Ryoba Noko Japanese Both Sided Hand Saw by Hiroda Kikujiro - 210mm

Smith name: Hiroda Akira (廣田輝, 1933~2018)

Brand name: Hiroda Kikujiro (廣田菊次郎)

Steel: Carbon Steel

Cutting edge length: 210mm

Total length: 535mm 

Blade thickness: about 0.50mm

Blade width: 70 ~ 88mm

Weight: 137g

Manufacture Era: around 1990

Accessories: -

Additional Information: This saw is new old stock, unused, and in good condition. It has already been sharpened and tuned (metate completed) and is ready for immediate use.

Aside from the three sons of the 2nd generation Miyano Tetsunosuke, Hirota Kikujiro is the only sawsmith mentioned in the 2020 Miyano Tetsunosuke exhibition held at the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum as someone deeply influenced by the 2nd generation Miyano Tetsunosuke. Below is the introductory excerpt about this blacksmith from the exhibition catalogue:

“Hirota Akira (1933-2018) was born in Miki City. After training as a sawsmith under Hirota Nakazo(廣田仲蔵), he established his own practice and undertook saw-smithing under the name "Hirota Kikujiro", and was a renowned master. He also had deep ties with Tetsunosuke Miyano II on the subject of calligraphy works. In the Iwanami film production 'Nihon no Nokogiri' [Japanese Saw], Hirota helps Hiromitsu, Yükichi, and Tomoya with the production of tama-hagane saws.”

Additionally, on Mr. Toshiaki Suzuki’s website, he is documented as one of the apprentices of the 2nd generation Miyano Tetsunosuke. Below is the account regarding this smith from that website:

“Kikujiro Hirota was an apprentice who worked alongside the 2nd generation Miyano Tetsunosuke during his prime. He was evaluated with high regard: 'His works were exceptionally beautiful; while second to Tetsunosuke only in the metallurgical research of tamahagane, his skill in forging the saw and finishing the plate with a sen was every bit the equal of Tetsunosuke himself.'