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The traditional manufacturer SHW Schmiedetechnik is based in the Black Forest and produces high-quality tools here, including the peening set presented here. This consists of one Dengelhammer as well as a pestle anvil. The Dengelhammer has two tiller, the hammer path of which is three centimeters wide. Despite its weight of 600 grams, the tool with the short ash handle sits comfortably in the hand. A flat pestle anvil is supplied, which is made of steel and weighs 500 grams. With this set you can shape, harden and sharpen scythe blades.

If you already have a pestle anvil and only want to purchase a pestle hammer, you can of course also purchase the model described above separately. The manufacturer, the renowned SHW Schmiedetechnik from the Black Forest, looks back on a centuries-old Tradition of tool making in the German region returned and exported their products to all World. Thanks to modern manufacturing methods and the use of high-quality special steel, this peening hammer is ideal for shaping, hardening and sharpening everything

Scythes.

Picard is a traditional manufacturer based in Wuppertal that has been producing hand tools since 1857. With this double-sided peening hammer you acquire a high quality product, which with its short but stable handle made of hard ash wood and a head weight of 500 grams reliably does its job. In addition to the double model presented here, you can also use a simple pestle hammer (with flat head side and only one tiller) as well as matching pestle anvils (both angular and pointed) acquire. At Amazon, the majority of customers are satisfied, but complain about the somewhat poor workmanship. This requires regrinding, as fine grooves can be seen on the web.

Purchase criteria

Type

Basically there are two different types of peening hammers. The most popular model has two tiller, i. H. over two transversely pointed ends on the hammer head. A simple pestle hammer, on the other hand, has a flattened (and at best spherically ground) and a cross-pointed side. In addition, special versions such as the Carinthian Dengelhammer with two wide striking surfaces and the Bavarian Dengelhammer with two flat, round striking surfaces are available. Make sure that the ends are rounded and not pointed, otherwise you will damage the scythe blade.

Material and weight

Traditionally, the hammer head is made of high-quality steel, which should be forged and not cast if possible. Only steel is robust and heavy enough to be knocked out, in which the scythe blade is finally flattened and thus sharpened. A good pestle hammer weighs at least 500 grams so that you can use the weight as a punch. It shouldn't be much heavier, however, as otherwise they can only hold and guide it with great effort. Good models therefore weigh between 500 and 600 grams, with only the head weight being given - you have to add the weight of the handle.

processing

To ensure that the scythe blade is also sharpened and not damaged, the hammer head must be made well. This should not have any nicks, depressions or grooves, as you will find them on the Scythe and their sharpness and functionality ultimately suffer. In addition, the material should be heavy and robust so that it does not break during use. For this reason, forged peening hammers are to be given preference, as these usually have a higher quality workmanship than cast (and therefore less robust) models.

Stem and overall length

The very short handle, which should only be up to 25 centimeters long, is typical of peening hammers. A handle that is too long is also counterproductive as the length makes it difficult for you to pound. Make sure that the handle is made of a hard wood such as ash or beech, as this is more robust and durable than softwood. Hammer and handle must have the so-called eye be firmly connected to each other, the tool head must not "wobble" or sit loosely in any way.

frequently asked Questions

What is dengeling?

"Dengeln" means an old one Craft technology, in which you place the scythe blade on a special peening anvil and finally hit the cutting surface with a peening hammer. This is flattened by beating and thus both hardened and sharpened. Dengeling has almost been forgotten these days, which is why suitable tools are not always available.

How often do you have to fish?

In short: whenever it is necessary. Depending on the frequency and length of use of the Scythe, vary once every few days to every few weeks. Notice that the scythe blade no longer cuts properly and that you have to use more force (resp. the Clippings literally "chop off"), then it is high time to sharpen.

How do you properly care for the peening tool and the scythe?

It is important to only hammer clean and dry scythe blades, otherwise you can damage the material. In general, both the scythe and the pestle tool should be cleaned and dried after use so that no rust forms. Safe storage in a dry place must also be ensured: after all, children, for example, should not be able to reach a (possibly freshly sharpened) scythe.

Can I sharpen a scythe in other ways?

You don't necessarily have to knead the scythe blade to sharpen it, there are other methods as well. For example, it is common to use a whetstone, which is also known as a whetstone or whetstone. The so-called Schlagdengler works according to the same principle as the Dengelhammer, albeit a little simpler. If, on the other hand, you are “more modern”, you can also use the Flex.

Which manufacturers offer high-quality peening hammers?

Dengel hammer and anvil are only available from a few manufacturers, with traditional workshops mostly still producing these well-tried tools. These include, for example, forges such as SHW or Picard. Be careful not to buy cheap goods from the Far East, as these do not reach the required quality in terms of quality and either break quickly or do not sharpen the scythe.

What does a peening hammer cost?

For a forged peening hammer of good quality you have to plan around 30 EUR, a matching peening anvil (which is indispensable) costs as much again. If you buy both as a set, you can save a few euros.