Ootsuki-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Slick Chisel - 42mm・Edo period

Smith name: Unknown

Steel: Tamahagane

Jigane(Iron part of the blade): Watetsu

Blade width: 42mm

Blade thickness: Blade Bottom(about 10.20mm)，The blade near the bevel（about 7.30mm）

Manufacture Era: Edo period

Weight: 237g

Blade Angles: 30°

Total length: 190mm

Neck length: 110mm(Including the portion of the jigane length extending from the neck to the blade)

Blade length: 35mm

Types of wooden handles：-

Accessories：-

Additional Information:  This is a classic antique Tsuki-nomi from the Japanese Edo period, hand-forged from premium-quality Watetsu (traditional iron) and Tamahagane (traditional steel). It bears a blacksmith's mark, though it is unfortunately illegible. I sought Mr. Tsuchida’s expertise, but even he was unable to identify the specific maker. However, he confirmed that the blacksmith was undoubtedly based in the Kanto region and possessed an exceptional level of skill.

This chisel exhibits distinct characteristics that set it apart from typical modern Japanese chisels:

First, the laminated steel section is noticeably shorter.

Second, the transition from the neck to the blade is much more gradual and gentler.

Starting from the Meiji period, the shape of Japanese chisels gradually began to transition into the familiar forms we see today. The evolutionary timeline generally progressed as follows:

This Chisel → “Ootsuki-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Slick Chisel By Mitsuyoshi - 42mm” → “Ootsuki-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Slick Chisel - 42mm ” → Common modern styles