Yamairi-Tataki-Nomi Japanese Specially Made Timber Chisel By Hidari-Munehiro

Brand name: Hidari-Munehiro (左宗弘)

Smith name: Unknown

Steel: Carbon Steel

Blade width: 16,18mm

Blade thickness:

16mm: Blade Bottom(about 14.60mm)， The blade near the bevel(about 11.90mm)

18mm: Blade Bottom(about 14.80mm)， The blade near the bevel(about 11.50mm)

Manufacture Era: before 1950

Weight: 379g,400g

Blade Angles: 30°

Total length(16/18mm): 303mm/306mm

Neck length(16/18mm): 95mm/92mm

Blade length(16/18mm): 75mm/80mm

Types of wooden handles: Japanese White Oak（Shirakashi）

Accessories：—

Additional Information: These two chisels are lightly used and in good condition. The original Miyadaiku applied a layer of anti-rust lacquer to the surface for long-term protection. Notably, these chisels feature an extended neck design.

These two chisels, and this one(Shinogi-Chu-Tataki-Nomi By Hidarimeijin), come from the descendants of a Kamakura Miyadaiku. I did a repair sharpening, bevel to 1000 grit. 

Yamairi" refers to a specialized laminated structure of iron and steel. The steel pattern on the blade bevel is shaped like the Chinese character "山" (meaning 'Mountain'). This unique construction is primarily used for slender mortise chisels. The Yamairi technique significantly enhances the tool's structural integrity, effectively preventing the blade from bending during heavy use. The Yamairi lamination on this pair is flawless. In terms of craftsmanship, they are a significant step up from the chisel  I shared earlier.

This blacksmith was one of the disciples of Hidari Hisahiro II. For more information about him, please refer to the end of my blog post —— 『OTHER TOKYO CHISEL MARKS』