Shinogi-Tataki-Nomi Japanese Hand Made Dovetail Timber Chisel By Hidari-Hisasaku Ⅰ - 24mm

Brand name: Hidari-Hisasaku (左久作)

Smith name: Ikegami Kisaku(池上喜作， 1899～？)

Steel: Carbon Steel

Blade width: 24mm

Blade thickness: Blade Bottom (about 9.80mm)， The blade near the bevel (about 7.20mm）

Manufacture Era: before 1940s (according to collector’s memory)

Weight: 212g

Blade Angles: 26°

Total length: 285mm

Neck length: 63mm

Blade length: 87mm

Types of wooden handles：Japanese White Oak（Shirakashi）

Accessories：—

Additional Information: This chisel has only seen light use and is in good condition. The original Miyadaiku applied a layer of anti-rust lacquer to the surface for long-term protection. I did a repair sharpening, bevel to 1000 grit. 

It comes from the descendants of a retired Miyadaiku from Kamakura. The chisels from this Miya-daiku currently listed on the website are as follows:

1:Shinogi-Chu-Tataki-Nomi By Hidarimeijin - 24mm；

2: Yamairi-Tataki-Nomi By Hidari-Munehiro；

This is a rare chisel from the first-generation Hidari Hisasaku, kept in excellent condition. Upon acquiring it, I immediately noticed that its craftsmanship and precision were superior to most second or third-generation pieces I have encountered. To verify its maker, I personally visited the current third-generation Hidari Sakusaku with this chisel. After a careful examination, he confirmed to me that this is indeed the work of his grandfather, the founder of Hidari Hisasaku.

This chisel left a profound impression on me.

As an early work of the first-generation Hidari Hisasaku (one of the most accomplished disciples of the second-generation Hidari Hisahiro), this piece perfectly embodies the spirit of Pre-WWII Tokyo's "practical tools" . 

Two key characteristics define this philosophy:

1. Slender yet Structural ('Bony'): The chisel body and handle are slender, designed for maximum efficiency in force transmission. Yet, it lacks nothing in strength; it possesses a distinct 'bony' quality—sharp, crisp lines with no excess weight.

2. The Balance of Efficiency and Precision: You can see the choices made to maintain production efficiency. For instance, the transition of the chamfers (mentori) into the neck is simplified to save time. However, this aesthetic simplification does not compromise the tool's core. Both the functional geometry and the precision of the lamination between the hard steel (Hagane) and soft iron (Jigane) are exceptionally high.