Identify maker

Makers stamp will be in Japanese Kanji characters, maybe 2-4 stamped vertically, often the area in red circle:

There can be very small cuts that are part of character, so zoom in tight.

One trick to translation of the characters is to use Google translate on your phone, and use live camera image. If the characters are an old school Japanese sur-name or company name, Google usually translates it properly.

If it doesn’t translate to a name, cut and paste the symbols from Google translate text into this thread and maybe someone will recognize it.

-- If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all, Doom, despair, agony on me… - Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign released 1967

If all it says is Japan I think you’re out of luck. Resale value on unidentifiable Japanese chisels will probably be poor. My experience with my Japanese chisels which probably would cost an average of $40 each these days is that they’re excellent chisels.

If it says, “made in Japan”, I would assume they were made for a non-Japanese market.

Many cheap Japanese style chisels on Amazon and other similar places. I’ve picked up several, some are great, others good for opening paint cans. Cheap means “3 for $40.00”.

Wow, I have never shopped for Japanese chisels before. Simple google search, and ok went straight to amazon.
Produced three brands right off that look just like yours.
Shintaro, Kakuri, and Ranshou.
https://www.amazon.com/SHINTARO-Authentic-Japanese-Chisel-Pieces/dp/B07YJYJXZR/ref=asc_df_B07YJYJXZR?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80676783972125&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584276311769495&psc=1

And I did not look for more than a moment. Seems it is a popular style. So probably many more brands that look the same. And I wouldn’t know good, bad, or fair brand values of Japanese chisels if I saw it.
But, Japan is known for good blades. I do have and prefer my razor saws over all others I have tried.

-- John

Looks like the typical mass produced ones, kind of japanese hardware store chisels. But, they are still laminated white steel and will take a razor sharp edge. Only problem i find is that the first 1/8 -1/4” or so is super brittle, but once you sharpen past that they are decent. You can usually get them on Amazon for about $25-40 depending on size.

Thanks all, going to put them to good use in the next couple of weeks

I bought a set of woodcarving gouges at a shop in Kyoto a few years ago. All of them were made by a company founded in the 13th century by a Samaurai sword maker honored by the emperor with permission to use the chrysanthemum seal on their tools.

-- You know, this site doesn't require woodworking skills, but you should know how to write.

Was in Kyoto before starting the hobby, missed my chance.

make the notch for the frame joints. The bead I want to uses is only 3/16 diameter with 1 1/2” wide frames. The 1 1/2” notching bits say they are for 1/4 beads

- Avee

Reply to wrong discussion?

-- You know, this site doesn't require woodworking skills, but you should know how to write.