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You'll never regret investing in good quality tools. Purchasing poorly made
tools will always make you work harder and lead to regret. Jeff Herman
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I've been working in silver since 1976. But it was only recently that I started wondering why the majority of metalsmiths were using such heavy hammers to smooth their work marks. So I thought why not develop a beautiful, lightweight hammer that can be used for hours on end, like the one I've been using for decades. This is the perfect addition to any hammer rack as well as an ideal gift for the budding, graduating, and professional metalsmith. Take a look...

Planisher Specs.
•  Head material: 1045 steel •  Head weight: <4 oz. (<113 g) •  Head length: 3.250" (83 mm) •  Face diameters: 1" (25 mm) •  Finish: mirror •  Handle material: osage orange •  Handle length (not including head): 10.25" (26 cm) •  Entire hammer weight (approx.): 5.4 oz. (152 g) •  Price: $240 (15% discount to SAS members.)

Purchase the Planisher here

Proper Planishing Stance 1. Make sure your forearm is parallel with the floor and position the object to that approximate height; 2. Hold the hammer lightly at the end of the handle (don't "choke up"); 3. Relax your upper body; 4. Don't raise your shoulder; 5. With the hammer in your hand, flex your wrist only, not your entire forearm; 6. Allow the hammer head to bounce off the object. Purchase the Planisher here

With the osage orange handle shaped to my specifications, coupled with the lightweight head, this perfectly balanced hammer is a joy to use. The Planisher creates a light bounce with minimal wear and tear on your joints and effortless hammering. Purchase the Planisher here

Testimonials • I am slowly putting my new Herman Planisher through its paces. Two simple tasks so far. First was to stretch some too tight bezels. I used the slightly domed face and the metal spread like buttah!! Jeff Herman, no dings, just a smooth stretch. The next task was to forge out some 14 ga Continuum sterling wire to use around a bezel. I used the flat face and amazingly I could not purposely screw it up. The balance was so sweet I was barely holding it – just guiding the hammer strikes. Saign Charlestein had taught me some good hammer skills and they were easy to use here. Can't wait to shape some sheet! That will be next. Loved the rhythmic action the supple handle gives me. Woo hoo! Ruthie Cohen • Last week on my birthday, I became the proud owner of a Herman Planisher. I don't really need this tool and I can't imagine that my planishing will improve, but at this stage of life, I like having tools that work well and are nice to look at and because I deserve. This handsome hammer, made by Saign Charlestein, is an exceptionally well made and well balanced lightweight hammer that will undoubtedly bring hours of planishing fun. Tom Muir Purchase the Planisher here

Jeffrey Herman, ASAS, FIPG
PO Box 786
West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893 USA
401/461-6840 • jeff@hermansilver.com • hermansilver.com

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