Mastering the Craft: Inside Japan's Most Famous Gennou Blacksmith Shop - Doushinsai Masatsura 道心斎 正行

In this video, we visit world famous Gennou (玄能) and Kanazuchi (金槌) blacksmith, Baba Masayuki. He is the blacksmith behind the Doushinsai Masatsura brand from Sanjo, Niigata. We have met with Mr. Baba several times in the past and finally had the opportunity to meet up to make this video.

It was exciting to see how Mr. Baba makes his world-famous hammer heads. His hammers are well balanced and beautifully crafted. It may seem strange to think that a hammer is just a hammer, however, after having used western hammers and Japanese hammers I have learned there is a difference. This difference is really something you need to investigate for yourself. When you swing a hammer to drive a nail or a komisen with an inferior hammer you will immediately tell the difference. I would say that there are a lot of pluses when using a hand forged hammer, but I also believe that western hammers also possess a lot of great qualities. Whether it is titanium handles with steel heads made by Martinez or Stiletto or your trusted Estwing or Stanley metal and wood handled hammers, it is really up to the user what is most comfortable.

A heavy hammer for chiseling is what I prefer. I personally use a 580 grams (or 150匁 (Momme)). However, since this video I have gone on to purchase a heavier Doushinsai Masatsura Gennou head that weighs 744 grams (200匁 (Momme)).

I hope other carpenters out there get the chance to buy a Doushinsai Masatsura hammer as it is a very well made and beautifully crafted tool.

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