Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use

Gem of a book. Odate the author pours a lifetime of knowledge into this book about a rather arcane topic--traditional Japanese woodworking tools. But he goes farther than just discussing the types of tools and their applications, but offers many personal anecdotes about his journey as a shokunin from his days as an apprentice (circa WW2 and its aftermath). Odate tries to convey to the English-reader the traditional Japanese craftsman's sense of obligation to himself, to his tools, to the smiths who pour their skill into forging the tools, to his master, to his craft, to his work, and to his community. Without this understanding, the proper reverence and care for the tools is not possible. It's deeply Japanese, but also universal to any craftsman anywhere who learned his craft the hard way, finds honor in his work and takes pride in his skill, and has cherished tools whose value cannot be measured with money. The black and white photos leave a lot to be desired as others have pointed out, but that's a very minor complaint. The simple line work illustrations are beautiful, the writing is engaging and insightful, and the organization is intuitive, and there's a wealth of information provided. Not that there's many English language books available on the topic to choose from, but this is a must have for folks interested in Japanese woodworking. Keep in mind this isn't a book about building boats or tansu cabinetry or timber joinery for temples or kites--there's other books on those topics and Odate himself has another book about building Shoji screens, his specialty. For any complaints that this book doesn't discuss Japanese joinery or residential framing, that's not a fair criticism of the book which really does explicitly focus on Japanese tools and their care.

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 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.

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!

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a great reference guide and very comprehensive. The only reason I rate this as a 4 not a 5 is I would have really liked more detail about Tohio Odate's story. I found the most gripping parts of the book to be the narrative portions and I think there were too few of them. If he published a book called "My Life" I would be standing in a queue to buy it as he is a compelling storyteller.

great book, fast shipping

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.

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.

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.

Very interesting book to read more than woodworking

Like the book and the details but will try out some of the details provided.

Davvero un buon libro, ampiamente illustrato con disegni "vecchio stile". Formato generoso, ben impaginato. Sono molto soddisfatto.

This is simply a masterpiece! Even if you’re not interested in Japanese woodworking, you should read this. It provides insight into forgotten work ethics and personal values.