Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use

In 1984, Toshio Odate wrote the extraordinary book »Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use« and it became an instant classic. It was the first book to introduce to the world the tools, craftsmanship, tradition and philosophy of the shokunin, the traditional Japanese craftsmen who work exclusively with hand tools. Today, almost 40 years later, the tradition of shokunin has become a lost art in Japan, and Odate is determined to preserve this precious craft tradition for future generations. Printed on acid-free paper, tightly bound and protected by a handsome slipcase, this is an archive-worthy edition that will last more than a lifetime. »Japanese Woodworking Tools« remains the only resource on the traditions and training of the Shokunin. Based on his own training as a tategu-shi (sliding door maker) and a lifetime of woodworking experience, in this book, Toshio Odate offers a complete guide to Japanese tools: Japanese saws, Japanese chisels, scribing tools, waterstones, axes, hammers and almost 50 different planes. Odate shows how each tool works, how it should be maintained and how to use it. He also recounts stories and memories that help to convey the traditions and spirit associated with each tool.
Signed by Toshio Odate and hand-stamped with the family crest, this numbered and limited edition of »Japanese Woodworking Tools« is the ultimate collector's item or gift for the discerning woodworker.