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Hanko Materials, Shapes & Sizes
Choosing Your Hanko & How to Care for It
The material of your Hanko affects more than just how it looks.
Each material has its own feel, weight, durability, and character that develops over time.
At Pettan, we offer three distinctive materials: Kagura Hinoki, Natural Buffalo Horn, and Titanium.
Explore the characteristics and care instructions for each material to find the Hanko that’s right for you.
Kagura Hinoki
The Warmth and Fragrance of Natural Japanese Wood
Kagura Hinoki is an environmentally conscious natural wood material made from premium Hinoki cypress from Shimane Prefecture, Japan, using wood from forest thinning and offcuts created during woodworking.
Hinoki is naturally a relatively soft wood and is not typically suited to Hanko making. Kagura Hinoki, however, undergoes a special heat and compression treatment using high-temperature steam.
This process increases the wood’s density and strength while preserving its natural character, giving it the durability needed for use as a Hanko.
Rather than using artificial resins to increase hardness, the wood itself is compressed and strengthened.
The finished material therefore remains natural wood, while the compression process also helps bring out Hinoki’s distinctive, gentle fragrance.
Recommended For
- Those who love the warmth of natural wood
- Those looking for a distinctly Japanese material
- Those who enjoy the gentle fragrance and texture of Hinoki
- Those who prefer an environmentally conscious material
Care
Wooden Hanko can absorb oils from Shuniku (stamp ink).
After use, gently wipe any remaining ink from the engraving surface with a soft cloth or tissue.
Strong impacts may cause scratches, chips, or other damage.
We recommend storing your Hanko in a case when not in use.
Natural Buffalo Horn
Natural Character — No Two Are Exactly Alike
Natural Buffalo Horn is a traditional Hanko material made from water buffalo horn.
Known for its durability and compatibility with Shuniku, buffalo horn has long been valued as a material for Hanko designed to be used for many years.
Its beautiful translucent amber tone and naturally occurring brown patterns, known in Japanese as “fu,” give each piece its own character.
Because these natural patterns vary from one piece to another, no two Buffalo Horn Hanko look exactly the same.
At Pettan, we use Iroue grade Natural Buffalo Horn.
Iroue features a beautiful translucent amber appearance with a moderate amount of natural “fu” patterning. It offers an excellent balance of quality and value while preserving the unique beauty and individuality of genuine buffalo horn.
Recommended For
- Those who appreciate the unique variations found in natural materials
- Those looking for an elegant, premium Hanko
- Those who love warm amber tones and translucent materials
- Those looking for a Hanko they can enjoy for many years
Care
Natural Buffalo Horn is sensitive to dryness. Prolonged exposure to dry air may cause deformation or cracking.
After use, gently wipe any remaining Shuniku from the engraving surface and store your Hanko in its case.
If the material begins to feel dry, apply a very small amount of camellia oil, olive oil, or another plant-based oil to a soft cloth and gently wipe a thin layer onto the engraving surface.
We recommend doing this approximately once a year, particularly during dry seasons.
Titanium
Exceptional Durability with a Modern Feel
Pettan Titanium Hanko are made from titanium with a purity of 96% or higher.
Titanium offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance, making it one of the most durable materials available for Hanko.
Unlike natural materials, titanium has very little variation from piece to piece. It is strong, long-lasting, and easy to maintain, with a satisfying weight and distinctly modern feel.
Recommended For
- Those who prioritize durability
- Those who prefer a simple, modern design
- Those who enjoy the substantial feel of metal
- Those looking for an easy-care material
Pettan offers two distinctive titanium finishes: Matte Titanium and Matte Black Titanium.
MattMatte Black Titanium begins with the same blasted titanium surface and is then finished with black ion plating (IP coating).
It features a deep black color and understated matte texture. The IP coating also enhances the surface’s resistance to wear and corrosion.e Titanium
Matte Titanium is finished using a blasting process that creates fine texture across the titanium surface.
The result is a clean, understated matte finish with reduced shine, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of titanium in a simple and modern design.
Matte Black Titanium
Matte Black Titanium begins with the same blasted titanium surface and is then finished with black ion plating (IP coating).
It features a deep black color and understated matte texture. The IP coating also enhances the surface’s resistance to wear and corrosion.
Swarovski Crystal
Our Titanium Hanko are available in a simple, plain finish or with a Swarovski crystal set into the body as an atari — a small marker that helps you instantly identify the top of your Hanko when stamping.
The subtle crystal adds both practical functionality and an elegant accent.
Choose from three crystal colors to add a personal touch and make your Hanko truly yours.
Care
Thanks to titanium’s excellent corrosion and wear resistance, no special maintenance is generally required.
For everyday care, simply wipe away any remaining Shuniku from the engraving surface after use.
If the engraving surface becomes dirty, you can gently clean it under running water using a soft, well-used toothbrush.
After washing, remove all moisture and allow your Hanko to dry completely before returning it to its case.
Which Hanko Material Is Right for You?
Each material offers something different.
Compare their appearance, feel, care requirements, and characteristics to find the one that best suits you.
| Kagura Hinoki | Natural Buffalo Horn | Titanium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Features | Natural warmth & fragrance | Natural patterns & translucency | Exceptional durability & functionality |
| Feel | Natural & warm | Smooth & elegant | Matte & substantial |
| Natural Variation | Yes | Yes | Minimal |
| Care | Wipe off Shuniku after use | Wipe after use & protect from dryness | Very easy |
| Best For | Natural materials & Japanese character | Premium feel & natural beauty | Durability & modern style |
Choosing your material is part of the fun of creating your Hanko.
Look beyond appearance and consider how each material feels in your hand, how you plan to use it, and how you’d like to care for it.
Choosing Your Shape & Size
Shape
Choose the shape that best suits how you plan to use your Hanko. Cylinder offers a simple, timeless design, Rounded Top provides a comfortable grip and a more substantial feel, while Square creates a distinctive, formal impression.
Size
15mm is compact and easy to handle, making it ideal for personal name stamps and everyday use.
18mm offers a larger, more substantial impression, suitable for personal, professional, and company use.
21mm Square is designed for company and business stamps where a stronger presence is preferred.
Not sure which one is right for you? Try Find Your Hanko to discover the best combination for your needs.
