warrenr
Established Member
Picking up on a separate string about Japanese chisels.
I am lucky enough to visit Japan occasionally. Earlier this year I went skiing (my major passion) in a very small town in northern Hokkaido. While there I bought some Japanese tools in the only tool outlet, a local equivalent of B&Q.
My purchases included a Z-saw 240, two Vessel micro screwdrivers and two well made 100mm clamps unnamed. Other purchases included a 210*73*22mm 6000 grit King waterstone plus a flattening stone. Generally prices were 50-60% of UK prices where a direct comparison was possible, although a few items were similarly priced.
A very limited selection of chisels were on sale. They were priced at between US$13 -US$35 for 6mm-42mm long blade firmer chisels. I could not identify the maker and the web-site address offered no clues in English. I would add photos but cannot see how this is done on the system.
I also bought some cheap semi-professional double bevel kitchen knives which are excellent.
Has anyone had experience of buying chisels or plane blades in Japan? I suspect that you have to go one of the main cities.
Knife street next to Tokyo's fish market is a world mecca for top chef's around the world. This is where a very good friend buys chef knives for his daughter who is a top international chef. At the same location he has his own knives sharpened by the "master sharpener" (45 minutes per knife; only in Japan!). He does this while on business so a Tokyo source for chisels would be best as he visits quite often.
Richard
I am lucky enough to visit Japan occasionally. Earlier this year I went skiing (my major passion) in a very small town in northern Hokkaido. While there I bought some Japanese tools in the only tool outlet, a local equivalent of B&Q.
My purchases included a Z-saw 240, two Vessel micro screwdrivers and two well made 100mm clamps unnamed. Other purchases included a 210*73*22mm 6000 grit King waterstone plus a flattening stone. Generally prices were 50-60% of UK prices where a direct comparison was possible, although a few items were similarly priced.
A very limited selection of chisels were on sale. They were priced at between US$13 -US$35 for 6mm-42mm long blade firmer chisels. I could not identify the maker and the web-site address offered no clues in English. I would add photos but cannot see how this is done on the system.
I also bought some cheap semi-professional double bevel kitchen knives which are excellent.
Has anyone had experience of buying chisels or plane blades in Japan? I suspect that you have to go one of the main cities.
Knife street next to Tokyo's fish market is a world mecca for top chef's around the world. This is where a very good friend buys chef knives for his daughter who is a top international chef. At the same location he has his own knives sharpened by the "master sharpener" (45 minutes per knife; only in Japan!). He does this while on business so a Tokyo source for chisels would be best as he visits quite often.
Richard
