Vintage Hand-Forged Cooper Adze Hammer

Large, unbranded hand-forged hammer we believe is a cooper’s adze though the end is not sharpened. This one-of-a-kind tool weighs in at 8 ounces with the 12 inch handle.

A cooper’s adze is a specialized woodworking tool traditionally used by coopers—craftsmen who make barrels, casks, and similar wooden containers. It features a short, curved blade set perpendicular to the handle, allowing for precise control when shaping the curved surfaces of staves (the individual wooden pieces that form a barrel). The adze is used to hollow or smooth the inner or outer surfaces of the staves, ensuring a tight fit when assembled. Known for its versatility, the cooper’s adze helps refine the wood with a balance of power and accuracy, essential for crafting durable, watertight containers.