Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use

The popularity of Japanese woodworking tools and techniques has experienced steady growth among both the hobbyist and the professional woodworker. This book, originally published in 1984, is considered the authoritative work on the subject. Odate not only discusses all the tools used by a typical Japanese woodworker, but also infuses the book with his own memories of a rigorous apprenticeship in Japan, and how a classically trained-craftsman comes to understand the spirit of each tool and the true nature of craftsmanship.