Genno versus Dharuma

[thumbsucker]

Basic question what difference is there between a Genno & Daruma.

The genno look lighter and tend to come in square or hexagonal cross section were the daruma I see are round in cross section. Are they used for different things and if so how?

I ask because I would like to buy a few nice hammers. I have really come to enjoy and see the value of a hammer and chisel.

[Des.K.]

The daruma is a daruma gennō. The daruma prefix merely describes its shape, and the term comes from the the little round daruma dolls. A google search will show you the shape of these dolls, and why the name is used for these gennō. The other gennō shapes are also described in this way (square, round, octagonal, and so on). Because of their broader, rounder shape, the daruma gennō essentially give a greater striking area. All gennō come in a range of weights for a range of purposes, so as with all the other kinds, there are lighter and heavier daruma gennō.

I'm not sure whether there are specific uses for the daruma as opposed to the normal gennō - I think it's probably personal preference more than anything. I have both kinds, but I tend to use my normal gennō much more than the daruma.

Hope this helps a bit. Ultimately, the one to choose is the one that feels best and most balanced in your hand when using it, either for nails or chisels.

Des

[thumbsucker]

Thanks Des. Simple enough.