I hand forge a single face, Japanese style hammer - some call this a cutler or dog ear hammer. The eye is placed close to one end. This creates a dropping effect when swung making this type of hammer easy on the arm. I also offer my own version of a rounding hammer. On this rounding style, I have some machining done on the fullered areas prior to forging. I make my hammers from 1050 medium carbon steel and each style hammer weighs approximately 2 pounds. 

​Medium carbon steel makes for hammers that are not excessively hard which is my preference. For handles, I use a variety of southeast Asian ironwood and I shape the handles to be ergonomic. The weather here in Taiwan is extremely humid and so handles may lose moisture after being shipped to less humid locations, however, I have had very good success with my latest handling technique using oil resistant rubber spacers and a wooden wedge. I feel my hammers are top quality and that hand forging improves the form and function of hammers. 

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email: gstongs@gmail.com
2021