The edge of my seal is chipped!
- 吉田 隆太郎
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
My seal is chipped... Is it okay to keep using it? | Yoshida Senjido, a seal specialty store in Kobe City
"The edge of my official seal is slightly chipped..." "I dropped my bank seal, but can I still use it?"
At Yoshida Senjido, a seal maker with locations in Itayado and Nishi Ward of Kobe City, we frequently receive inquiries like this.
This time, I'd like to talk about the causes of chipped seals, how to deal with them, and the superstitions associated with them , from the perspective of a seal shop owner.
A seal is not something that "cannot be chipped."
Occasionally, people ask, "Isn't there a seal that never chips?"
I'm sometimes asked that question.
But to be honest, seals are something that can chip or break if something happens.
For example, a glass cup can break if you drop it, right? It's the same with seals; even if they're made of hard material, there are parts that are vulnerable to impact.
That's why official seals and bank seals are,
Don't drop it
Do not place on hard surfaces.
Handle with care
That is important.
Main causes of chipped seals
① The most common is "falling".
I just put it down on the desk, but it rolled over and ended up on the floor...
Tile and concrete floors are particularly dangerous. If the edge (frame) hits something, the impact can cause it to chip.
② Pressing while clips or other objects are still attached.
This is surprisingly common.
Underneath the paper,
clip
stapler
hard trash
This is a case where people press too hard without realizing that there are other things to be aware of.
A seal is a tool for "stamping," but there's no need to apply excessive force.
③ It gets chewed on by dogs (surprisingly common).
This is a true story: "My dog chewed on the seal that had rolled away..."
There were also cases like that.
I'm so glad he didn't swallow it, but be careful with wooden and horn-shaped materials as they easily leave teeth marks.
Can a chipped seal be repaired?
We often receive inquiries such as, "Can you repair the chipped part?"
However, chipped seals generally cannot be repaired.
Even if it can be repaired, that part will become weaker and more prone to chipping again.
especially,
Official seal
Bank seal
In this case, if the impression of the seal changes due to chipping, it may no longer be recognized as a registered seal.
Therefore, if the chip is large, we recommend having it remade.
Is it true that "a chipped seal is bad luck"?
This is also a question I get asked very often.
However, at Yoshida Senjido,
There is no connection between a chipped seal and its "spiritual meaning".
That's what I think.
Some people worry about this, associating it with their ancestors or bad luck, but there's no need to worry about those things.
However, caution is needed in practical applications.
The chipped area may crack further, or the impression of the seal may change.
the result,
Official seal registration
Bank seal
There are indeed cases where it becomes unusable as such.
In other words, it's not a matter of superstition, but a practical issue .
For those who wish to preserve their important seals | Seal re-engraving (re-carving)
"I want to keep using this seal because it was a gift from my family." "It's a seal I made when I became a working adult, so it holds a special place in my heart..."
For those people, there is an option to have their seal re-engraved (re-carved).
This method involves removing the existing engraving and re-engraving the name.
We also accept orders at Yoshida Senjido, so please feel free to contact us if you are interested.
↓ Click here for information about the remake ↓
Why do seals have a "border" or "frame"?
"If it's going to chip anyway, wouldn't it be better to just not have a rim in the first place?"
Some people might think that way.
But actually, this edge is very important.
The border is the "part that protects the name."
A seal is,
The letters inside
Outer edge (frame)
It is composed of:
If you use a seal with only text on it, the text will wear down each time you use it.
Thin lines become thicker
The ends of the lines become rounded.
This can cause the seal impression to become distorted.
However, the border helps to distribute the pressure applied when pressing, protecting the lettering.
In other words, the edge is,
The role of protecting our customers' precious names
So that's what you're doing.
It might sound a little exaggerated, but as a craftsman, I'm grateful for the edges.
To make your seal last longer
Finally, here are some tips for making your official seal and bank seal last longer.
Do not place on hard surfaces.
Don't drop it
Use an ink pad
Don't press too hard.
Wipe lightly after use.
With a little care, you can keep your seal in good condition for a long time.
For consultations regarding official seals and bank seals in Itayado, Kobe City, please contact Yoshida Senjido.
At Yoshida Senjido,
Official seal
Bank seal
Corporate seal
Consultation regarding personal seals
Re-engraving (re-carving)
We accept requests such as these.
"Is it still usable with this kind of chip?" "Should I remake it?"
Please feel free to contact us even if it's just for a consultation like that.
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