The Huang Embossing hammer is an embossing hammer created with master metalsmith David Huang to create bold, dramatic forms on hollowware vessels.
 
David uses the term "hammer chasing" to describe how he uses these hammers. With hammer chasing, the vessel is filled with pitch or microcrystaline wax (as David prefers) and you can fairly quickly alter the overall form of the vessel in dramatic ways that would take much longer with chasing tools. 
 
In particular David finds he likes using these to create ridges and troughs that make a few contour lines around the piece. The series he's titled Lustrous Contours are all vessels where he's employed hammer chasing as the sole approach to embellishing the initial vessel form. On his Luminious relic series he often uses this technique to rough out the dramatic shapes before refining and embellishing them with chasing tools.
 
David's available Artwork can be seen HERE
 
This petit hammer is forged and hardend from 1045. It has a 5oz head and is just over 2-3/4" long for maximum control. Each hammer has 2  slightly canted and highly polished faces that are 3/4" wide x 3/8" and 1/4" tall respectively.
 
There are two versions of the Huang Embossing hammer. One has a rounded face for creating concave shapes or "troughs and valleys", while the other has a flatter face to create a smoother surface on convex surface or flat planes and ridges.
 
Each hammer is fitted with my signature osage orange handle. David wanted a handle that was comfortable to use in two different positions: From a lower grip to maximize power and efficiency, and from a choked up position to maximize control for the finishing touches. What we came up with, was a slimmed down version of the handle on his raising hammer. Measuring in at just under 11" this handle has a distinct oblong profile to prevent twisting in the hand, and with an extended bulge to create a mix of ergonomics,  fine control and power transfer that really make this hammer a joy to use.
 
"Hammer chasing has been a dynamic technique for me in transforming the look and feel of my chased vessels. If you do, or are interested in doing similar work I hope you get these hammers and find them as wonderful to use as I do!"  David Huang
 
You can see David demonstrating how he uses the hammers HERE
 
Hammers could take up to 2 weeks to ship, usually sooner. If you are in a hurry, please contact Saign directly to check availability
 
All measurements are approximate