There are many types of metal hammers used in making a metal sculpture, such as “shime-zuchi,” “narashi-zuchi,” “Imo-zuchi,” and “fuku-zuchi.”
“Shime-zuchi” is mainly used in the process of “shibori,” which is the molding stage, by beating the plain metal plate.
“Narashi-zuchi” is used in the following process. By hammering on the surface of the sculpture, “narashi-zuchi” adjusts the thickness and levels the surface to remove the hammer marks.
“Imo-zuchi” is used when precision is required for narrow and detailed parts of the work. It is a T-shaped hammer with a spherical hammerhead.
“Fuku-zuchi,” also called “otafuku,” is used to level the surface as well as for metal-carving.
