Banshu Miki · Blade Brand · Bench Chisel. Shirogami White Steel · Vintage Patina · NOS. The largest chisel in our current Ichizo lineup – a well-preserved piece with the soft patina of careful, long-term storage. NOS – New Old Stock · Vintage Patina. Originally unused stock – the blade itself has never been used. Long-term storage has left thin brown lines from the original protective film on the back of the blade, and rust marks on the neck and ferrule. Please review all photos carefully to judge the condition for yourself. Ichizo is a blade brand from the Banshu region of Japan – the historic heartland of Japanese woodworking tools. This 36mm oire nomi is the largest bench chisel in our current Ichizo lineup, built for wide mortise and paring work. Hand forged with a Shirogami white steel core laminated to a soft iron body, it has never been used since leaving the workshop. Decades of storage have left thin lines from the original wrapping on the back of the blade – see the Condition Notes below. (Oire Nomi /). Banshu Miki, Hyogo, Japan. The name Ichizo is not a maker’s name – it is a seal of approval. For 70 years, a master craftsman in Banshu Miki – Japan’s foremost center of woodworking tool production – examined chisels from the region’s finest smiths. Only those meeting his exacting standard earned the Ichizo name. In a region already famous for quality, the Ichizo mark meant something more: it was the region’s own seal of excellence. Forging Quality – Look at the Photos. The Hagane – the bright Shirogami steel core – is clearly visible on the blade face, forming a deliberate arch: the steel extends deeper into both outer corners of the blade. This is not incidental – it is intentional craft. The smith shaped the lamination with precision so that the hard steel reaches every part of the cutting edge, right to the very corners. It is a mark of skill, care, and pride in the work. Please examine the blade photos closely. Important – Not Ready to Use Out of the Box This particular chisel requires initial setup before professional use. Hoop Seating (Katsura-uchi): The metal ferrule must be properly seated before first use. Initial Sharpening: The blade requires sharpening and back preparation (ura-dashi) before use. Carbon Steel Care: Keep dry and lightly oil when storing to prevent rust. Experience Recommended: Intended for users familiar with traditional Japanese woodworking tools. Originally unused stock, but listed as “Used” for transparency due to its vintage nature and signs of long-term storage e. Back of the blade: several thin, leaf-shaped brown lines left by the original protective film, with fine scratches toward the top (photos 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 13). There is a small dark mark on one side edge (photo 8). Top face and bevel: grey speckling on the top face; fine scratches and a few small dots on the ground bevel (photo 6). Neck and ferrule: brown and dark rust patches on the neck, and thin line marks on the ferrule (photos 4, 14, 16). Handle and hoop: the?? (“Professional Use”) band sticker and the 36 m/m size sticker are still on the handle (photos 2, 5, 10, 12). Between them there is a lighter square mark on the wood, and a small knot near the band (photos 5, 12). Small brown marks on the rim of the hoop (photos 9, 12). Please examine all listing photos carefully before purchasing. Safety & Legal Notice. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Always wear eye protection. Flying chips can cause serious injury. Consider cut-resistant gloves and hearing protection depending on the work. Correct Use / Misuse. Chisels are cutting tools. Keep hands behind the cutting edge. Do NOT use as a pry bar, wedge, or for striking metal unless specifically designed for that use. Cut away from your body. Hammer / Mallet Guidance. Use an appropriate mallet or hammer. Striking with excessive force or an unsuitable hammer can damage handles and ferrules and increase injury risk. Inspect before each use. High-carbon steel can rust. Hand wipe dry after use. Lightly oil for storage. No box is included. User assumes all risks of use, sharpening, and maintenance. We aim to respond within 24 hours. Build your tool kit and save. Licensed Antique Dealer Licensed by the Japanese Public Safety Commission. Japanese craftsman’s tools, carefully selected by seasoned buyers rooted in the Banshu blade-making tradition.
