This is the Fretz Sharp Texturing/Raising Hammer No. 12, with a handle length of 225mm (8-7/8") and a hammer head length of 72mm (2-7/8") The hardened stainless steel heads are polished to perfection, and the rosewood handles have a special finish that feels downright sensual. No kidding, the rosewood handles and finished so well that they just plain feel good in you hand. The balance is perfect, and the polished stainless steel surface is exceptional.
What is a raising hammer? Raising is the compression of metal down to the stake without stretching it. The trick is to angle the metal off the stake so that there is an air gap for the compression.
The Texturing Hammer No. 12 is primarily for rings and other metal surfaces when very detailed hammered textures are needed. It can also be used to make extreme tight curves when raising portions of jewelry.
Learn More About Fretz Hammers
Fretz Jewelers Hammers are the original hammers made by Fretz and still by far the most popular hammer in the growing line of Fretz hammers. While Fretz Precisionsmith hammers are smaller than these Jewelers hammers and Fretz Silversmithing hammers are larger many people will tell you that
Fretz Jewelers hammers are “just right”.
The Handles
Made from African Padauk, a type of Rosewood, the Fretz handle has a marvelous feel, smooth and perfectly balanced. Each weight of hammer has an appropriate sized handle, the heavier the head, the heavier the handle.
Handles are usually a dark brown color although some will have a lighter color as Fretz will occasionally source a lighter shaded recycled Asian Padauk. No matter what the shade is, you won’t find a better handle on any hammer made today.
The Heads
Fretz casts the hammer heads in 420 stainless steel and then hardens them to 50Rc. They are highly polished and available in a variety of shapes and profiles for every metalsmithing technique.
Aspect |
Specification |
Brand |
Fretz |
Face Shape |
Flat/Sharp |
Face Sizes |
19mm x 3mm & 19mm x 1.5mm |
Handle Length |
225mm (8-7/8") |
Head Length |
72mm |
Head Type |
Raising |
Head Weight |
3.1 oz. (88g) |
Country of Origin |
Vietnam |