While every hammer ever made has at least two things in common (long handle to generate head speed, and a flat, solid head to impact a target), there are differences among the the various types of hammers that make them particularly useful for a given task.

In this case, the form of the hammer is designed to best modify and adjust stone (and brick and block).  The head of the hammer is a simple, blunt instrument, usually in the shape of a square.  But the business end of this hammer isn’t the head.  It’s the tail.  In place of a claw or other nail-removing tool, the end resembles something more like a pick or mattock, and it’s function is to chip away at hard materials like stone and cast concrete block.

When using a stone hammer it’s important to wear eye protection because the natural direction of a hammer blow on stone or brick seems to send little bits flying right at the hammer user’s face.

And the hammer will perform better, removing more material per swing, if it’s kept sharp.  We like to put ours under a grinding wheel once or twice a season.