• Cross, straight, and diagonal peen hammers
• 0.8kg (1.75lb) - 1.3kg (2.85lb)
  
  

THE PERFECT FORGING HAMMER

It's one of those things that would make life much simpler if it existed! The reality is that no one size or shape will suit all needs. The face and the peen both have a role to play in moving the metal, while the weight needs to suit both the job at hand and your strength. Hammers in the weight range of 0.75kg (about 1.75lb) to 1.75kg (about 3.75lb) will suit most needs. A large proportion of work is done with the face of the hammer, so you can certainly get started with the readily-available ball peen style.

As the scope of your projects widens, you will find the need to add to your collection. The most versatile forging hammer has a rectangular rather than round peen. The peen itself has an elliptical face and rounded edges. This shape allows you to control the movement of the metal sideways or longways as desired. Much easier and faster for thinning and drawing out, it is also used for texturing, feathering edges and so on. Probably the most widely-used is the cross peen, with the peen angled at 90 degrees to the hammer handle. Some smiths favour the straight peen in line with the handle, or the diagonal peen which is angled at 45 degrees to the handle. The advantage of this latter style is that you can hammer straight with the peen without turning your hand.

No matter what hammer you are using, it is important to realize that it is you doing the work, and the hammer is merely a tool. Remember to work on your hammering technique and exercises to prepare and strengthen your muscles.