Description

During a recent visit to Japan, we visited Mr. Matsumura in his shop. He had just recently developed these extraordinary chisels. We were taken back by their quality and usefulness. Made from the finest Hitachi Blue Paper Steel. The shorter lengths give the craftsman more control, but with greater results due to the quality steel. Chisel overall length is 5-3/4″. Mr. Matsumura personally sharpens each blade to a razor like edge. The ebony handles are a bonus, giving the user strength and comfort. The 10-piece set includes all of the most commonly used sizes from 1/8″ to 2″ in metric dimensions, with the approximate inch equivalents, and comes in an attractive box that is signed by the maker.

The Matsumura Family has been producing woodworking chisels for well over 200 years. Mr. Shigezo Matsumura began his apprenticeship at the age of 15 and exhibited such skill that by the age of 25 he was able to open his own workshop. For over 60 years, first as an apprentice and now as a true Master of Blacksmiths, Mr. Matsumura has made chisels one at a time in the old tradition, preferring to use charcoal instead of gas in the forging and tempering process, because of its ‘sof heat,’ and only the finest white and blue steels for the cutting edges, which are laminated to wrought iron for strength. All cutting edges are tempered to Rc64 and sharpened for immediate use. Note: Mr. Matsumura operates a one-man shop and personally makes each tool, with occasional assist from his wife.