Twisted Neck Oire-Nomi Chisels by Nishiki

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Japanese toolmaking borrows heavily from the country's sword making traditions, which perfected the marrying laminations of different properties of steel to form a more complex and functional whole. This tradition is evidenced in Japanese chisels, which are made of two important layers, the hagane, the hard steel layer on the back of the chisel that forms the cutting edge, and the jigane, the thick layer of soft iron that is welded to the hagane to bring the chisel to its final thickness, and, more importantly, to absorb shock so that the chisel doesn't crack, as it would if it were all hardened steel. The use of the soft jigane layer also allows the blacksmith to exercise all sorts of creative, decorative designs in the chisel-making process. The interplay between these layers is a true test of the blacksmith's craft. The smith has to choose a steel that after being forged and then hardened will produce an edge that will have the desired hardness, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. And even the forging and hardening processes are not simple, but rather a complicated consideration of many factors: how the heat will affect the steel's properties, how the compression of forging will effect the edge, etc. Of course, welding the two dissimilar metals together is done by hand, which takes considerable skill to do properly. These many considerations require both skill and experience if a world class tool is to result. These twisted neck chisels by Master Chisel Blacksmith Kiyomi Nishiki reflect their maker's skill and artistry, as well as his reverence for Japan's toolmaking traditions. The chisels are intended as Nishiki's homage to a twisted neck chisel made by Zensaku dating from the early 20th century, which Nishiki saw on a visit to the Takenaka Carpentry Museum. The resulting Nishiki twisted neck chisels are themselves worthy of inclusion in a crafts museum. Nishiki-san uses Kamaji iron for the jigane of these special chisels. Kamaji is a special hand-wrought iron that is over 120 years old. Most of the kamaji material comes from ship anchors from the 19th century. This iron, because it dates from a very early time, is largely free of such contaminants as sulfur, and welds and forges elegantly and easily. Kamaji iron has another unique trait: it has a grain formed by the originally manufacturing process, which involved by folding the iron over onto itself. Nishiki always uses a traditional charcoal forge for his chisels. Charcoal forges are extremely hot and are also carbon-based, which affects the steel. Both factors increase the demands placed upon the smith's skills. For the hagane Nishiki uses a "white steel," which is a very simple, traditional carbon steel. For all the talk lately about crazy alloys and edge retention, what is truly amazing about Nishiki's work is how easily Nishiki chisels sharpen and how well they hold an edge - especially when you consider their simple, traditional manufacture. Finally, Nishiki takes the finished tools and, using acid, etches the blades, which brings out a wonderful texture on the tool. The wood grain finish that Nishki uses on these decorative chisels is a very organic style that resembles irregular, rough tree bark like the gnarled branches of an old wisteria tree. These chisels aren't easy to make and will be in short supply. The sad part of all of this is that Nishiki-san has no apprentices, and while I feel privileged to be able to support his work in a small way, I am depressed that the long tradition will end when he retires. These chisels will obviously appeal to collectors, but I am hoping that if you purchase these chisels, you will also have the pleasure of using them. Tools of this caliber work magnificently and their elegance will inspire you. We offer the Nishiki Twisted Neck chisels individually or in a set of ten in a signed Kiri box. With ebony handles and forged hoops. Made in Japan

3mm ($169.95) In Stock   6mm ($169.95) In Stock   9mm ($189.95) In Stock   12mm ($189.95) In Stock   15mm ($199.95) In Stock   18mm ($199.95) In Stock   24mm ($249.95) In Stock   30mm ($395.95) In Stock   36mm ($395.95) In Stock   42mm ($409.95) In Stock   Boxed set of all 10 sizes. ($2,399.95) In Stock

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