Oire-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Bench Chisel By Ichihiro Ⅱ - 42mm

Smith name: Yamazaki Isamu

Steel: White Steel

Blade width: 42mm

Blade thickness: Blade Bottom(about 7.65mm)， The blade near the bevel（about 4.30mm）

Manufacture Era: Around 1970–1980

Weight: 173g

Blade Angles: 25°

Total length: 215mm

Neck length:  46mm

Blade length: 53mm

Types of wooden handles：Gumi

Accessories：—

Additional Information: Used, in good condition. I did a repair sharpening, bevel to 2000 grit, ura to 5000 grit. 

This is an Oire chisel from the era of the second-generation Ichihiro. Although it dates back to the era of the 2nd generation Ichihiro, the shaping process was likely completed by Yamazaki Shozo. As a result, the overall form and the style of the shoulders are very similar to those seen in 3rd generation Ichihiro works.

Based on the feedback from the steel and the condition of the burr while sharpening the chisel, the steel is quite hard—harder than the steel found in Kiyotada chisels. That said, the heat treatment is excellent, with a uniform microstructure and good toughness. However, since the toughness is slightly lower than most Kiyotada chisels, you might need to increase the bevel angle when working with hardwoods.

I also verified with Mr. Tsuchida that Kiyotada chisels generally use White Steel No. 2 (Shirogami #2), while Ichihiro primarily uses White Steel No. 1 (Shirogami #1). Speaking strictly of the steel itself—excluding the influence of the blacksmith's technique—White Paper No. 1 is harder, while White Paper No. 2 possesses greater toughness.