New Japanese Chisels

[Jim Shaver, Oakville Ont.]

Hi,

Well I received my Japanese sword steel finishing chisels this week from Misugi Designs. The chisels are made by Chuttaro Imai. These now compliment the dove tail chisels I bought from them this past winter. I sharpened one of the chisels and tried it out…sweet is an understatement.



http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b55/jimshaver50/IMG_6735.jpg


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b55/jimshaver50/IMG_6734.jpg
Some of you asked that I post these when I received them, they range from 1/8” to 15/16”.

I would like to thank my friends Willie Horne and Konrad Sauer for taking me down this path.

Take care,
Jim

[Bill Simpson]

They are just like my set of James Swan Chisels from Connecut, USA (in shape and form from the edge to the socket. Handles are different, But yours appeared to be forged and folded similar to Demaskus Gun Steel. Excellant looking set and I'm sure you will get tons of years of use from them.

I suggest you pick out the one you like the best and drop it on the concrete floor and get it over with, you'll feel better after it is cleaned up anew and won't then live in fear of it ever happening again.

Seems I always get mine tuned up and ready for the next adventure and sure as anything one rolls to the floor.


Congradulations on your new babies, may you all live long and prosper ... and fall softly on padded flooring. I suspect a Chisel Drawer is in the making.

[Frank D.]

Wow,
Those look very nice Jim! I'm sure they'll outlast you. Are they the ones made with super blue steel? I'd like to know how they sharpen, after you've done it a few times maybe...and how the edge holds, any chipping etc. I'm sure they're great but it's nice to know exactly what people think of a tool after using them for a while.
Allow me to partake in this Japanese chisel fest too! I don't want to detract from your chisels, but I guess this is as good as place as any to show them, especially for people considering chisels in that range... I started with 2 bench chisels, and last week I ordered 2 dovetail push chisels. I'll use them for a while before I decide which ones (if any) I want next. They are Made by Akio Tasai. So far they are incredible, I did 8 mortises and some other work with the small one and it's still sharp as a razor, unbelievable.
http://www.lamortaise.com/modules/gallery/albums/album34/DSC03150_tasaichiselstop_14.jpg
http://www.lamortaise.com/modules/gallery/albums/album34/DSC03147tasaichiselsfront_1.jpg

[Jim Shaver, Oakville Ont.]

Outstanding Frank!


Yes I know of Tasai, his work is very highly sought after, Lovely, I am so glad you showed your chisels too!

I will indeed let you know how they last. I have a set of 5 of Imai's push dove tail slicks, also sword steel...incredible edges !!

[Brent in Montreal]

Hi Guys,

Beautiful chisels, both of you!!!!!!! I've had a set of Miyanaga Kamaji blue steel chisels for a while now. I know what you mean about holding an edge. It took a few sharpenings, but once I got to "good" steel they are great. I find they take a sharper edge than any western chisel I have and last longer also. One thing I learnt on another set I had was that it's better to work the back a bit with every sharpening to keep a good distance from the hollow. If you wait till it gets to close, there is a lot of work involved in getting it back.

[Dara]

nice looking chisels
I'm rapidly learning about sharp hand held steel
sweet to work with

and that laminated steel does look pretty on those chisels

[Chris in Pickering]

Jim,

I have a set of Two Cherries, as you did.
Can you please describe the differences in the way the new chisels work, sharpen. feel etc....

Thanks,

Chris

[Dara]

just happened by the Misugi website
I understand a bit more now

bet you don't work on a concrete floor with them