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Thread: Japanese Blacksmiths
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28th November 2011, 06:48 PM #16New Member
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Fujihiro chisel info??
Stu,
Hope you're well.
I was reading your post, and wondered if it was just an oversight on the Fujihiro, or if that was a "read between the lines" kinda thing.
I own some Michio Tasai chisels, which seem to work well. Any way you might compare his chisels to his father's?
Best,
Lee
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28th November 2011, 11:59 PM #17
Hi Lee,
If I could find information easily about them, I'd know more about them.
Here's what I do, before trying very hard. I spend 5 minutes scanning google search results, and see what's out there. Punching in 'Fujihiro nomi' results in a smattering of results.
If there's not enough to go looking harder, generally I don't.
Apparently plenty of folks like these chisels, but as they're apparently made 'up north' and I'm 'down south' I'm not likely to be able to get any more information about them until I run into them.
Sorry. I just don't have the time right now to really go chasing wild geese.
(But here's a tip. Most of the makers that are well known outside of Japan tend to be from up north, save Iyoroi, Tsunesaburo and Mitsukawa. The first because they're well known from way back, the second two because they're at the top of their game and have been for a long time.
But there are other folks making tools. And just because they're not so well known outside of Japan, doesn't mean they're not as good (if not better) than those who have an international reputation.
Tasai? Both good, but reverence goes to Akio because he's dad. It's not like there's any secret as to what's going on there, although it seems like dad has a lot of influence there even now, which is unusual. Usually dad teaches son, son gets good enough, dad steps aside but still works leaving everyday things to the son.
Stu.
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29th November 2011, 09:08 AM #18New Member
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Stu,
Gomen Nasai. So sorry, I had no intention of obviously coming across as if I was trying to rag on you. I was just truly interested in your take on the Fujuhiro. A friend had mentioned he tried them and was completely blown away. I was just looking for a comparison, as you seem more locked into the Japanese chisels.
That is interesting about the Tasai scenario. I wasn't aware of that, but somehow makes me wonder if I shot myself in the foot, but getting the Michio's. Guess I'll never no for sure, as I'm not likely to go buy some by Akio, just to compare.
Best,
Lee
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10th July 2012, 01:02 AM #19GOLD MEMBER
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Three more to add, though maybe I have experience with them because I have gotten them either used or as second-hand unused items.
Ogata - I understand he is popular with some in japan. The iron I have of his is very easy to sharpen, and tastefully made.
Takeo Nakano - a plane I got used (but unused) over here from someone who had bought a togo inukubi plane as a first "trial" plane. Very skillfully executed with a very wide and thin lamination. Another easy to hone plane.
Yamamoto - makes a lot of good quality planes that are not too expensive, as well as more artful and expensive planes. All 3 of the planes I have purchased from him are "special cutting steel", even the very inexpensive ones. They have all been very good, though at that price level they do not match my other more expensive planes in things that don't necessarily make the wood look better, but make the experience more pleasant. Still, at the price of the basic planes, they are really excellent. I have not tried any of his more expensive planes.
(Mosaku was mentioned above, but he is worth of a second mention, my favorite iron is one of mosaku's that someone sold to me here - not new, but unused also. It is so well executed and so tasteful that it makes me nutty looking at it. It is white #1 and incredibly hard).
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15th August 2020, 02:57 PM #20GOLD MEMBER
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Tool production in 1986
For those of you that would like to see tool production 35 years ago.
In Japanese but still worth a look as the commentary is not recessary.
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15th August 2020, 03:15 PM #21
Great watch, thanks for sharing. The same channel has a few other videos on Japanese makers as well.
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23rd August 2020, 03:55 PM #22
Many thanks for posting Bohdan.
I enjoyed watching that video.
I have examples of all of those tools from various smiths, but had never seen such a detailed coverage of how they make the whalebacks (maebiki nokogiri). Great to see the tempering process close up and also the filing with that big feather file. I set my big saws with a hammer as shown, but with not the same speed or precision! Not surprising that there are not many of them made anymore since the introduction of chainsaws. I got my whaleback just for interest, but found I couldn't use it as well on our hardwoods as my big one and two-man saws made for our woods.
To get back on topic, the top end saws that the Mitsukawa family make are still done in this traditional way but are (understandably) costly and not something you would consider until you have become very proficient in the use of Japanese saws and sharpening them.
I have not used a saw made by Shinsui Nakaya from Sanjo in Niigata, but I have yet to have a bad experience with any tool made by a bladesmith from there, so expect they would be good if you can get one.Stay sharp and stay safe!
Neil