About Japanese Carving Chisels
The modern-day chisel is a tool whose existence is often taken for granted in Western countries. In Japan, the chisel a symbol of a strong and dedicated craftsman committed to the finest carpentry. Called a "nomi" in Japanese, the Japanese carving chisel today is the result of gradual evolution from rough-hewn wood to cutting-edge steel. Different types of nomi are used for different purposes, depending on the nature of the project. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The chisel had been in use for thousands of years before Japan even began developing into a country. When thoughts turned from mere survival toward establishing permanent residences and cities, the chisel became less of a crude tool for chopping timber and more of a delicate instrument used to fine-tune finishing touches on architecture, furniture and musical instruments. Since the feudal era in Japan, the chisel has evolved to include tamahagane steel---a metal forged from black sand often used to make samurai swords.
Types
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The actual variation of Japanese chisels are practically infinite given the quality and cuts of steel available, but there are two major types of nomi: the oire nomi, or "slotting" ("rabbeting") chisel, and the shinogi nomi, or "dovetail" chisel. These are each named for the type of cut they provide. Shinogi nomi tend to have triangular chisel blades, while the oire nomi blades are more square in appearance.
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Parts
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Both the oire nomi and shinogi nomi feature a two-part blade---a soft iron piece that's molded directly into the handle at its creation, and a harder steel piece that is hammered into the handle afterward. Different grades of steel are available; the description of the steel indicates both the grade and density.
When colors are attributed to the steel, namely blue and white, it doesn't refer to the steel's color; it refers to the labels a Japanese steel company places on them according to their durability. Blue steel stays sharper than white steel for a longer period, but is more brittle. The quality of the chisel itself is not affected by this difference. The placement, weight and material of the handle also dictates the chisel's use. For example, a heavy chisel results in a stronger blow, while a thinner blade with a lightweight handle is more useful for crafting the details of fine furniture.
Spiritual Importance
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Carpentry is a long-honored craft in Japan. A professional nomi maker first studies for several years---sometimes more than a decade---under a master craftsman. In such creations, the "shokunin kishitsu" ("craftsman's spirit") is said to show through, allowing the crafter's dedication and spirituality to co-exist within his work. In this way the crafter "lives on" in the tool itself, giving high-quality chisels added significance.
Modern Use
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Today the Japanese chisel is widely used in furniture-making, art sculptures and interior architecture. Japanese "tongue-in-groove" joinery relies heavily on the use of a nomi to carve the intricate patterns necessary to create the minimalistic elegance typical of Eastern-style furniture. The apprenticeship method is still in place, creating future master craftsmen with the hope that the "shokunin kishitsu" will continue to thrive.
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