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

Chisels4.jpgChisels3.jpg

[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 for more info.

David

[Brian Holcombe]

Welcome aboard 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 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;





Kikuhiromaru, Tasai, Takahashi



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

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.

[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"
chisels.jpg
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...