Shinogi-Usu-Nomi Japanese Specially Made Dovetail Paring Chisel - 5mm

Brand name: Suzuki (鈴木, It might be the name of the store that sold it.)

Smith name: Unknown

Steel: Carbon steel

Blade width: 5mm

Blade thickness: Blade Bottom (about 13.60mm)， The blade near the bevel (about 10.20mm）

Manufacture Era: before 1970s (according to collector’s memory)

Weight: 197g

Blade Angles: 26°

Total length: 395mm

Neck length: 90mm

Blade length: 110mm

Types of wooden handles：Japanese White Oak（Shirakashi）

Accessories：—

Additional Information: Used, in good condition. I did a repair sharpening, bevel to 1000 grit, ura to 5000 grit. The wooden handle appears to be handmade and installed by the previous owner. While the installation is not perfect, it does not affect the tool's performance.

I discovered this chisel at an antique shop in the Kanto region.

Although the markings do not identify the specific blacksmith, the craftsmanship clearly indicates that this is an exceptional tool. Typically, the lamination on this style of chisel involves the steel sitting flat against the soft iron (similar to standard Japanese carving chisels). However, on this piece, the Hagane (hard steel) actually wraps around part of the Jigane (soft iron). This technique demands a very high level of skill from the blacksmith.

Even Mr. Tsuchida expressed admiration when he examined it: 'The steel is wrapping around the soft iron!'

Judging by the curvature of the neck and the blade, this tool looks very similar to those used by Japanese scabbard makers (Sayashi). However, while the back of blade a scabbard maker's chisel usually has a slight curve, the back of this chisel's blade is flat. It would be very convenient to use for working on narrow dovetail grooves.