Hey there.
I have recently acquired samples of both new and old Japanese chisels.
It doesn't seem that difficult to get opinions on what is good (or not so good!) in the world of currently-manufactured Japanese chisels. My newer ones are not top-of-the-line, and I knew when I bought them that for the money I wasn't going to get Tasai!
Although this discussion on quality appears to be alive and well concerning new Japanese chisels, it seems that there's not much discussion at all on the old stuff (or have I missed something?).
Granted, of course, that all the maker's marks etc are in Japanese, which few of us read. Possible also, I suppose, that with a long history and thousands of smithys (small and large), one may not even be able to find out much about the maker anyway!
I am curious, however. The old Japanese chisels I've bought all appear to be wonderful quality. Has anyone had a bad experience with an old Japanese chisel? Or would you regard them to be of general (and I stress that word) better quality than today's mass-produced versions, and possibly as good as your Matsumuras etc.?
My curiosity also boils down to an economic question: if you're only willing to shell out $100 to buy some Japanese chisels what do you buy? New and cheap (but almost ready to go)? Or old and cheap (but potentially with some cleaning up to do)?
I often hear woodworkers telling their friends to buy old Western chisels, and not the new Western ones, but I can't say I've heard the same about the Japanese stuff. Is that just because it's terra incognito to many of us? It would be fascinating to know if Japanese woodworkers have the same discussions among themselves about what's good in the old and new of their chisels as we do about their Western equivalents!
So many questions!
Adriaan
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