Fretz Chasing Hammers Set of 5

Build a complete chasing hammer collection with the Fretz Chasing Hammers Set of 5 — five essential hammers selected to cover the full range of chasing and repoussé work. Each hammer in this set features a cast 420 stainless steel head hardened to 50Rc on the Rockwell scale and a hand-finished, pistol-grip handle crafted from African Padauk (a type of Rosewood). Together, these five hammers represent the core of the Fretz chasing line, offering professional metalsmiths and jewelry artists a versatile, well-balanced toolkit.

Unlike other Fretz hammers, chasing hammers are designed to strike a tool rather than contact metal directly. As a result, the polished face may become marred during normal use — this is expected and does not affect performance. Bill Fretz notes that a properly hardened chasing tool will show mushrooming on its striking end during normal use. Because all Fretz hammers are hand-finished, slight variations in head diameter may occur between individual hammers.

Eye protection is required when using any hammer.

Features

• 420 Stainless Steel Heads — Cast and hardened to 50Rc on the Rockwell scale; highly polished and available in profiles suited to a wide range of metalsmithing techniques
• African Padauk (Rosewood) Handles — Pistol-grip design with a smooth, perfectly balanced feel; typically dark brown, though lighter shades may occur when recycled Asian Padauk is sourced
• Designed for Tool Striking — The only hammers in the Fretz collection intended for use against a chasing tool, not directly on metal
• Hand-Finished Construction — Each hammer is individually finished; minor variations in head diameter are inherent to the process
• Five-Hammer Set — Includes the HMR-417 Precisionsmith, HMR-17 Original, HMR-20M Classic-Medium, HMR-20 Classic-Heavy, and HMR-19 Janus

Specifications

What's Included

Notes

• Marring on the hammer face during normal chasing use is expected and does not impair function
• Mushrooming on the striking end of a chasing tool is a sign of proper tool hardening and normal use
• Handle color may vary from dark brown to lighter tones depending on Padauk sourcing
• Hand-finishing means no two hammers are exactly alike; slight head diameter variations may occur
• Eye protection must be worn when using any hammer