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My hammer, a well traveled jewel.

fiferpig, member

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Jewel of a tool

This is my hammer. I bought the loose head at a garage sale about 18 or 20 years ago, only because it looked interesting. This was prior to the Stiletto uptick in market share.  It sat in my drawer for a while, until I decided to re-handle it. At the time, the only handle I could find at the hardware store was a short octagonal machinists handle, so it got that and continued to rest unloved in the drawer.  My wife was part of a group converting a church basement to a youth center, and needed an “office” hammer, so I donated the hammer to her. Out of site... 

About 8 years ago, I was building a house for another woman who was also part of the youth center leadership. She was a hands-on owner, and I suggested to her that she spray paint her hammer orange to keep track of it, ( which I would do to my Estwing when working on a muddy jobsite.)  I soon recognized the awkward handle and asked the woman if I could trade her for another hammer, “for her own good”. 

I was looking for a replacement for my Estwing, and wanted something lighter. The old Stiletto had several advantages: it’s about 18 ounces, and it has a sharper corner at the edge of the face. I was also impressed how tough it appears, as there was very little wear on the old headand the claw was still sharp, and the design is slightly reminiscent of a Japanese hammer with a longer neck, and smaller head.   I replaced the handle with a long curved framing handle, and also gave it a thorough cleanup and waxing. I’ve now been using the hammer for 8 years, and the hammer has become my favorite tool. As I suspected, the sharper corner allows me to sink a nail by hitting with the edge, and the steel is a very high grade.  The long handle gives plenty of power, and the lighter weight doesn’t wear me out. And the history adds to the luster as well, a once unloved cast off brought back to life.

Carl Magnusson

Langley, WA

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Comments (3)

39er writes: By the time I became a decent part time Frame Carpenter I was mid way through a career flying Helicopters and Jets. In those days early 80s there were a number of hammers to include the Vaughn 999, and of course Eastwing milled face 23 Oz. I was riding in a van to pick up an aircraft after repair and stumbled on a hardware store that carried Hart Hammers. Spent my lunch money on a "California Framer" and immediately tossed the others in a bin as spares. This lasted until I was framing with a guy and he mentioned a Titanium Hammer he had tried. Thought little of it till I found one and had to have it. Stilletto has been anxious to re-mill the face,replace the Tubular Aircraft Aluminum handle and give credit toward an upgrade in some cases. They are a well run company and make a sweet hammer. Wife made note of 14 framing hammers at last inventory. Can't seem to throw them away. 8 Nail guns as well. Wish I had the skills to match the tools.
Posted: 10:15 am on February 15th

dejure writes: I appreciate the story, because I have a Craftsman 5oz hammer I feel the same way about. I picked it up about thirty years ago and have never found another hammer I like as much, when doing fine work, such as around glass or detail cabinetry. I've been looking for another in all the years since I acquired the one I have, but haven't had any luck. So it remains hidden from shop visitors who might mistake it for "just a hammer."

Kelly, of Washington
Posted: 12:59 am on February 11th

ManKnit writes: Now that looks vintage, and a lot different than the new tools Stiletto was showing off at IBS this year... Thanks for sharing!
Posted: 12:15 pm on February 8th

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