Tool Guides

  Welcome to our tutorial on using Japanese chisels, where we'll explore the role of the Katsura (chisel hoop) & how to adjust It working with it. We'll break it down step by step so that it's easy to understand and put into practice.   1: What is Katura? The top of the striking chisel handle has an iron hoop. We say it "Katura" in Japanese. Its primary function is to reinforce the wooden handle to prevent splitting when struck.   New Japanese striking chisels need to have the hoop adjusted. If you skip the katsura-setting process and start using the...

Explore the craftsmanship of Japanese chisels with this guide focused on the "Bench Chisel." Whether you're a beginner or upgrading your tools, we'll cover essential techniques like marking wood and selecting the right chisel. You'll also learn to create clean, precise holes with ease and discover high-quality tools from Kakuri to elevate your woodworking projects. Getting to Know the Chisel: Types & Uses The Bench Chisel, a type of striking chisel, is one of the most versatile tools in Japanese woodworking. This striking chisel is designed to be used with a hammer and comes with a metal hoop (called a...

There are some differences between Japanese and Western chisels in how the blade is made and designed.
These differences and the characteristics of Japanese chisels are introduced below.