, but your every penny would be worth it. There’s no doubt that it’s one of the most favorite pounding tools for blacksmiths.
It works best for lighter work. It still manages to deliver quality blows, but for larger metal stocks, you should probably look for a heavier one.
Pros
Built to last.
Heat treated and fracture tested.
Cons
The wooden handle is extra-long. Some users had to shorten it for better control.
- 4-Pound cross pein hammer
- Forged steel head with chamfered edges for added durability
- 16-Inch hickory handle for strength
- Perfect for shaping block, brick and stone
Why do we like it?
A fan of wooden handles? The Cross Pein Hammer By AMES Companies (affiliate link) is another masterpiece with a hardwood handle. If you’re a beginner, always start with a basic cross pein hammer.
The different types of handles itself is a long discussion. Just to give you some insight, starting out with wooden handles is the best choice. You can quickly improve your striking techniques, get better at controlling the weight, and improve overall ergonomics of the work.
Superb Buildup
This hammer comes with two-piece contrition. A cross pein hammerhead is attached to a 16” hickory handle for improved durability and shock absorbance. The billet is made of forged steel with chamfered edges that deliver focused blows.
Cross pein hammers are the most common ones. They can easily be bought from any local hardware store. This 4lbs hammer is perfect for blacksmithing and bladesmithing.
Balanced Construction
Apart from metal-work, it works flawlessly for shaping stone, bricks, and blocks. Why?
The overall weight of the hammer is balanced that helps in easy control.
All-in-All, this hammer is a miracle. Don’t be deceived by its simplistic build. It is designed to provide comfort, thus making your forging process much more comfortable.
To crown it all, the Jackson Hardwood Handle Cross Pein Hammer can easily draw red hot metal stocks. Being a 4-pounder, it is great for above-average sized metal stocks.
Unique Features
It can surely put up intensive hammering sessions. Knifemakers can use it to obtain sharp edges. It comes at a low price and is widely available. The best part, you can easily replace the handle if it comes off.
Highly customizable, reliable, and durable, and all this for an extremely affordable price.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons it has to offer:
Pros
A long 16” hickory handle.
Forged steel hammerhead.
Cons
The handle might be too thin for some users.
The wood handle might rot, warp, or even break over time.
- Long-lasting
- 2 pound head weight
- Easy to use
Why do we like it?
Are we discussing Cross peins and wooden handles without mentioning MintCraft Pro 33701 (affiliate link)? Not fair!
This dazzling hammer comes with a 2-pound head with a firmly fixed wooden handle. The hammerhead is made of a spring steel blade that is flame and solvent proof.
Working with this hammer is very convenient, owing to its weight. If you’re a novice, you can work on improving your hammering techniques.
Quality Materials
Adding more to it, the hammerhead is cast steel and hardened, making it much more durable than its competitors.
Although, you’ll get a two-piece construction, still, it is not like the hammerhead is going to fly away.
MintCraft has made this so robust that some users have even reported denting their old anvils. So, if you have a cheap anvil that can’t bear powerful strikes, try getting a new one.
Precise Dimension
The product is very handy as it comes with 16.8 x 5.8 x 3.8 dimensions. Even If you have big hands, the handle can easily be gripped. The handle might give you blisters, but here’s the trick, treat it with linseed oil, and you’re good to go.
We’ve seen how users have reported the handle being too thin. But this one comes with a thick one to provide the necessary grip force required during intensive work sessions.
Who Should Get This?
If you want something for forging, stripping, scraping, or even for spackling, this one ticks all the boxes. With its unique cross pein hammerhead, it can get the job done and that too with high accuracy.
Some users might prefer a flat face. This doesn’t have one. For this, you can use a surface grinder to smoothen its face. The edgy hammer face comes with a concentric circle pattern.
Pro Tip
This might be a drawback at first as it can leave some marks on your workpiece. Either you can use the above-mentioned grinding technique or wait for the hammer face to wear out a bit.
Nonetheless, this 2-pounder is a gem for beginners, and it comes at a very affordable price.
Pros
Reliable and durable.
Great for forging.
Cheap.
Cons
It doesn’t come with a flat face.
The wood handle might not be sturdy enough.
- High-strength fiberglass handle core helps absorb vibrations
- Exterior poly jacket protects handle core from missed strikes
- Soft and comfortable, non-slip rubber grip
- Permanent head-to-handle epoxy bond will not loosen over time
Why do we like it?
Have had enough with these fake claims of shock absorbance? Are you worried about your wrist and elbow?
Well, you’re in for a treat because the TEKTON 31303 (affiliate link) comes with shatterproof fiberglass to keep you safe. The low-frequency vibrations die out or are converted into high-frequency ones.
And the exciting part, even if you miss a strike, the poly jacket surrounding the handle core will act as a damping agent and absorb most of the harmful vibrations. It is one of the most flexible blacksmith hammer types.
Great Handle
The additional rubber grip provides a firm non-slip surface to hold it. Why is it so important? When you are working in the scorching temperatures of a forge, hammering continuously, palm-sweating can lessen the grip, which can result in a severe injury.
The hammerhead is pretty solid and can draw metal quickly. The 3lb weight helps in delivering powerful, focused strikes. Great for newbies as its easier to control lightweight hammers.
The handle is fairly long, with a length of 15 inches. This two-piece construction is fastened with a robust head-to-handle epoxy bond.
We’ve previously seen the flaws with wooden handle as they are prone to breakage and rotting. Here, the manufacturers claim the handle to be unbreakable. No matter how viciously you’re abusing it, the TEKTON 31303 will hold.
Variable Style
Lastly, the hammer style can be cross pein, sledge, or drilling. And all this for a very economical price.
So, if you want a standard mini-sledge and don’t want to bring out the massive 6-pounder for minor jobs, this one is a perfect match.
Additional Information
It is a “made in China” product, and the company is earnest about quality. Later models had some issues with hammerheads falling off, but they went above and beyond with this one.
It won’t be wrong to say that it’s a value-for-money product—a perfect fit for blacksmithing, knife making, and drawing.
Pros
Balanced and tough.
Good shock-absorbance.
Cons
Horizontally ribbed rubber grip.
The thin handle might not be suitable for repetitive use.
- Convenient: The ABN Cross Pein Hammer 3 lbs can be used for heavy duty metal fabrication, stone and masonry work, and demolition jobs
- Shock-Absorbing Fiberglass Handle: Includes a handle that reduces vibration and shock transfer
- Mechanic’s-Style: Oversized handle for sure grip
- Comfortable Grip: Textured, molded rubber cushion grip that is oil-resistant
- Durable: Carbon steel forged steel head for strength and longevity
Why do we like it?
Here we have another hammer with a fiberglass handle. This one is a 3lb Cross Pein Hammer by ABN (affiliate link). Apart from an eye-catching design, the fiberglass hammer offers proper protection against lethal vibrations and provides a firm grip. This blacksmith hammer handle makes it appear like a vintage hammer.
Who Should Get This?
If you don’t like working with a thin handle, this one comes with a reasonably thick one and helps in maintaining a tight grip. Also, the manufacturer provides a cushioned handle grip to keep your hands safe from blisters.
Plus, the hammer is oil-resistant. The powerful steel hammerhead can draw even the most stubborn steel. Although it is not recommended to use this hammer for heavy-duty jobs but for medium sizes or small forgings, it works like wonder.
To crown it all, the hammer comes at a very reasonable price. It has become the favorite choice for blacksmiths, knife makers, and even for people involved in heavy-duty fabrication, masonry work, and demolition.
Working Handle
The steel hammerhead is attached to a 14” inch, not too long, but is enough for daily use. Both the handle and the hammerhead are firmly joined to avoid any mishaps during extended hammering sessions.
The rubber grip is textured with air vents to keep the hand sweat-free. The shock-absorbance is great compared to other models. If you work continuously, this might be your best option.
Additional Information
As mentioned earlier, the steel forged hammerhead is CRAZY hard, making it very reliable and strong. Despite offering a sturdy build, this US-based manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty.
The cross pein styled head is perfect for blacksmiths. From drawing out metal for trinkets to working with blades, this cheap & durable hammer can handle anything.
And yes, you don’t have to worry about its availability as the Midwestern company based out of South Dakota sells over 50,000 products each month. It can easily be bought online or from your local hardware store.
Pros
Extremely affordable and multi-purpose.
Good shock absorbance with a comfortable grip.
Cons
Not suitable for massive metal stocks.
The handle is quite short.
- Package Dimensions: 9 L x 0.38 H x 6 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 1 pounds
- Country of Origin : China
- Proven and Tested for durabilty and function in real world conditions
Why do we like it?
The French Pattern Hammer (affiliate link) is not a fan favorite when it comes to blacksmithing, but it is indeed a work of art. With its aesthetic build, the Picard 0001601-0800 features a square face and cross pein. It simulates the quality of an ancient colonial blacksmith hammer or vintage blacksmith hammer.
If we go back in time, these French hammers were designed to access the congested areas of a box lock. And this is the reason why these hammers were previously known as French locksmiths.
Ashwood Handle
Coming back to the product, this comes with an Ashwood handle that provides excellent shock absorbance and grip. Like all other wood handles, this one is also prone to breakage.
Picard 0001601-0800 comes with a two-piece construction where the wooden handle is attached to a French patterned 1.764 lb. hammerhead. It is quite handy due to its lightweight but can only be used for small applications.
Unique Construction
The hammer face is quite close to the handle compared to its competitors and is only suitable for light work. If you work with large metal blocks, this might not be the go-to hammer.
Despite all the differences from a conventional hammer, hammer style preference is a personal choice.
Even if this hammer is not widely used by traditional blacksmiths, there might be some people out there who won’t settle for anything less. Whatever you choose, you should be able to swing it properly.
Fun Fact
French Pattern hammers like Picard 0001601-0800 were made for riveting in the construction of Eiffel Tower. They were not initially designed for forging.
As for the cost, it comes at an above-average price and is widely sold in the US. The hammer dimensions are 19.7 x 2 x 5.9 inches.
Let’s see some of the pros and cons to decide better if it’s your thing or not.
Pros
Unique pein design.
Useful for small applications that require precision.
Cons
Unbalanced pein portion.
Expensive compared to other German cross peins.
- Hardened face and cross peen
- Hickory handle
- Item Package Dimension: 8.0" L x 8.0" W x 20.0" H
- Item Package Weight: 26.0 lb
- Made In Germany
Why do we like it?
Another masterpiece by Picard that has a massive 3.307 lb. hammerhead on top of an appealing Ashwood Handles. And yes, the handle is moderately long with an above-average thickness.
This Swedish patterned hammerhead comes with a flat surface on one side and a cross pein on the other. The Picard Hammer Swedish Pattern (affiliate link) is quite aesthetic with a robust build. As mentioned earlier, the Ashwood handle provides good shock absorbance and is far better than fiberglass or steel handles in terms of recoil control.
Heavy-Duty
The heavier weight facilitates in drawing out metal quickly. But remember, if you can’t control a 3.307-pound hammerhead, the hammer itself won’t be of any help. If you’re a beginner, it might be possible that you don’t have the skills to wield this hammer.
The hammerhead is made of cast steel with differential hardening and can withstand heavy usage. And the flat striking face is perfect for focused blows.
Although the hammer is very well-made, the hammerhead isn’t refined much. The edges are sharp enough to leave marks on your workpiece. They can be rounded and smoothened out using a surface grinder.
The handle is polished with a satiny finish and can be a problem for some users. A couple of rounds with the sander and you’re good to go. You’ll see a significant improvement in grip and overall control.
Sturdy Construction
Swedish hammers tend to have a forward weight, as the center of gravity is a bit tilted towards the hammerhead. But overall, the hammer is precisely balanced and makes swinging much more enjoyable.
Similar to other wood handle hammers, it comes with two-piece construction. The head is tightly packed with the Ashwood handle to keep it from loosening over time.
The cross pein is comparably narrower and helps in creating deep and fullering cuts in the hot metal stock. And also, the peening process is much more comfortable with this one.
Pro Tip
If you want something that can quickly spread out or flatten the stock as soon it comes out of the forge, this beginner’s hammer is an excellent choice. Further, the handle is of 15” and is comfortable enough of extended work sessions.
The only major drawback is its price. It is costly and not widely used by blacksmiths. Nevertheless, the specifications make it an excellent choice for forging, peening, and drawing.
Pros
Swedish Pattern hammerhead.
Narrow pein for fullering cuts.
Cons
Sharp edges on the hammerhead.
A slippery finish on the handle.
- Comfortable, textured handles for handling ease
- (1) 16 oz. Ball Pein Hammer (63316), (1) 32 oz. Ball Pein Hammer (63024)
- (1) 32 oz. Rubber Mallet (63232)
- (1) 3 lb. Sledge Hammer (63000)
- (1) 3 lb. Cross Pein Hammer (63004)
Why do we like it?
Are you looking out for an affordable sledgehammer? Or a cross pein? Or a lightweight ball pein hammer? This affordable five-piece hammer set has everything to help you out.
The Titan 63125 Hammer Set (affiliate link) contains:
- 16 oz. Ball Pein Hammer
- 32 oz. Ball Pein Hammer
- 32 oz. Rubber Mallet
- 3 lb. Sledgehammer
- 3 lb. Cross Pein Hammer
From intensive forging to smoothening, these durable hammers from Titan are a gem. All of them have a comfortable textured handle to provide a firm grip and protection against harmful vibrations. The additional rubber grip keeps the hammer from flying off your hands.
Portable Construction
You never know when a small-sized or even a heavy 3-pounder is required. Titan provides a solution for that.
You won’t have to wait for a professional to get things done. Bring out your hammers set and VOILA!
If we specifically talk about blacksmithing, the 3 lb. sledge and cross pein hammers can hit the workpiece really hard. So, if you’re a professional blacksmith, this hammer set can be of good use.
Pro Tip
But keep in mind, the hammer composition might not hold against incredibly high temperatures during extended sessions. But still, they are handy and effective for blacksmithing.
As for the handle lengths, the 16 oz. Ball pein hammer comes with a 10” handle, 16 oz. Ball pein one with a 12”, 11” for the rubber mallet hammer, and lastly, 14” for the 3lb ones.
Additional Information
The handle and the hammerhead are held together by some type of epoxy. And guess what, if the hammerhead break or comes off from the handle, the lifetime warranty by Titan got you all covered up.
Here are some of the pros and cons to help you in deciding if it is a good match or not.
Pros
Extremely affordable.
It can be used for heavy-hitting.
Cons
Some users have reported the head coming off after prolonged usage.
The machined head doesn’t provide much space for striking.
The research
How heavy should be your hammer?
What is the ideal handle length?
Which hammer should you use if you’re a novice?
Is there an all-rounder that you can opt for?
Which is the best hammer for forging knives?
Can I make a blacksmith power hammer?
Can blacksmiths use a foot-powered blacksmith hammer?
What is a blacksmith hammer made out of?
Why does a blacksmith hammer a metal as it cools?
Who should get this?
Hammer is a very versatile tool that is useful for everyday projects in various crafts. Although the name “blacksmith hammer” makes it appear like the tool is for blacksmiths alone, it is not entirely true. There are different types of hammers in this category, and they are all versatile in their use.
Professional blacksmiths that work part-time or full-time should buy a good blacksmith hammer because it is an essential tool in any forging process. In fact, many forging processes’ success is mainly dependent on the hammering stage of the process.
Beginners, apprentices, and upcoming blacksmiths should also get a blacksmith hammer to accelerate their blacksmithing skills. It will even afford them the luxury of self-practice rather than waiting to use their master’s tool. Consistent use of a good hammer will help you on how to properly hammer as a blacksmith.
Also, construction carpenters and rough carpenters should get a blacksmith hammer. This tool will help them with various building and carpentry processes like building irregular wooden structures, repairing and erecting structures, and other similar tasks.
Tile and marble setters and carpet installers should also get a blacksmith hammer o help them with their heavy-duty tasks. It can help them with various processes, like installing padding and trimming flooring materials.
Engineers, electricians, and other similar crafts should get a blacksmith hammer to help them breeze past their regular tasks. Likewise, other artisans and skills such as plumbers, pipe layers, road workers, etc., can also get a blacksmith hammer for their various regular tasks.
Finally, a blacksmith hammer is a valuable tool for homeowners, gardeners, and other DIY enthusiasts. Aside from the fact that it provides enough power for regular hammering work, it also makes the processes easier.
How We Picked The Best Blacksmith Hammer
As mentioned earlier, hammers are categorized depending upon the type, style, and handle. With all these options, it gets overwhelming to choose the right one.
What choices do you have? Should you consider the handle length? Or the weight?
Hammer Types
This buyer’s guide will answer all your queries.
The hammerheads come in different types, and each one has its pros and cons. You’ll come across cross pein, rounding, sledge, ball pein, and countless others.
So, which of these are suitable for blacksmithing?
Let’s talk about a couple of widely used hammer types for metalwork.
Cross Pein
The pein on this hammer is perpendicular to the handle—it is horizontal with respect to the handle. As of this moment, thousands of blacksmiths are using this hammer type.
It is the most commonly used hammer for drawing out steel, especially if you want to expand the width.
Ball Pein
As obvious from the name, it has two ends—one is flat, and the other is round (pein). It may not be used for forging, but it is an excellent tool for rounding off edges of your workpiece.
Sledge hammer
Got a mammoth-sized metal stock that needs to be drawn out? Sledgehammers come with a weighty hammerhead with a flat surface on either side.
The handle is quite long compared to other hammers. But remember, sledgehammers are a big NO if your metal craft requires precision.
Hammer Weight
According to anvilfire, the anvil to hammer weight ratio should be 50:1. Most of the hammers on this list weighted 3lb. If you have a huge anvil, you can choose any hammer size that suits you.
A massive 5lb sledgehammer on your first day is quite dangerous. Start with something small, something you can control with ease. Despite all the technicalities of the hammer itself, it comes down to you.
If you are comfortable, you’re not straining your back or arm, and successful in creating a rhythmic hammering pattern, you don’t need to worry about the rest.
Hammer Handles
This one is a bit tricky. Upon visiting your local blacksmith supply store, you’ll come across some hammers with a hickory handle, some of them will be of steel, and lastly, fiberglass ones.
The question is, which one is right for you?
Steel Handles
Steel handles are nasty at shock absorbance. They are indeed strong and durable as most of the hammers with such handles come with one-piece construction.
Manufactures do put an extra thick layer of rubber to help against low-frequency vibrations, but if you work continuously, these might not the best option.
Wood Handles (Hickory)
On the other hand, wood handles are the most common ones out there. They are reasonably robust, but still, wood is wood. It is prone to breakage and may even rot or warp over time.
Nonetheless, they are used by the majority of the traditional blacksmiths, are fairly good at shock absorbance (much less recoil than steel handles), and they’re cheap.
If you’re a beginner, a hammer with a wooden handle will be a great investment.
Fiberglass Handles
Next comes the shatterproof fiberglass handles. They lie somewhere between the wood and steel handles. As for durability, they are well built and can last a lot longer than their wooden counterpart.
The majority of hammers with fiberglass come with two-piece construction. But here’s the catch, replacing fiberglass is much more complicated than a wooden one.
Wood handles are a thing of the past, and this is the reason why people have started using fiberglass handles.
They are relatively good at absorbing harmful vibration, and the added layer of rubber grip enhances the damping process.
Hammerhead construction
The majority of the hammers come with a steel hammerhead that is hardened. They are well built and can take hours of pounding. But, 30% of the energy is lost in recoil.
Some of the heads come with sharp edges that can leave ugly marks on your workpiece. To overcome this, you can pass it through a grinder or maybe just use a sandpaper to smoothen the sides.
Lastly, we have titanium heads. They are not widely used as no blacksmith wants to spend $200 on a hammer. Seems ridiculous, right?
But people still prefer using these over typical steel heads. Only 3% of energy is lost due to recoil, and they’re very lightweight.
Titanium hammers do come in one piece construction where the handle is also of the same material. If money is not a problem, you can try it out.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Many people make the mistake of thinking that a blacksmith’s hammer does not require any care and maintenance since it is a power tool. This assumption is not correct, and it might cost you a lot in the long run. Blacksmith hammers require proper care and maintenance, just like every other tool.
The good news is that the care and maintenance process is more comfortable than most other tools and won’t cost you much. Below are some easy but useful tips that can help you to ensure proper care and maintenance of your hammer.
- Only store your hammer in a clean and dry environment, and you can use neat protective end caps on hammers when it is not in use.
- Brush off any dirt from the surface and the body of the hammer before use
- Ensure that the handle of the hammer is firmly attached to the head of the hammer
- Ensure that you follow weight and viscosity guidelines and other information recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use the manufacturer-recommended grease to lubricate any frictional part (particularly the point of attachment between the handle and the head) to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Keep hammers away from water, moisture, humidity, and any other factor that can cause the rusting of your hammer.
- Stop pressing the hammer too hard on the surface you are working on; just apply force and let the tool do its job.
- Get rid of rust on the metallic part of the hammer as soon as you discover them. Prevent wooden handles of a hammer from getting wet.
How heavy should be your hammer?
There is no clear-cut answer but using a 3lb to 4lb hammer should be appropriate. Remember, if you cannot control the weight, STOP!
Go for something lighter and get your swinging techniques polished before moving on to something heavier.
Sledgehammers are bulky compared to basic cross pein blacksmith hammers. But they can quickly spread out the metal stock.
What is the ideal handle length?
All the hammers on this list have at least a 14” handle attached to the head. It may not be enough for people with bigger hands but works for the majority.
But still, using a 15” or 16” is much more comfortable and helps against harmful vibration.
Which hammer should you use if you’re a novice?
A cross pein with a wood handle is excellent for starters. As for the weight, choose whatever you’re comfortable with.
You can refine your technique, get better and faster at drawing metal, and eventually go for an upgrade. Maybe fiberglass or even a titanium one!
Is there an all-rounder that you can opt for?
NO! Throughout your blacksmithing career, you’ll forge various tools. Some of them will be as large as the anvil itself, and others might just be fragile like trinkets.
Hammer is the most crucial element of forging. The weight, type, and the handle length should be in accordance with the project you’re working on.
Which is the best hammer for forging knives?
Forging knives is one of the fundamental processes in blacksmithing. The best hammer for forging knives is any quality hammers of moderate size. The best hammer should be of a suitable size for the type of knife that you are working on.
Can I make a blacksmith power hammer?
Blacksmiths are known to make most of their hand tools and there are several types of handmade blacksmith hammer. So, yes, there are several guides on how to make a blacksmith power hammer. If you have the right skills and tools, you can easily manufacture a blacksmith power hammer.
Can blacksmiths use a foot-powered blacksmith hammer?
Yes, blacksmiths use various types of hammers for their processes, including foot-powered blacksmith hammer. It is similar to automatic blacksmith hammer and hydraulic blacksmith hammer. You can learn how to make foot-powered blacksmith hammers and how to use them as well.
What is a blacksmith hammer made out of?
Several materials are suitable for the manufacture of hammers. The head of blacksmith hammers is often made from high-carbon steel and other metals. The handle can also be made from metals or wood.
Why does a blacksmith hammer a metal as it cools?
Hammering is an essential procedure in blacksmithing, and blacksmiths hammer metals as they cool for many reasons. First off, blacksmiths hammer metals to give them precise shape and form. Also, blacksmiths hammer metals during hardening and tempering.
Conclusion
The importance of a good hammer cannot be put aside. To achieve a masterpiece like the Eiffel tower, a specialized French patterned hammer had to be made.
The same goes for every blacksmith. If you want your crafts to be precise, detailed, and appealing, you must have the right tools.
There is no best of all hammer out there. It is YOU who decides what works best. If you feel the hammer is balanced, can be swung easily, and matches with your personality, go for it!
And yes, you can buy used hammers, but god knows how viciously they might be used. Keep a close eye on the hammerhead as many used hammers come with a cracked one.
