Japanese Hand Tools

In his book Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use Toshio Odate explains that Shokunin, or master Japanese craftsman, are taught that each stroke of the saw, each shaving of the plane and each cut of the chisel are vital, requiring great concentration because each mark is permanent.

Thin kerf saws that cut on the pull stroke, laminated chisel blades engineered for superb sharpening and thoughtfully designed marking tools and hammers have been the hallmarks of Japanese woodworking tools for centuries. While many Japanese woodworking traditions remain elusive to the western world, their specialized woodworking tools are available to enrich your path while becoming a master woodworker.

Our Japanese Iwasaki Carving Files are included in the Files, Rasps & Rifflers section of our website.