What is the most durable material for a HANKO? Things to keep in mind to use it for a long time

HANKO tend to be made from sturdy materials, and can be used for a long time without much thought. However, some people may want to make a HANKO that will last a lifetime, and so will focus on the durability of the material. The more durable the material, the less likely it is to chip or break, and it is possible to use it for a lifetime. However, some materials are relatively less durable. It is important to check both highly and less durable materials and choose a HANKO with excellent durability. In this article, we will introduce "HANKO materials with excellent durability." We will also explain what you should keep in mind to make HANKO last a long time, so please use it as a reference.

4 Durable HANKO Materials

The four most durable materials for HANKO are:

  • Titanium
  • ivory
  • Buffalo horn
  • Mototsuge

We will explain each one in detail.

Titanium is the most durable

The most durable seal material is titanium. It is so hard that it cannot be engraved with a regular engraving machine, and it will not break even if it is handled roughly to a certain extent. It is recommended for those who want a HANKO that can withstand countless impressions.

Ivory is also durable enough

Although not as durable as titanium, ivory is also quite durable. Not only is it durable, it also has a white, clean appearance. It is perfect for those who value durability while also being particular about appearance.

Water buffaloes are known for their durability and strength

Cow horns, such as those from black buffalo, Dutch buffalo, and white Dutch buffalo, are also durable and strong. Although the fibers are intertwined and it is somewhat difficult to carve them into the seal material, the finished HANKO is durable and strong. It is an expensive material, but it also has a luxurious feel to it.

Genuine boxwood is a sturdy wood

Genuine boxwood is known as a sturdy wood material. It is recommended for those who want a durable wooden HANKO. However, since it is wood, the seal surface may chip if used roughly. Although it is sturdy, it needs to be used carefully.

What HANKO materials are least durable?

While there are many highly durable seal materials, there are also some that are fragile, as described below.

  • Stone
  • acrylic

We will explain each one in detail.

Stone that is too hard and therefore easily chipped

Stone is a seal material that easily chips, so it is not suitable for people who want to make a HANKO that emphasizes durability. When you hear the word "stone," you may imagine it to be hard and sturdy, but the disadvantage is that it is too hard and easily chipped. Because it is so easily chipped, some municipalities do not allow stone to be used as a seal material for registering a personal HANKO.

Acrylic is stylish but not durable

Acrylic is a stylish stamp material that lacks durability. It is one of the top stamp materials with low durability and low cost, but it is not suitable for those looking for a long-lasting stamp material. However, it is true that it is colorful and has a wide variety of designs, so it is suitable for those who are more concerned with appearance than durability.

Two materials that are popular with men and have excellent durability

The following two materials are popular among men and are also highly durable.

  • ivory
  • Titanium

We will explain each one in detail.

Beautiful milky white ivory

Ivory is a beautiful seal material with a milky white color. The grain of the seal head is very fine, and the beautiful luster also creates a beautiful effect.

Ivory is mainly composed of calcium, and has a fine texture, excellent wear resistance and durability. It also has good ink adhesion and is moderately elastic and hard. It is also sticky, so it blends well with paper and makes beautiful stamps.

Due to the Washington Convention, it is currently impossible to purchase ivory from overseas, making it extremely rare and valuable. Therefore, it is also suitable for people who are conscious of the rarity and luxury of the material.

Titanium is recommended for those who want to make a HANKO that will last a lifetime.

If you want to make a HANKO that will last a lifetime, try choosing titanium as the seal material. It boasts top-class durability among seal materials, and is suitable for those who want to make a HANKO that can be used for a long time. It is unlikely to break even if it is accidentally dropped.

In addition, the moderate weight allows for a clean stamp. Titanium seal material can be washed with water, so it is also recommended for those who want to easily maintain HANKO.

However, titanium is a newer material than other seal materials and tends to be a little more expensive. However, when you consider its durability, printability, and ease of maintenance, there is no doubt that it is a material suitable for lifelong use.

Two durable materials that are popular with women

The following two materials are popular among women and are durable.

  • Natural Stone
  • white dutch buffalo

We will explain each one in detail.

Natural stones with power stone effects

Natural stone seal materials have the effect of power stones . Since HANKO are something you use for a long time, if you choose power stones as your seal material, you can keep it as a talisman.

In addition, each natural stone has its own unique shine and color balance, so it is also recommended for those who want to make a one-of-a-kind HANKO.

However, because natural stone is a stone material, while it is resistant to wear and tear on the surface of the seal, it has the disadvantage of being vulnerable to impact. As long as it is not subjected to impact, it will last a long time without breaking, so be careful not to drop it when using it.

White Dutch buffalo with a unique elegance

White Dutch buffalo horn is a material that exudes a unique elegance. Its beautiful amber color and elegance are what make it so appealing.

It is one of the most durable seal materials, so it is recommended for those looking for an elegant and long-lasting HANKO. It also has the advantage of being resistant to oil and not corroded by red ink.

However, because it is made of wool, it is prone to being chewed by wool-eating insects. To prevent deterioration due to chewing, be sure to store it in a case.

Things to keep in mind to use HANKO for a long time

To ensure that HANKO lasts a long time, please keep the following two points in mind.

  • Don't forget to clean and maintain
  • Store it in a HANKO case

We will explain each one in detail.

 

Don't forget to clean and maintain

After using HANKO, don't forget to clean and take care of it. If you leave the oil from the vermilion ink soaking into the surface of the seal, it will become brittle and will not last long. Above all, if the oil is left soaked into the seal, it will not look beautiful.

After using HANKO, you should make it a habit to gently wipe the surface of the seal with soft paper or cloth such as tissue. However, if the seal has not been cared for and oil has soaked into it over the years, it may not come off even if you wipe it with tissue.

If you can't remove it by wiping it lightly, try rubbing it with a toothbrush that you're not using. If you scrub too hard, it can scratch the seal, so be sure to scrub gently. If it won't come off even after scrubbing, it's best to consult a seal maker.

Titanium HANKO in particular can be washed with water. Titanium allows you to keep HANKO clean without worrying about rust.
Also, wood such as boxwood should not be washed with water. Wood is weak to water, and if it gets wet, the seal surface will become brittle. It is important to be aware of wiping the seal surface on a daily basis before it gets dirty, which can only be removed by washing with water.

Store it in a HANKO case

To make HANKO lasts a long time, be sure to store it in a HANKO case. Most HANKO are made from natural materials and are vulnerable to shock, dryness, and even sunlight.

In addition, even if you wipe HANKO after stamping, some of the red ink often remains on it, and there is a risk of staining the surrounding area. To prevent such troubles, be sure to store your seal in its case after using it.

summary

This time, we introduced materials for HANKO that are highly durable. Among stamp materials, titanium is the most durable. Although it tends to be expensive, it has excellent printability and maintenance properties, making it the perfect material for those looking for a stamp material that can be used for a long time.

However, even with a durable stamp material like titanium, we do not recommend rough handling. After use, lightly wipe the stamp surface and store it in its case. Be sure to take good care of it on a daily basis to ensure it lasts a long time.

HANKO can also be ordered from the Online shop.

At the official Hanko Shop 21 Online shop, we carefully select and sell recommended HANKO. Free shipping for purchases over 5,000 yen. You can also pick up your order at the store, so we can deliver it to you at your convenience.

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