向むこう鎚づち

noun

smith's assistant; striker

Traditional term for the assistant who strikes the metal with a large hammer in response to the master smith's lead. Used in the context of Japanese swordsmithing or metalworking.

• 刀かたな鍛冶かじの作さ業ぎょうでは、向むこう鎚づちが親おや方かたの合あい図ずに合あわせて大おお槌づちを振ふるう。

  In swordsmithing, the striker swings a large hammer in time with the master's signals.

noun

large hammer (used by a striker)

The heavy hammer wielded by the assistant smith. Often used in the phrase 向こう鎚を振るう.

• 向むこう鎚づちは、一人ひとりで振ふるうには重おもすぎる。

  The large hammer is too heavy to swing alone.