Iron Chisel - 22 cm

Professional-Grade Tools Bearing Traditional Makers' Marks
This is a working collection of ten Japanese bench chisels, crafted by traditional smiths whose marks authenticate each piece. These edge tools represent the kind of kit a Japanese carpenter or furniture maker assembles over years—a carefully selected range suited to dovetails, mortises, and delicate joinery work. The collection shows honest wear consistent with workshop use, making it ideal for a practitioner seeking reliable tools or a collector interested in Japanese craft traditions.

There are pieces you acquire for display, and pieces you acquire to use. This set belongs to the second category—though its patina and maker's marks give it character enough to deserve a place on the wall between projects.

The Japanese Chisel Tradition
Japanese hand tools occupy a distinct place in the global hierarchy of woodworking equipment. Unlike mass-produced Western chisels, traditional Japanese nomi are forged by specialist smiths who laminate hard hagane (high-carbon steel) onto a softer jigane backing, creating an edge that can be honed to exceptional sharpness whilst remaining robust enough for striking work. The technique descends from sword-making traditions refined over centuries, adapted for carpentry during the Edo period when complex joinery became central to Japanese architecture.

What Makes This Collection Notable
Authentic Maker's Stamps (刻印): Each chisel bears the craftsman's stamp on the metal blade, certifying its authenticity and workshop provenance
Complete Range of Profiles: Mix of oire-nomi (追入鑿 - paring chisels) and various blade widths for diverse woodworking applications
Traditional Construction: Laminated steel construction using the hagane/jigane method perfected by Japanese smiths
Professional Workshop Patina: Honest wear marks indicating years of skilled use rather than neglect
Original Wooden Display Case: Custom-made wooden storage rack that protects and beautifully displays the complete set
Specifications
Set Contents: 10 Japanese Bench Chisels with maker's stamps

Size Range:

Longest chisel: Approx. 22 cm total length, Weight: 99g
Shortest chisel: Approx. 14.5 cm total length, Weight: 56g
The range of sizes in this collection suggests it was assembled by someone working across different scales of joinery, from delicate work to structural timber framing.

Condition – Authentic Workshop Patina
The collection's condition reflects decades of workshop life and adds to its character:

Metal surfaces: Show oxidation and minor surface rust typical of carbon steel tools, easily removed with fine abrasive and oil
Handles: Retain original finish with expected compression marks from striking - evidence of genuine professional use
Edges: Will require sharpening to bring back to working condition, a straightforward task for anyone familiar with Japanese waterstones
Overall: A serviceable set requiring routine maintenance rather than extensive restoration
No significant chips, cracks, or major edge damage visible
These are marks of honest work rather than neglect. The patina tells a story of years in a professional workshop.

Applications & Suitability
For the modern woodworker or collector, Japanese chisels offer both functional and aesthetic appeal. Their balance differs from Western bevel-edge chisels; they sit lower in the hand, encouraging a different posture and cutting technique.

Ideal for:

Fine furniture making and joinery
Traditional Japanese carpentry (Daiku)
Box construction and delicate inlay work
Restoration work on Japanese antiques
Dovetails, mortises, and precision joinery
Contemporary workshops seeking precision tools
Collectors of Japanese craft traditions
Why Japanese Chisels?
In contemporary workshops—whether in Tokyo, London, or Melbourne—craftspeople increasingly turn to Japanese tools for their precision and the quality of finish they produce. Japanese hand tools have found a global following among craftspeople who value precision over speed, and these chisels represent an accessible entry point into that tradition.

If you've been curious about Japanese chisels but hesitant to invest in new examples, or if you're assembling a working kit for traditional joinery, this collection provides a practical foundation. These are tools meant to be used, sharpened, and passed on—continuing the quiet tradition they represent.

What You'll Receive
10 Japanese bench chisels with authentic maker's stamps
Original wooden display/storage case
Everything shown in the photographs
Maintenance Note
Please note: Blade sharpening and maintenance are recommended before use to restore optimal cutting performance. The edges will respond well to sharpening on Japanese waterstones, revealing the quality steel beneath the patina.

Shipping from Japan
We ship from Japan with careful packaging to ensure safe delivery. Items will be securely wrapped to protect these valuable traditional tools during transit.

International Shipping Available: Worldwide via reliable carriers (FedEx International Priority, DHL Worldwide, or UPS Worldwide Saver)

Import Duties and Taxes
For all international shipments, applicable customs fees, duties, taxes, and required charges may apply to your order. These fees, import duties (if applicable), and local taxes are assessed when the package arrives in your country. These additional charges are the responsibility of the recipient. These fees will be collected by the carrier at the time of delivery.

Thank you for your understanding.