Japanese Carpentry Chisel SENKICHI DOUSHO - 12 mm

Product detailed description

The blades of traditional Japanese Nomi chisels (鑿) are made by laminating two layers of steel. The body itself is intentionally made of a softer material, which absorbs shocks when struck with a mallet and reduces the chance of damaging the tool. However, the edge is made of extremely hard carbon steel, which during manufacturing becomes a layer with a hardness of 62 Rc in classic Nomi chisels, up to a hardness of 67 Rc in Japanese chisels with HSS blades, while classic European chisels only achieve a hardness of 58 to 60 Rc.

Handmade Nomi chisels are created using the blacksmith welding method, which was used worldwide before the advent of cheap mass-produced steel. Unfortunately, this once excellent technique is practically no longer used in chisel manufacturing outside of Japan today.

Nomi Chisel Features

✅ Traditional Japanese Nomi chisel
✅ For general carpentry use
✅ Handmade
✅ Blade hardness up to 62 Rc
✅ Selected edge profile = less friction
✅ Edge at an angle = higher working depth
✅ Handle made of red oak
✅ Made in Japan

The edge is set into the handle at a slight angle, which allows for achieving a higher working depth. The selected edge profile reduces the area that the chisel contacts the processed wood and decreases material friction. At the same time, this makes the chisel easier to sharpen, and after re-sharpening, the blade retains its straight shape. Sharpening these chisels is recommended using wet Japanese whetstones, which rewards you with excellent sharpness and edge durability for a long time.

The ferrule of the Nomi chisel needs to be fitted before first use.