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Toshio Ōdate
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Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use Paperback – January 1, 1998

by Toshio Odate (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 407 ratings
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The classic work on the tools and spirit of the Japanese master craftsman.

In Japan, a woodworker spends years learning to use his tools with great speed and skill. Only after he has proved his mastery can he proudly call himself a shokunin, a master craftsman.

Japanese Woodworking Tools brings the traditions and training of the shokunin to the Western world. Calling on his own apprenticeship as a tategu-shi (sliding-door maker), and on 40 years of woodworking experience, Toshio Odate here offers a complete guide to Japanese tools: thin saws that cut on the pull stroke, laminated chisels with hollowed backs, marking tools, waterstones, axes, hammers, and almost 50 different planes.

Odate shows shows how each tool works, how it should be cared for and how it is meant to be used. He also shares stories and reminiscences that help bring home the traditions and spirit associated with each tool.

Whether you're a curious beginner or an adventurous professional, Japanese Woodworking Tools will show you a whole new world of exciting craftsmanship.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    189 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Linden Publishing
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1998
  5. Dimensions
    9 x 0.45 x 12 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0941936465
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0941936460
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Toshio Odate is a master woodworker, schooled in the Japanese woodcraft tradition. He is the author of Making Shoji and Japanese Woodworking Tools.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Linden Publishing; Reprint edition (January 1, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 189 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0941936465
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0941936460
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.45 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.45 x 12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 407 ratings

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Toshio Ōdate

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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
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Top reviews from the United States

anthea klein
5.0 out of 5 stars japaneser wood working
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
my son loves this product
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David C. Brayton
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is about a way of life
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2006
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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.
5 people found this helpful
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Alexander Lichter
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2022
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Whether you have decades of experience or haven’t even seen a tool in real life, I recommend this book. I have over 12 years in the construction industry and now teach construction classes. This book is about the author’s life as a carpenter and the tools he used or were used when he was working. It talks about how to use them, how to care for them and how to respect them. It’s a great read and I think you would enjoy it!
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Ronin
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2009
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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.
17 people found this helpful
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M Rose
4.0 out of 5 stars Still one of the best..
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2013
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If you are looking for information on the sometimes mystifying topic of Japanese carpentry tools, this book written in the 80's could be really useful.Odate does a great job of categorizing the different kinds of tools ,including the more exotic items like keshiki (gauges) and sumitisubo (ink line) with really extensive drawings, and tips for do-it-yourself maintenance, like chisel and saw re- handling.His insights into the Japanese craftsman's attitude toward workmanship and their traditional tools is unique. Still, the photos are muddy and small, and some of the explanations are just puzzling. He doesn't cover any of the amazing joinery that can be done (and has) with these refined,and yet basic tools. The book could really use an update to fix these problems, but since there aren't a lot of books around on this topic, its' still the best thing going ,in English.
31 people found this helpful
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Paul Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars It's so popular because it's so informative!
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2022
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This is a great book for woodworkers. If you're a wood nerd looking for the definitive manual on Japanese wood tools in English, this book is worth every penny.
One person found this helpful
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Thomas( Doc Savage 45)
5.0 out of 5 stars For those of us who are not fortunate enough.
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2007
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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.
7 people found this helpful
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JVSGUSCASD
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the beginner/novice getting interested in Japanese joinery and woodworking.
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2017
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Just getting into woodworking and specifically Japanese style woodworking. Wanted a nice book on the types of tools commonly used by Japanese carpenters, and this I feel is one of the books you need if you are interested. It has a pretty good description of the tools and what they are used for. The pictures are a bit dated, but they do a good job for the novice or beginner. For me, any information is greatly appreciated, this book is great.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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naji el zein
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book !
Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2022
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If you like Japanese woodworking tools, this book is for you… it goes in depth on the spirit and logic behind the tool . I highly recommend it!
One person found this helpful
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Yom
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique !
Reviewed in France on September 1, 2022
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 Livre unique riche en détails. J'ai l'impression d'avoir rencontré un ébéniste japonais.
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jeffrey
5.0 out of 5 stars The being of japanese tools.
Reviewed in the Netherlands on July 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
Just love this book. I have learned so mutch about the spirits of the tools, just love it. It's so well written and the way Toshio talks about his tools is so full of admiration.
If you love the history of tools you must read this book, it's now one of my favorites in my collection.
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Jose Jesus Herrera
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente manufactura
Reviewed in Mexico on November 3, 2020
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Las considero unas joyas en mi taller, por el acabado y su funcionalidad. Muy satisfecho
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Matteo B
5.0 out of 5 stars Tradizionale
Reviewed in Italy on November 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
Davvero un buon libro, ampiamente illustrato con disegni "vecchio stile".
Formato generoso, ben impaginato.
Sono molto soddisfatto.
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