Japanese Tools

**Joe_Zuki** · 06-02-2002, 07:24 PM

Okay, I'm just curious... How many of you own any Japanese hand tools? (Chisel, plane, saw, etc...) This sounds like a good candidate for a poll, but I think I'm just too thick to work that feature. I am obviously biased in this area, and I hate to lead the board away from the power tool buzz, but just humor (Limey, add a 'u' in there) me here.
Joe-Zuki

BTW, just found a great deal on a starter set of fine chisels at Garrett Wade...
http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?...oductID=104515
God help me, I don't know how to post a link... Any advice on this would be appreciated. Hope the link is usable??

**Jules** · 06-03-2002, 12:24 AM

Well Joe, I have one of those Japanese Dozuki handsaws, and I really like it. Cuts like the wind (on the pull stroke) just like my flush cut trim saw.

Come to think of it, I even mounted the blade on my coping saw 'backwards' so it cuts on the pull stroke as well. Just can't seem to get the knack of cutting on the push stroke anymore. :)

Cheers, Jules

**Lou_williams** · 06-03-2002, 01:06 AM

I have 4 planes, and a set of chisels. I also use the dosuki saws for dovetail work.

I like the quality of the steel and the way that the blades are laminated makes them very sharp and durable.

**Joe_Zuki** · 06-03-2002, 05:18 AM

Lou, I see you are in San Jose. Have you been to Japan Woodworker in Alameda? I was like a kid in a candy store! How about Hida Tool in Berkeley? You wanna talk to the guys that creep outa the back room at Hida, they are the real experts. They will help you way beyond your expectations. I now live in Japan (Okinawa) and strangely enough, we don't have stores like that here. I have been looking for fine tools since I got here in November last year, and all I seem to find are general hardware stores with the basic line of tools. Mind you, they are very well made, but not heirloom quality. I have been looking for a Japanese spokeshave, but to no avail. Today, I made one from the picture in the JW catalog. It turned out really well, but I took off the tip of my finger using a ryoba saw. Blood everywhwere! SWMBO freaked out. She knows that when I don't say anything and just go for the band-aids, it is not good. Oh well, it'll heal. It ain't too good for typing, though.
Take Care,
Joe-Zuki

**woodchuck1954** · 06-03-2002, 04:16 PM

A couple of years ago I saw a catalog from "Japan Woodworker". The ten piece chisel set at $900. I wasn't sure if you were suppose to hang them in your shop or livingroom.

**Limey** · 06-03-2002, 11:01 PM

Yeah Joe, Suzuki, Dozuki,Zucchini.
Whatever...
I was tempted by one of those Japanese saws and like it. Although 40 years of pushing takes a while to break.
But I would say this. I have always, since my apprenticeship under Noah, been a great believer in sharp tools.
I bought at enormous expense one of the first Japanese waterstones to hit the UK. What a revelation after Carborundum India Stone and neatsfoot oil.
Still going stong on the SAME stone 20 years later, although I've added several more grits to the arsenal.

So my story is Waterstones..miracle cure that still does good.

Cheers Limey.

Sorry to hear about the finger, mmmm.... obviously sticking a pin in an effigy still works! HEEHEEHEE }> }>

Limey the Warlock

**Limey** · 06-03-2002, 11:07 PM

Hey Roger,
That was the cheap set....spare room only.
Take a look at some of the latest living room variety..$900 bucks EACH is a steal.

Cheers Limey

**Lou_williams** · 06-04-2002, 11:26 PM

Joe,

I got most of my stuff from Hida a long time ago when it was just a one man shop. The owner helped me and my friend pick out both chisels and a few hand planes. I have been back but it was still a long time ago. I have not been to the one in Alameda. The stuff I bought was not anywhere near the top of the line stuff, but what a furniture maker in Japan would own.