One of the rare Sanjo workshops that produces both chisels and the hammers used to drive them — a complete understanding of the entire striking system gives Gihei's tools a reputational advantage. Their genno hammer heads are forged with a differential hardness: the striking face is fully hard, the body soft, absorbing shock that would otherwise be transmitted to the craftsman's arm over a full day of work.
Workshop Mark / Mei (銘)Mei stamp — Gihei HamonoWorkshop Profile
FoundedMeiji Era
FounderGihei Family
Current Gen.Current (4th Generation)
LocationSanjo City, Niigata Prefecture
StatusActive
Int'l Shipping✓ Available
Specialties
Chisels (Nomi)Genno (Hammers)
Notable Works
Gihei genno hammer set
Gihei Aogami #2 oire nomi
Steel Preferences
This workshop's tools are traditionally forged from these steels.