Oire-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Bench Chisel By Hironobu - 42mm

Brand name: Hironobu(博信)

Smith name: Unknown

Steel: White Steel

Blade width: 42mm

Blade thickness: Blade Bottom(about 10.70mm)， The blade near the bevel（about 5.60mm）

Weight: 273g

Blade Angles: 31°

Total length: 228mm

Neck length:  43mm

Blade length: 60mm

Types of wooden handles: Japanese White Oak（Shirakashi）

Accessories：—

Additional Information: Unused, originally purchased from a tool shop in the Aichi region. The transition between the neck and the ferrule of these chisels features the classic Kansai-style treatment—“擦り合わせ/suriawase" . 

To inspect the quality of the steel, I performed an initial basic sharpening, taking both the primary bevel and the ura (flat back) up to #1000 grit. The steel responded very well on the stone: judging by its hardness and edge feedback, it is likely forged from Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel No. 2). The microscopic grain structure appears fine and uniform, producing a burr that exhibits an nice balance of rigidity and tenacity. This chisel is well-suited for working medium to harder woods.

Two things impressed me deeply about this chisels. First is the exceptional craftsmanship. Even the wider chisels aren't forged as thin as most typical Kansai-style chisels. Furthermore, the chamfering (mentori) exhibits a distinct vintage style reminiscent of the Meiji period, where the bevel tapers off and disappears right where the blade meets the neck.