Channel Title: The Carpentry Life Channel Description: Welcome to The Carpentry Life! This channel is a documented journey of life as a carpenter working in Japan. The journey started in 2020 with an interest in building a house using traditional Japanese architecture and techniques. You may find techniques presented on this channel primitive or amateur, but with time it is hoped that the skills shown improve to level of professional craftsmanship that most aspire to. For business inquiries or if you are interested in building a Japanese inspired home in your country, feel free to contact us on Instagram or by email (destinationworld20@gmail.com). We hope you enjoy the show. <video> Crafting Excellence: A Day with the World-Famous Tasai (田齊): Forging and Maintaining Chisels Description: In this video, we are in Sanjo, Niigata, Japan hanging out with Tasai Nomi Seisakusho. This father and son duo produce some of the finest chisels in the world. You can find their products almost everywhere. If you have the opportunity to use a Tasai chisel you would understand why they are so desired. The techniques for forging chisels have been modified through the years, but the basics remain the same. It is this iterative process that has allowed Tasai to perfect his skill and make an amazing product. I brought one of my Tasai chisels to the shop to ask about repairing the "Ura" of backside of the chisel. I had a hard time flattening the backside and I wanted to get some advice from the younger Tasai on what I should do. Most chisel and plane blade manufacturers in Japan will always help repair their own products and also provide advice on sharpening techniques. I was fortunate enough to have Tasai help me repair my chisel to an extent. We hope you enjoy this video. </video> <video> Nokogiri (Japanese Hand Saw) Vise for Sharpening - 鋏板 - 鋸の目立て #japanesecarpentry #carpentry Description: In this short, I modeled a Nokogiri Vise used for sharpening Japanese hand saws. This is a very useful piece of hardware that every carpentry should have in their shops. The design of this vise is very flexible in shape, size, wood type, etc. The most important aspect of this clamp/vise is the orientation of the wood grain. Please not the orientation as it will help with the biting force on a saw. The process of sharpening your own saws is a learning process that will undoubtly take time to master. This is a skill I wish to acquire much like the skill needed to sharpen a chisel or plane blade consistently. We hope you enjoy this short and are inspired to practice sharpening your own saws. </video> <video> Craftsmanship: A Day with Kanna Blacksmith Keisuke Uchihashi (Keizaburo - 圭三郎) from Miki, Japan Description: In this video, we take a tour of Keisuke Uchihashi's (Keizaburo - 圭三郎) blacksmithing shop near Miki City, Hyogo, Japan. Keizaburo is a young blacksmith with a lot of credits to his name, being the 1st generation in his blacksmithing lineage and having only been in the industry for over 20 years. His interest in tools and working with hands drove him to becoming a blacksmith. The rapidly declining numbers of traditional craftsman in Japan has sparked the interest of Keisuke Uchihashi motivating him to explore Japanese blacksmithing. He studied under a local master before breaking away and creating his own brand "Keizaburo." His tools are gaining a lot of interest in carpentry and at the Kezuroukai meetings because of his quality of craftsmanship. However, if you ask Keizaburo what is the secret to his success, he may only respond with the statement that he is not as good as others and that he tries to do this for fun. To him making beautiful planes (Kanna) to be used by other carpenters and craftsman is really a by-product of his desire to enjoy his work and have fun. His blacksmithing shop is very secluded, allowing him to concentrate without any distraction. His techniques are both traditional and modern, however, he tries to deviate from tradition when he has the opportunity by creating one of a kind pieces with his own personality built into them. Keizaburo is also known to go against industry tradition by making Kanna blades that are odd in size. He believes that this is an are of the blacksmithing industry that is not as competitive allowing him to approach his work in a more relaxed state. I suggest anyone wanting to buy a Kanna to explore Keizaburo's line up of tools. He does not make many blades, but if you get a chance to use one it is certainly worth it. I personally have bought one and have recently had a Kanna Dai made for it. Stay tuned for later videos where I plan to use the Keizaburo blade on future carpentry work. Thank you for watching. </video> <video> Japanese Blacksmith: Tsunesaburo (常三郎) in Miki, Japan - Traditional / Modern Methods in Kanna Making Description: In this video, we are in Miki City, Japan at Mr. Uozumi's Blacksmithing shop. His company's brand is called Tsunesaburo (常三郎). It was an interesting visit as I wanted to see how to properly repair the back side or Ura (裏) on two Kanna (鉋) blades that I had. These two blades are very different in metallurgy and this video will show more about this. In addition to repair my blades, we take a look through his workshop where he shows us how he mixes tradtional techniques with modern methods. His company has the ability to make high-quality blades at a faster rate than other blacksmiths. It is very interesting to see this. The one blade is an inexpensive blade from a local hardware store and the other was a used blade that I found. The second blade is something of a mystery as I was told it may be an Usui Kengo. In the past blacksmiths used to sell their products to distribution companies or tool shops as OEM products. In this way, these companies or tools shops would place their own logos or brand names on the products. It is strange to think that the artisan/blacksmith would not want to place their signature on it, however, it is common to see this in Japan. In this case, we suspected that it was an older Usui Kengo blade having matched some of the characteristics that one of the blacksmiths at Tsunesaburo was able to identify. I have been all over Japan at this point and have studied and seen many Kanna and Nomi of other craftsman. You can tell the care and skill of a carpenter often by the way they treat their tools. Everyone starts pretty roughly which can result in your earlier tools being not well shaped during the sharpening process. In this case you will find the Ura on a lot of tools not well done. Flattening the back, or Uradashi, is a difficult thing to master. I struggle with this on all my tools. This being said, I wanted to learn how to repair the Ura. The blacksmiths at Tsunesaburo were very kind to help me repair the Ura on two blades. However, I have discovered that proper tools and a high skill set are paramount in doing this process. The blacksmiths there did tell me that I could do it, but I don't think it will come out as well as they did. They made it look easy. Tsunesaburo makes numerous blade styles in numerous metal types. At the end of the video you will see some of the blades that are most popular. We hope you like this video. Thank you for watching. </video> <video> Mastering the Craft: Inside Japan's Most Famous Gennou Blacksmith Shop - Doushinsai Masatsura 道心斎 正行 Description: In this video, we visit world famous Gennou (玄能) and Kanazuchi (金槌) blacksmith, Baba Masayuki. He is the blacksmith behind the Doushinsai Masatsura brand from Sanjo, Niigata. We have met with Mr. Baba several times in the past and finally had the opportunity to meet up to make this video. It was exciting to see how Mr. Baba makes his world-famous hammer heads. His hammers are well balanced and beautifully crafted. It may seem strange to think that a hammer is just a hammer, however, after having used western hammers and Japanese hammers I have learned there is a difference. This difference is really something you need to investigate for yourself. When you swing a hammer to drive a nail or a komisen with an inferior hammer you will immediately tell the difference. I would say that there are a lot of pluses when using a hand forged hammer, but I also believe that western hammers also possess a lot of great qualities. Whether it is titanium handles with steel heads made by Martinez or Stiletto or your trusted Estwing or Stanley metal and wood handled hammers, it is really up to the user what is most comfortable. A heavy hammer for chiseling is what I prefer. I personally use a 580 grams (or 150匁 (Momme)). However, since this video I have gone on to purchase a heavier Doushinsai Masatsura Gennou head that weighs 744 grams (200匁 (Momme)). I hope other carpenters out there get the chance to buy a Doushinsai Masatsura hammer as it is a very well made and beautifully crafted tool. #japanesecarpentry #japaneseblacksmith #japaneseculture #japancraftsman #hammer #carpentry #joinery #carpenter #大工道具 #大工 #玄能 #金槌 #道心斎正行 </video> <video> The Best 3 Japanese Woodworking Shops Near Tokyo - Chisels & Planes #japanesecarpentry #carpenter Description: In this short video, I present the top 3 Japanese carpentry shops near Tokyo, Japan. These 3 shops are ranked in order of what I think are the best ones. This is by no means an exhaustive list of shops available. No. 1 and No. 3 DO NOT ship internationally, but No. 2 DOES ship internationally. Addresses to these shops: No. 1 - Sagami Daiku Dougu Kan 5-chōme-1 Seishin, Chuo Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0216 http://www.toolmate.co.jp/ No. 2 - Kurashige Yamasuke Tools 7 Chome-5-19 Nishiarai, Adachi City, Tokyo 123-0841 https://kurashigetools.com/ No. 3 ‐ Inoue Hamono 3 Chome-17-8 Tatekawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0023 The business hours and times may vary depending on store and day of the week. Please check on Google Maps for store hours when available. We hope you enjoy this video. </video> <video> Rare Japanese Carpentry Tool Shop - Misaka Kanamono in Osaka, Japan #japanesecarpentry #carpentry Description: In this short video, we visit Misaka Kanamono in Osaka, Japan. We had a long chat with the shop owner and he showed us a lot of tools that you won't find anymore. Some of these tools are from a Sawsmith from Miki, Japan Tetsunosuke, well known for hand saws that are extremely well made and hand shaped and sharpened. These saws can cost upwards of 750,000 JPY. We also got a chance to see some chisels from Nishiki, a Blacksmith from Miki. His chisels are highly sought after by carpenters throughout Japan. I would say that the Misaka Kanamono is a step back in time where you can find tools from famous Blacksmiths and Sawsmiths of the past. It was a really nice experience to spend the better part of the afternoon with Mr. Misaka and his wife at their shop in Osaka, Japan. If you decide to visit this shop the address is here: 三坂金物 (Misaka Kanamono) 1-chōme-9 Asahi, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0011 Please keep in mind Mr. Misaka and his wife do not speak English, but if you know what you are looking for, I think he would be happy to find it in his store. We hope you enjoy the video. </video> <video> Grinding Wheels and Special Tools - A Pro Tip in Fixing Your Own Japanese Plane and Chisel Description: In this video, we are with some of the blacksmiths at Tsunesaburo who gave me some advice on repairing a Japanese plane blade and chisel. There is a tool that they use to clean the pores and reshape the surface of a grinding wheel that I thought was interesting. This tool is called a dresser at it is specially made for grinding wheels. You will see this tool online and it is available from a variety of manufacturers. I have seen some correction / resurfacing tools for grinding wheels, but nothing like the one that was shown to me at Tsunesaburo. I hope you enjoy this video. Thank you for watching. </video> <video> Fixing Deformed Kanna Blades and Tools to Use to Prevent Unwanted Damage - Japanese Carpentry Tools Description: In this video, we recap and also show some additional techniques for fixing a deformed Kanna blade and also talk about some tools that you can use to prevent unwanted damage to your Kanna. It is really a matter of preference on how you wish to keep your tools operating well. Over my time working in carpentry and having spent quite a bit of money on tools, I want to try to keep them looking nice. This being said, I think it is important to know how to fix a Kanna blade and also how to keep them looking nice by using tools that will not adversely damage them. I often purchase old tools and tried restoring them, whether there is rust or deformation, each tool is different and requires different repairs. I show in this video an Usui Kengo blade that I bought used and have been in the process of repairing. The previous owner probably used a steel hammer when adjusting his / her Kanna. This video will show you the safest way to repair a deformed blade and also adjust the bevel so that it is optimal for usage. At the end of the video I show an assortment of hammers that range from wood to steel. I wanted to showcase that a steel hammer can cause excessive damage to a Kanna. However, hitting a Kanna with a steel hammer is not bad, it is really personal preference on how you want to treat your tools. Thank you for watching. </video> <video> Japanese Traditional Carpentry - New House Build. #woodworking #building #japanesecarpentry #大工 Description: In this short, we are preparing the wood for a new house build which will be built up in early 2024. I am using a Tasai chisel, Doushinsai hammer, and a Komori plane to do the carving work seen in this short. </video> <video> Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Description: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. Thank you to everyone who has watched The Carpentry Life and have helped grow this channel. Thank you to everyone who has purchased merchandise from The Carpentry Life store and other affiliated stores. It means a lot and it helps support the expansion of this channel. Happy New Year and all the best. </video> <video> Miki Hardware Festival - 三木金物まつり - Largest Selection of Carpentry Tools #japanesecarpentry Description: In this short, we are in Miki City, Hyogo, Japan at the Miki Hardware Festival November 2023. This is one of the biggest festivals in the year when it comes to Japanese carpentry tools. The festival is host to nearly 160,000 attendees from all over Japan and the world. It is a great place to pick up tools and also meet some of the local blacksmiths from the Miki area. The Miki Hardware Festival not only has carpentry tools, but other tools such as gardening, kitchen, and camping. Alongside, these tools you'll find food booths, local sake brews, fruit trees - plants - flowers, and local crafts. Its a really cool experience if you have the chance to attend this festival. The festival occurs once a year, however, there is a smaller festival which is more tool focused which occurs earlier in the year (Miki Kaji Desse). We hop you enjoy this short and get the chance to come to Japan one year. </video> <video> An Amazing Shop for Used / New Japanese Carpentry Tools at Risaku Hamono Kōbō (利作刃物工房) in Fukushima Description: In this video, we visit a tool shop that is known for used tools of all types and trades. However, on this particular visit we went to their Japanese Carpentry Tool Shop which is in a different location than their used and other new tools. This shop is known for their extremely extensive collection of Funahiro tools. I was impressed with a lot of the tools that they offered there. Some of them were very unique and some were very rare. A lot of the tools are available if you have the money. I would say that Risaku Hamono Kobo is worth the trip if you can make your way to Fukushima, Japan. Enjoy the video. Online Store : https://risakuworks.official.ec Not available for overseas shipping Address: 1-23-24 Kuwano, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture Business Hours: 09:00 - 19:00 (Closed on Saturdays) </video> <video> Crafting Japanese Saws: Tradition and Innovation with Master Sawsmith Daizo Mitsukawa (光川順太郎) Description: Join us in the workshop of Kanejun Company, Limited, nestled in Miki City, Hyogo, Japan—a city famed for its mastery in tool-making. In this video, we explore the artistry of Japanese saw-making with Daizo Mitsukawa, the company’s president and master sawsmith. Under the Juntaro Mitsukawa brand, Daizo carries forward a legacy of precision, blending time-honored techniques with modern advancements to create saws of remarkable quality and craftsmanship. Follow Daizo as he demonstrates two methods of saw-making: the traditional, hand-crafted approach and a new, machine-assisted technique. Each saw undergoes a meticulous process, from selecting the right metal to the intricate art of tooth-cutting. Watch as Daizo hammers out distortions to achieve a perfect, flat blade and performs metate, the delicate skill of sharpening each tooth to a razor’s edge. This in-depth journey into saw-making reveals the skill, patience, and innovation behind every Juntaro Mitsukawa saw. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast, professional craftsman, or simply fascinated by Japanese artistry, this video offers a rare look into how Kanejun balances tradition and technology to create saws of exceptional beauty and performance. #japanesecraftsmanship #Sawsmith #DaizoMitsukawa #Kanejun #JuntaroMitsukawa #TraditionalTools #MikiCity #HandmadeSaws #Metate #JapaneseSaw </video> <video> How to Make a Japanese Plane from a Kezuroukai Champion - 150 mm Kanna Dai Description: In this video, we are in Chiba, Japan visiting with Mr. Kurihara who is a Kezuroukai Champion in the 150mm (5寸 or 5 sun) plane category. His Japanese planes are all hand made by himself (not including the blades). Throughout this video you may see some new techniques or other tooling that Mr. Kurihara uses that is unique compared to other Kanna Dai (Japanese plane block) makers. Mr. Kurihara is not a carpenter, however, he does share a great passion for exploring and perfecting his building and use of the Kanna. This video shows him making a smaller Kanna Dai and this is because he had already started his larger Kanna Dai weeks earlier. He wanted to show us that the process is the same. If you watch to the end of this video you will see a special work platform that he custom designed which would come in handy to anyone who is interested in building their own Kanna Dai. We hope you enjoy this video. </video>

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Description

Welcome to The Carpentry Life!

This channel is a documented journey of life as a carpenter working in Japan. The journey started in 2020 with an interest in building a house using traditional Japanese architecture and techniques. You may find techniques presented on this channel primitive or amateur, but with time it is hoped that the skills shown improve to level of professional craftsmanship that most aspire to.

For business inquiries or if you are interested in building a Japanese inspired home in your country, feel free to contact us on Instagram or by email (destinationworld20@gmail.com).

We hope you enjoy the show.

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