Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Japanese mortise chisel recommendations, please.
Howard Pollack
>Hi- I'm in the market for a couple of Japanese mortise chisels, but I have no idea about how to pick them. Are there brands that people think particularly highly of? What about brands to avoid? Thanks -Howard
Re: Japanese mortise chisel recommendations, pleas
Wiley Horne--Glendora CA
>Hi Howard,
In one word, Tasai, from www.japanesetools.com. Talk with Harrelson Stanley there, who is very knowledgeable. Blue steel. $115 for 6mm. The sidewalls are beautifully relieved for good clearance, and you can count on a beautiful weldline. You'll never regret buying Tasai.
If $115 for a 6mm doesn't fit the budget, consider Chuttaro Imai at www.misugidesigns.com. Also a fine maker, and $72 for a 6mm. Call Kayoko, who is a joy to deal with. I use Imai chisels every day, and they're excellent.
Hida Tool also carries Imai under the Fujihiro brand name, at www.hidatool.com.
Joel, at Tools for Working Wood (link from this forum), is highly knowledgeable and a straightshooter, and carries Iyoroi mortise chisels at about 1/2 the Imai price (last time I looked). I would trust his word, and also trust him to select chisels for me.
If you can swing it, Tasai.
Wiley
Re: Japanese mortise chisel recommendations, pleas
Alan Womack
>No personal experience, however a long time user of japanese tools, Jay Greer, is quite happy with his Iyori mortise chisels. Highland hardware is another source for them. $199 for the whole set.
Alan
Re: Japanese mortise chisel recommendations, pleas *LINK*
Scott Burr in Ben Lomond CA
>I have 5 Fujihiro and I could'nt be happier with them. They hold an edge great and I've had no problems with them. Well, only ones caused by myself... Don't use a 375g chisel hammer on a 1.5mm chisle :~0
Fujihiro mortise chisel
Re: Japanese mortise chisel recommendations, pleas
Paul M. in San Diego
>I have a 9mm Iyori mortise chisel, and I've pounded on it without any chipping or crumbling problems. I'm quite pleased with it. And the price was right for a bottom-feeder like me.