Chisel Gloat

[Joe Beaulieu]

Hey Folks - New here and psyched to be part of the group!

I saw a few posts with Japanese Nomi discussed and I wanted to post a couple of pics of my set of Chutturo Imai Sword Steel bench chisels. I bought these about 15 years ago - over the course of a couple of years, from Koyoko at Misugi Designs. I then had some medical things crop up, and got relocated out to the east SF Bay area, so I am now just getting back into WW. I am blowing the dust off all my old tools and getting these organized in my shop, and connecting with folks online as well.

I would love to see other peoples collections, and not only nomi - if you have saws or planes I am very interested in all tools Japanese. I also want to start collecting hand tools. Making the rounds at flea markets and shows etc. Maybe I will see you there. I am very easy to recognize, being 6' 10" and slightly large. Lets just say Shaq and I could trade clothes. Or at least he could get into mine, I think I am a bit rounder.

So please let me see what you have and lets compare! Love to talk about tools!

Joe

323137323138

[David Wong]

Welcome Joe.

You have one of my all-time lusted after chisel sets. The handle material is tagayasa, Siamese senna, or ironwood. I don't think it is available from Imai-san any longer. I consider myself lucky to have two sword steel chisels.

Since you are in the eastbay, try to attend the Kezurou Kai USA event in Oakland, 10/31. Here is their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kezurou.kai.USA?fref=nf) for more info.

David

[Brian Holcombe]

Welcome aboard :D gorgeous chisels Joe!

I have a chisel nerd question; 'sword steel' chisels are made with Tamahagane or some thing else that is close in composition?

My assumption has been that it is 'something close' but I am now aware there are some Kanna that are made with Tamahagane which makes me think that could be the case for this as well.

[Jim Koepke]

Joe,

Welcome to the Creek. I used to live in San Pablo/El Sobrante area.

I am not much of a collector, but those are very nice looking chisels. Also most of my tools are common (read affordable) of American and European origin. Though at times tools have been useful to me as a method of "value storage" and even enhancement.

Happy hunting.

jtk

[David Wong]

I have a chisel nerd question; 'sword steel' chisels are made with Tamahagane or some thing else that is close in composition?

My assumption has been that it is 'something close' but I am now aware there are some Kanna that are made with Tamahagane which makes me think that could be the case for this as well.

The original description of these chisels on the misugidesigns.com, using the wayback machine, reads:



CARBON CONTENT :
1.2 - 1.35 %
ROCKWELL HARDNESS :
64 c


SINGLE HOLLOW
TAGAYASAN WOOD HANDLE
( ROSEWOOD FAMILY )





I have a feeling that Imai-san's sword steel is a damascus white steel #1. That is purely a guess, as I have never read a fuller description of the steel. There is a great picture on Iida's JapanTool web site (http://japantool-iida.com/chisel_bench/images/2014-09-26%2011.19.04.jpg) showing the grain pattern and layering in the chisel. The overall finish of these chisels is also very fine.

[Nicholas Lawrence]

If I had a chisel set like that I don't think I would get much woodworking done. I would just sit around staring at my chisels. They are very nice.

[Brian Holcombe]

Thanks David....I suppose it could be Tomohagane, but they would probably make mention of it if it were, so based on the high carbon content I would venture to guess that you are accurate in your estimation.

back to Joe's original request for participation;

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/90519553-6328-4037-BC1C-FB6D36CB2355_zpsuz8k5f5j.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/SpeedyGoomba/media/90519553-6328-4037-BC1C-FB6D36CB2355_zpsuz8k5f5j.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/8A6CCAEB-612B-4379-B869-55CA9B8D3C0C_zps9oa9ipri.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/SpeedyGoomba/media/8A6CCAEB-612B-4379-B869-55CA9B8D3C0C_zps9oa9ipri.jpg.html)

Kikuhiromaru, Tasai, Takahashi

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/311E8D60-DCB9-4FC0-9547-3C95C4821526_zpsotozrwmp.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/SpeedyGoomba/media/311E8D60-DCB9-4FC0-9547-3C95C4821526_zpsotozrwmp.jpg.html)

Koyamaichi (1-6 from the left), ouchi, Yamahiro.

[Joe Beaulieu]

Wow Brian,

That is an impressive array of edge tools. I thought I had it bad, but you are winning the contest so far! -)

just kidding, it looks like you are putting those tools to work from the way you have them organized. Thank you for posting the pics - just what I was hoping for. Anyone else care to display their collection?

I just ordered a set of "Bachi Nomi" -what we refer to as "fishtail chisels". Then I want to move on to mortise and paring sets. Brian - if it is not uncouth of me to ask, where do you get your Japanese tools? I have just begun to order through Suzuki-San at suzukitools.com. To soon to make a recommendation, but Suzuki is quite attentive and knowledgeable., I feel Ike this could work out. check out the site for a nice assortment of tools.

Now I need to spend several years as an apprentice to myself to learn how to use these tools!


Joe

[Brian Holcombe]

Thanks Joe! Hah, yes, we both have it bad. Glad to have another chisel nut join us on the board :D

Suzuki is nice to work with, I've had her order stuff for me. I have ordered with So Yamashita (Japan-tool), Stuart Tierney (toolsfromjapan), Tomohito Iida (Japantool-Iida) and Aframestokyo.

We must be on the same wavelength, I have a few bachi-nomi on the way, I have the one for paring but wanted a few more for use with a gennou. Also a few more paring chisels. I haven't needed a full set of bachi-nomi, are you getting a 10 set?

Once the new paring chisels arrive I'll probably go back to order the remainder of a 10 set. I have felt in the past that it was unnecessary, but finding now that it could be very helpful.

[ken hatch]

Joe,

I must have been out of town when this was first posted, anyway always happy for a chance to post photos of my tools.

My Japanese chisels are a mix of Koyamaichi #2 White Steel, Kikuhiromaru #1 White Steel, and misc others from when I first started looking at Japanese chisels and tools. The first rack is behind me at the main bench within easy reach. The second rack just has some misc chisels and it is over my sharpening bench. I haven't a clue who made 'em or the steel other than they should be White steel. There are a few more in the rack over the "off" bench, no photo.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh222/VTXAZ/japaneseChiselsI151109_zpszwcrkfsr.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh222/VTXAZ/japaneseChiselsII151109_zps5sevfgm4.jpg

[Jim Davis]

Call me a nationalist if you want. All my user chisels are Stanley, Buck Bros., or Witherbee. I don't have any display chisels.

[ken hatch]

Call me a nationalist if you want. All my user chisels are Stanley, Buck Bros., or Witherbee. I don't have any display chisels.

Jim

I don't have any display chisels either. All my chisels are users, they just happen to be the best users I can find.

ken

[Brian Holcombe]

Nice Ken!

I dont know what display chisels are.

[ken hatch]

Nice Ken!

I dont know what display chisels are.

Some day I keep telling myself, I'll make a nice cabinet to display my tools (if I ever get some display tools). I never seem to get around to it, too busy making furniture and doing things for MsBubba to take the time besides the plywood and Kreg screw shelfs and cabinets work to hold my working tools but there is no getting around they are butt ugly.

I did take the time this morning to make a Cherry stone holder and lid for the new Jnat stone.

[steven c newman]

These are about a third of my "users"
325026
mainly yard sales, and an auction or two. These have just been refreshed, as some of them needed a bit of work. Might drag out another "third herd" and work them over, since I will be having some spare time...

[Tony Shea]

Loving this thread. I must admit that Joe's original post with the pictures of the Imai set is my absolute favorite. These chisels are what I have been longing for for a long time. Some day I will just cave in and place the damn order before it is too late and he stops making these. I'm glad that David posted that information about the steel. I have never been able to find that good of a description and always just see sword steel. Sword steel to me could be just about anything but that sword steel sure does sound wonderful.

[Andrew Hughes]

Heres a look at my favorites Tasai Five are my Dovetail chisels of course.Then my Bench chisel with the double hollow and my thin paring.The Dovetails Chisels are alittle over 8 inches long and easy to handle.
I have some others Mortice and more paring but are my favorites.

[Evan Patton]

Hey Folks - New here and psyched to be part of the group!

I saw a few posts with Japanese Nomi discussed and I wanted to post a couple of pics of my set of Chutturo Imai Sword Steel bench chisels. I bought these about 15 years ago - over the course of a couple of years, from Koyoko at Misugi Designs. I then had some medical things crop up, and got relocated out to the east SF Bay area, so I am now just getting back into WW. I am blowing the dust off all my old tools and getting these organized in my shop, and connecting with folks online as well.

I would love to see other peoples collections, and not only nomi - if you have saws or planes I am very interested in all tools Japanese. I also want to start collecting hand tools. Making the rounds at flea markets and shows etc. Maybe I will see you there. I am very easy to recognize, being 6' 10" and slightly large. Lets just say Shaq and I could trade clothes. Or at least he could get into mine, I think I am a bit rounder.

So please let me see what you have and lets compare! Love to talk about tools!

Joe


Where in E Bay? I'm in Pleasanton.

[Steve Kang]

Thanks David....I suppose it could be Tomohagane, but they would probably make mention of it if it were, so based on the high carbon content I would venture to guess that you are accurate in your estimation.

back to Joe's original request for participation;

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/90519553-6328-4037-BC1C-FB6D36CB2355_zpsuz8k5f5j.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/SpeedyGoomba/media/90519553-6328-4037-BC1C-FB6D36CB2355_zpsuz8k5f5j.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/8A6CCAEB-612B-4379-B869-55CA9B8D3C0C_zps9oa9ipri.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/SpeedyGoomba/media/8A6CCAEB-612B-4379-B869-55CA9B8D3C0C_zps9oa9ipri.jpg.html)

Kikuhiromaru, Tasai, Takahashi

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/311E8D60-DCB9-4FC0-9547-3C95C4821526_zpsotozrwmp.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/SpeedyGoomba/media/311E8D60-DCB9-4FC0-9547-3C95C4821526_zpsotozrwmp.jpg.html)

Koyamaichi (1-6 from the left), ouchi, Yamahiro.


Hi Brian, mind sharing a few words on your ouchi chisels? I'm considering ordering a set from Stu and I'm curious how they stack up to other makers.

[Brian Holcombe]

I ended up selling them a while back, they're fine chisels but my preference is for Kikuhiromaru, Konobu and Stan Covington's smith.

[lowell holmes]

I have a question. My chisels are in a leather chisel roll, similar to the link below.

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/large-deluxe-leather-chisel-roll.aspx

[Mike Holbrook]

Do not see question Lowell?Nice chisel roll though.

Here is my little collection of Japanese chisels:
348635

The second and third from the left are my favorites, made by Stan's maker in Japan. Sharpen easily and stay sharp too.

[Brian Holcombe]

Nice, and excellent job on the hoops!

[Derek Cohen]

Kiyohisa slicks (photo taken when I received them several years ago). there is now a 4-6 year wait on these ...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Chisels/Kiyohisa/6.jpg


Koyamaichi dovetail chisels. The three on the left date from the 1980s, with the three on the right custom from Mr Koyama ...


http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/KoyamaichiChisels_html_m503d1791.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Joe Williams]

Hey Folks - New here and psyched to be part of the group!

I saw a few posts with Japanese Nomi discussed and I wanted to post a couple of pics of my set of Chutturo Imai Sword Steel bench chisels. I bought these about 15 years ago - over the course of a couple of years, from Koyoko at Misugi Designs. I then had some medical things crop up, and got relocated out to the east SF Bay area, so I am now just getting back into WW. I am blowing the dust off all my old tools and getting these organized in my shop, and connecting with folks online as well.

I would love to see other peoples collections, and not only nomi - if you have saws or planes I am very interested in all tools Japanese. I also want to start collecting hand tools. Making the rounds at flea markets and shows etc. Maybe I will see you there. I am very easy to recognize, being 6' 10" and slightly large. Lets just say Shaq and I could trade clothes. Or at least he could get into mine, I think I am a bit rounder.

So please let me see what you have and lets compare! Love to talk about tools!

Joe

323137323138

I have Lie Nielsen and Blue Spruce myself and being the type of woodworker that seems to be more of a collector now, these types of chisels have really piqued my interest. They are really intimidating though. I can sharpen the LN and Blue Spruce chisels myself without worrying but on the chisel sets that are four thousand a set how do you even touch them without thinking you are destroying a hundred dollars a sharpening?

[David Ryle]

Very nice, now, let's see what you can do with them

[Jim Koepke]

I can sharpen the LN and Blue Spruce chisels myself without worrying but on the chisel sets that are four thousand a set how do you even touch them without thinking you are destroying a hundred dollars a sharpening?

Easy, make something that is worth more than $100 per sharpening.

Almost all of my chisels are bought used, mostly Buck Brothers and Witherby. They will pare wood just as good as a $4,000 dollar set. Some may be worth more than what was paid for them. They may not be as good as chisels made of modern steel when it comes to holding an edge, but it is much less work to get them to pay for themselves through the work they can do.

jtk

[Ray Selinger]

When Bahco ,( Sandvik was one of their brands ),rethought chisel design they ended up with a short lived model that was much like the Japanese design.

[Eric Hartunian]

I don't have a set, but I have 1 sword steel chisel from Misugi. One of my nicest, though I don't like it as much as my Tasai- they are almost the same size (18 mm, or so), but the Tasai just seems to "feel" better. Hard to explain, I guess.

Eric