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Japanese Chisels

Japanese chisels (Nomi) are renowned worldwide for their exceptional sharpness, durability, and craftsmanship. They combine centuries-old blacksmithing traditions with top-notch functionality and are valued by professional woodworkers as well as discerning hobby carpenters.

Japanese chisels are characterized by their two-layer blade construction: an extremely hard cutting layer made of high-carbon tool steel is forged onto a softer backing layer of iron or mild steel. This construction not only ensures excellent edge retention but also provides good impact resistance and facilitates sharpening.

The blades of Japanese chisels are finely ground at the factory and can be brought to razor-sharpness with minimal effort. The slightly concave back (Ura) of the blade allows for particularly fine and precise work.

The handles also showcase the high craftsmanship of Japanese toolmakers: they are typically made from hard, robust white or red oak wood and are reinforced with a steel ring (Katsura) at the end to safely absorb blows from a wooden mallet (Genno).

Japanese chisels are available in various shapes and widths—from classic flat chisels (Ashi Nomi) to gouges, skew chisels, or Deko-Nomi, as well as specialized models for fine detail work or hard-to-reach areas.

Whether for precise dovetail joints, clean shoulders, or intricate detailing, a good Japanese chisel quickly becomes an indispensable tool in any well-equipped workshop.