Customer Reviews

Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use

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I have never seen some of the variations of tools detailed in this VERY thorough catalog of tools. I have a couple of books on the subject, and this is the most detaied by far.

Illustrated with well-executed line drawings and photographs, Anyone without personal experience will be able to "pick up" the methods of traditional (non-power tool) woodworking from Japan. Those with experience will see the insight of some of the tool's design for their applications.

Odate explains how to use the tools as well- Not a "How To" book, but enough to begin to practice their use.

What I wnjoyed most was Odate's personal anecdotes of his apprenticeship- a lifestyle lost in the U.S. This is where "...their Spirit..." comes in.

Inspiring!

This book starts with the workshop description and layout. Toshio Odate uses his own unique experiences as a craftsman to show how to use and care for the tools. There are chapters on saws, chisels, marking tools, and handplanes. Japanese tools are much different than western style tools in their appearance, use, and care. All of these are covered in this excellent book.

As a woodworker who is increasingly getting away from power tools and back to hand work, reading about how Japanese woodworkers do it was fascinating. I have only one Japanese tool sofar, a small dozuki saw, but it's cut is so fine and so easy to control that I intend to aquire more Japanese tools. This book has inspired me; equally importantly, it shows the way to their use, and in some cases, how to make your own. I heartily recommend this fine book to anyone interested in learning more about Japanese woodworking, or in becoming a better woodworker with hand tools in general. In addition to being well written, Toshio Odate gives a fascinating account of his apprenticship to his stepfather within its cultural context.

Toshio Odate is a national treasure. I was lucky enough to be trained by him 30 years ago when he was teaching at Pratt Institute. He is a rare man who is bigger than life. His essense, love and respect to wood and the tools that he uses to create magic in wood are openly expressed in his book. You will walk away from reading this book with a new view on life and what it is to truly be a master.
Michael, NYC

This is an excellent introduction to Japanese tools. I really love this book. This is really about Shokunin, craftsmen or artisan in the literal sense. More correctly, a Shokunin means not only having technical skill but implies an attitude and social consciousness. The qualities are encompassed in the word but are seldom written.

"The Shokunin demonstrates knowledge of tools and skill with them, the ability to create beauty and the capacity to work with incredible speed. The value of an object is dependent on a subtle combination of skill and speed; this is what the apprentices master and collegues teach, and this is what the Shokunin believes. One without the other is not Shokunin."

"The Shokunin has a social obligation to work his best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, if society requires it, the Shokunin's responsibility is to fulfill the requirement."

Prior to moving to the US, the author was a Shokunin and was raised in a family who passed the art to him. The passionate description of their relationship with their tools, and the proper care is really inspiring.

So this is more than just a book about the different tools and their use and care. Odate's passion and reverence for this art is felt on every page. If you are interested in Japanese architecture or are a craftsman, I highly recommend it.

This is a very interesting look into japanese woodworking tools, but most importantly the spirit involved.I enjoyed every page. My only complaint is, it is simply too short. If you have any interest in woodworking tools, or just the japanese culture, this is a must read.

Very good intro to the world of Japanese saws. These tools are totally new to me and this book encourages me to begin purchasing and using them.

If you need to buy this book, buy it from woodworking supply stores
it costs between 18-25 dollars, not the 50-999 that the resellers want
for it.

This is a tremendous example of the art of japanese woodworking. From the set up of a simple work area to the explanation of the tools, how to properly care for, sharpen, and use this text will fall apart you reference it so often. I just had to find another in hard cover....

If you think for any reason that this book is for you, then you won't be disappointed. Authoritatively written, well illustrated, and outright fascinating.