| Review by Lee A. Jesberger | posted 276 days ago | 550 views | 0 times favorited | 16 comments |  |
- Takahashi 5/8-Inch Namazori Chisel
- Brand: Takahashi | Category: Chisels and Carving Tools
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I’ve been using these chisels, available in 5/8” and 3/4”, for about ten years I guess. I purchased them from Japan Woodworkers website. http://www.japanwoodworker.com
These chisels are incredibly useful, but also somewhat dangerous to us western woodworkers. The way in which we tend to handle chisels leads to cut thumbs, as both sides are razor sharp. It took me a while to get used to that fact.
They are designed to be used in carving back rounds smooth, or to clean glue out of corners, (although I don’t use them for that). I find them to be very handy for a number of cutting and paring tasks.
This is the write up in the Japan Woodworkers Catalog.
Namazori Chisels (Spear Chisel) are small versions of the ancient Japanese tool used for planing. Today they are used by wood carvers for shaving flat surfaces, trimming grooves and working into corners impossible to with conventional style carving tools.
Miki City Master of Blacksmiths, Takahashi, has agreed to manufacture Professional Grade Wood Carving Tools for us. These tools are hand forged from the finest quality Shirogami Hagane (Japanese white steel). Careful supervision is maintained throughout the over twenty separate steps required to complete each tool. Particular attention is taken to ensure each tool is individually tempered to Rockwell c64°. The inside of the blade is finely finished by hand to give a sharper, longer lasting edge. The handles are made from Akagashi (Japanese Red Oak) and are slightly rounded at the top for comfortable hand use. A tapered ferrule enables the handle to withstand blows from heavy mallets. Takahashi wood carving tools come razor sharp with a well polished bevel. The overall length is 10? and blade length is 2¼?.
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As I recall they are about $ 50.00 each, but I feel they’re well worth the money. They hold an edge extremely well, and come razor sharp. I’ve not even had to hone them yet.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
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16 comments so far
PanamaJack
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4452 posts in 617 days
posted 276 days ago
Great review Lee.
-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,
Karson
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14323 posts in 940 days
posted 276 days ago
I saw these chisels at Lee’s home at last years picnic. And I can attest to the fine looks of them. Alas I didn’t get to use them.
Great review Lee.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Dick, & Barb Cain
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5398 posts in 839 days
posted 276 days ago
Thanks for the review Lee.
Those Japanese tools look very inviting.
Not that I really need more chisels. ;0)
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
dennis mitchell
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3057 posts in 854 days
posted 276 days ago
They look scary!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
GaryK
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8565 posts in 528 days
posted 276 days ago
Interesting! I have never seen them before.
I hope that you aren’t supposed to use it like you use must Japanese tools.
That is pulling toward yourself! An slip could be fatal!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Thank’s Panama.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Karson;
I must be a horrible host!
For the record, you’re more than welcome to use anything in my shop at any time. (except Alexandra) LOL.
That should cover it.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Hi Dick;
I imagine you do have all the chisels you need, after having seen the incredible carvings on your “Wall of Cain”.
But us woodworkers always need something new! Makes it interesting.
Kind of like ladies and shoes!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Hi Dennis;
I agree, and they are! My habit of guiding a paring chisel with my left thumb is an absolute no no.
Still, each time I pick them up they remind me not to do that!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Hi Gary;
I believe that is for saws and planes only. Definitely not for their chisels.
I mentioned that in a previous post. It would be difficult to drive to the emergency room with the handle hitting the steering wheel.
I can picture Homer Simpson trying that. Dooh! Dooh! Dooh!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
teenagewoodworker
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2143 posts in 308 days
posted 275 days ago
ya I’ve heard a lot of great things about Japanese chisels. they are supposed to be top quality. I am just in the process of saving up a couple of dollars a week for better chisels that the 3 chisels i got for ten dollars.
scottb
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3064 posts in 867 days
posted 275 days ago
did I read that right, haven’t had to hone them in 10 years? That’s worth the price alone!
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Hi Teenagewoodworker;
I have a few sets of Japanese chisels and I love them. The quality difference is almost embarrasing, since I’m from here, not there.
Several nice sets are available from http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com
That’s where I got them from.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 275 days ago
Hi Scott;
Yes, that’s right. and they’re still after my left thumb!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
BlueStingrayBoots
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329 posts in 542 days
posted 274 days ago
Thanks for providing the website Lee, cant wait to get some needed cutlery(at a great price). I seem to have a mesquite cookout backlog.
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 274 days ago
No problem my friend.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com