Kakuuchi-Tataki-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Timber Chisel By By Second Generation Hisahiro - 30mm

Smith name: KASHIWAGI MASATARO (He passed away in 1935)

Steel: Carbon steel

Blade width: 30mm

Blade thickness: Blade Bottom(about 9.30mm)，The blade near the bevel (about 5.40mm)

Blade Cross section: Rectangular Kakuuchi style

Manufacture Era: 1906~1935 (Inference based on available information)

Weight: 300g

Blade Angles: 27°

Total length: 300mm

Neck length:  72mm

Blade length: 92mm

Wooden handles：Japanese White Oak（Shirakashi）

Accessories：—

Additional Information: A remarkably rare kakuuchi tataki-nomi  forged by Hidari Hisahiro II (二代 左久弘). Judging by the substantial remaining blade length, it was used for only a brief period before being put away for decades. Considering that Japan's military expansion escalated around 1931, it is quite likely that the carpenter who acquired this chisel was drafted into service shortly thereafter.

To verify my assessment regarding its blacksmith, I brought it to Mr. Hidari Hisasaku (左久作) in Tsukishima. After a close inspection, he confirmed that it is indeed the work of Hidari Hisahiro II and noted just how rare it is. Hidari Hisahiro II was an immensely popular practical blacksmith in Tokyo, meaning the vast majority of his chisels were ground completely away through daily trade use. While one might occasionally come across less-frequently used gouges (sotomaru-nomi) or slick chisels (ootsuki-nomi), finding a tataki-nomi preserved in such complete condition is truly exceptional.

I have given it a basic functional sharpening. Wanting to avoid unnecessary steel removal, I only honed the portion of the primary bevel near the cutting edge. The bevel is currently taken up to #1000 grit, and the back (ura) has been worked to approximately #3000 grit. During sharpening, the steel felt remarkably uniform and fine-grained, but harder than that of Kiyotada chisels. At its current bevel angle, it is best suited for working softwoods.