Replies

1. 
   pantalones868 | Jan 22, 2023 03:41am | #1

   I had a friend that was a collector of Japanese chisels. Each one had a story that involved a 80 year old master craftsman, the last of his line supposedly,and cost several hundred dollars each and some upwards to a thousand dollars. That was 20 odd years ago. To me, what he had was too good to use. I was gifted a hunting knife like that,hand crafted, Damascus steel, endangered species scale. Obviously it cost hundreds of dollars and Ive never used it. Its for looking at. I just cant bring myself to bloodying the thing up skinning a deer which, I am sure, it would do a remarkable job! The little bit that I know about Japanese chisels, from what he told me,was that that tradition was dying out,few younger people were getting into that craft. He had a " better get these things while you still can" attitude about it. Most of the traditional blacksmithing was centered around Osaka if i remember correctly.
   Hida Hardware in Berkeley CA. Sells traditional Japanese hand tools. They have some very fine chisels, some sets can set you back $5 k. They have makers names associated with their best stuff. I would get in touch with them, they might give you some information on how to make contact with the makers. Personally, if I was making that trip I would also want to know where the flea markets are where you might find antique tools.

2. 
   jpe52 | Jan 22, 2023 11:00am | #2

   Thanks, pantalones, for the tip on Hida hardware and looking for flea markets. I'm definitely not interested in chisels for show; I plan to use
   them!

3. 
   chuckvandyck | Jan 22, 2023 09:14pm | #3

   I’ve found https://suzukitool.com/ to be really helpful. Also in Berkeley, I’m almost positive she could point you to someone as she definitely has relationships with makers in Japan.
   I’d love the chance to buy direct from a smith. It’s gonna cost a lot, but such a special experience that will leave you truly connected to that tool. My shop mate is from Tokyo and just went back to visit family. He informed me it is just as expensive there as here in the states for good tools, but you will more easily find some interesting variety that you won’t see often in the states.
   I’d find some ebay sellers you like and see if you can visit their warehouse. This person is great. https://instagram.com/old_jp_tools?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
   I have a relatively affordable 24mm Iyori chisel I practically will try and use for everything. And a 12mm trowel chisel that is crucial sometimes. I got the trowel from above’s fleabay.

1. 
   jpe52 | Jan 22, 2023 11:32pm | #4

   Chuck, thanks for the tips. I agree that it would be wonderful to buy
   directly from a smith. I have no expectation of the prices being lower
   than online. If I come home with even one or two chisels, I'd be more
   than happy!

4. 
   winterr654 | Jan 24, 2023 04:39am | #5

   Chuck, thanks for the tips. I agree that it would be wonderful to buy
   directly from a smith. I have no expectation of the prices being lower
   than online. If I come home with even one or two chisels, I'd be more
   than happy!

5. 
   fattboyy | Feb 11, 2023 02:23pm | #6

   Check this out

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-6QFXyGTik

   This guy has quite a few interesting videos involving Japanese woodworking, tools, manufacture etc. I would LOVE to visit this shop.

6. 
   jpe52 | Nov 22, 2023 03:24am | #7

   Just to close the loop on my original post:

   Ended up buying a few Japanese chisels from Hida Tool in Berkeley.
   Seemed to me that the language barrier was going to make things very
   difficult at a shop in Japan.

   While in Japan this month we accidentally came across an amazing
   woodworking museum in Kobe:

   Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
   https://www.dougukan.jp/?lang=en

   It has wonderful exhibits about all aspects of Japanese tools, carpentry,
   joinery, etc. The building itself is an architectural gem. The day we were there they were offering hands-on use of various Japanese planes. Was a real highlight of our trip.

1. 
   locketim | Nov 24, 2023 02:15pm | #8

   The area around Takayama SHI Gigi ken is a woodworking capitol like the Carolinians in US. In Japan hoppy woodworking does not seem to be popular. So the tool shops tend to be Industrial. I purchased so quality chisels in Takayama and the cost more than the Hida or online sellers. The store was an industrial distributor of cabinet and furniture commercial machines. A shop we visited used American Walnut in their custom shop. There are high quality retail shop in this mountain town. Also high quality manufacturing