Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use

5 Comments on Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use

Duane L Thompson on Wed, 6th Jan 2010 5:43 am


When I ordered this book I had no Idea of what I was in for. You have to read it to understand what I mean. If you are a woodworker of any type or have an interest in Japanese Culture. You will love this book. I have never met Toshio Odate yet I have great respect for what he has done here.
Rating: 5 / 5

Duane L Thompson on Wed, 6th Jan 2010 8:00 am


When I ordered this book I had no Idea of what I was in for. You have to read it to understand what I mean. If you are a woodworker of any type or have an interest in Japanese Culture. You will love this book. I have never met Toshio Odate yet I have great respect for what he has done here.
Rating: 5 / 5

Reader on Wed, 6th Jan 2010 10:12 am


The Linden Publishing edition has a lousy binding. After a few uses the pages came off in scores. Avoid the Linden Publishing edition.

The content itself is of course ***** five-stars.

Rating: 1 / 5

David C. Brayton on Wed, 6th Jan 2010 10:19 am


This book is much more than a owner’s manual for Japanese tools. The author, Toshio Odate, grew up with a father that was a woodworker and he apprenticed with his father.

The author shares many of his experiences; the unique methods of teaching are really quite different than American methods. For example, as an apprentice, there is no formal instruction–the apprentice must learn by observing the master while the apprentice is working–and woe be upon any apprentice that takes his attention away from his work. How one ‘learns’ in this situation is beyond me but apparently it works.

A couple of other examples: Odate-san left some stones freeze one evening during the winter which cracked them. That warranted a substantial beating.

Odate-san saved his extra money for a year and purchased a quality hand plane which is master promptly confiscated and he never saw it again. Apparently, because Odate-san was stil an apprentice, he was not worthy of quality tools and would never be allowed to see this tool, which he saved for for over a year, again.

I can’t comprehend why breaking Odate-san’s heart was a good way to teach him woodworking skills, but he seems to be over the hurt inflicted by that episode. And now he is a master woodworker that is reaping substantial royalties from the books he wrote. So, that system seems to work.

The author provides many details regarding the use of Japanese tools. There really isn’t much else you need to know. Also, the drawings are very good but a few more photos (in color) would be nice.

The section regarding sharpening could be expanded with some additional information and techniques, such as hollow grinding, the use of sandpaper and the benefits of synthetic stones.
Rating: 5 / 5

Thomas( Doc Savage 45) on Wed, 6th Jan 2010 11:38 am


Everyone has accalades for this writing, It is along the lines of philosophy, spirit, and tradition. Craftsmanship and artistry as well as guidance are something I have sought for 6 years now. Even offered to be a gopher for other woodworkers I have admired. “Norm” has taught us how to use “Power Tools”. He has shared woodworking techniques, the New Yankee way. Sam Maloof teaches us his love of wood. Some of the masters we revere have demonstrated the “way they got there”. It is a step by step process. Odatesan guides us through the mentoring process in the tradition of the writer, with pictures, and stories.

I can’t get the master to guide me from the outside, so I am fortunate to have this book to guide me from the inside.

The “spirit of wood” is a personal journey. This book is helping me through mine. Glad I found it.
Rating: 5 / 5