Japanese shinogi oire nomi bench chisels made by blacksmith Nishiki Shimizu. New 8-piece set with box. Blade sizes in mm (with approximate sizes in inches). 30 mm (1 1/8). 36 mm (1 ½). 42 mm (1 5/8). Overall lengths: around 9. The name “Shinogi” comes from the shape of its shaft. “Shinogi” means “ridge” as in the angled ridge of a rooftop or mountain. This design is also known as a dovetail chisel as the blade’s right and left edges are thinner than traditional bench chisels and make it easier to fit into tight corners. There are hand-forged of the finest white steel, welded to soft steel using Nishiki’s unique method of stretching and consolidation of the steel, for an exceptionally long-lasting edge. The handles are of red oak, with hand-forged black hoops. The blacksmith Nishiki Shimizu of Miki City, Japan was profiled by Toshio Odate in the June 1997 issue of American Woodworker. He has since retired and is no longer producing tools.
