Japanese Forged Carpentry Chisel for Laminated Wood - 12 mm

Product detailed description

The blades of traditional Japanese Nomi chisels (鑿) are made by laminating two layers of steel. The body itself is intentionally made of a softer material that absorbs shocks when struck with a mallet and reduces the chance of tool damage. However, the cutting edge is made of extremely hard carbon steel, which during production becomes a layer with a hardness of 62 Rc for classic Nomi chisels, up to 67 Rc hardness for Japanese chisels with HSS blades, while classic European chisels only reach 58 to 60 Rc.

Handmade Nomi chisels are created by a method of forge welding, which was used worldwide before the advent of cheap mass-produced steel. Unfortunately, this once excellent technique is practically no longer used in the production of chisels outside of Japan today.

Features of the Nomi chisel

✅ Traditional Japanese Nomi chisel
✅ For use on laminated wood
✅ Handmade
✅ Blade hardness up to 62 Rc
✅ Selected edge profile = less friction
✅ Handle made of red oak
✅ Made in Japan

The blade is set into the handle at a slight angle, which allows for achieving a greater working depth. The selected edge profile reduces the area that the chisel contacts the processed wood and decreases material friction. At the same time, this makes the chisel easier to sharpen, and after re-sharpening, the blade maintains a straight shape. Sharpening these chisels is recommended using wet Japanese sharpening stones, which rewards you with excellent sharpness and edge durability for a long time.

The ferrule of the Nomi chisel needs to be fitted before first use.