Over 20 years ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Japan on business and I was able to acquire a small assortment of Vintage woodworking tools. Its now time to move these on to others who can appreciate and use them. The Japanese Master Blacksmiths were well known for their very finely crafted strong blades used in swords, and wood cutting tools such as planes, chisels and saws. These tools were proudly stamped on the blades by the Master Blacksmith, a symbol of their quality. All of these tools are in their original vintage condition.
Here we have a Vintage Japanese Hand-Forged Signed, 'Maebiki-Nokogiri' Timber-Milling Rip Saw, Big 38" Long !!. Kobiki Nokogiri (large Whale-Back timber ripping saws) were used in ancient Japan for the rough ripping of logs into boards for carpenters and cabinetmakers. These saws were used by one man, in contrast to Europe, where typically two men used a ripsaw for similar purposes. To properly guide them in very long cuts, the blades of Kobiki-Nokogiri, also known as Maebiki-Nokogiri (the narrower version of saw), were much wider than those of other saws. The saws were roughly made, and at times still showed the smith’s forge marks. Blades were laboriously hand-tapered from teeth to back to prevent jamming. This example is proudly stamped with the Master Blacksmith's name. The curved handle-tang is fitted with a white oak handle. The long blade has 23-1/2" of teeth with smaller teeth nearer the handle since these saws are meant to be pulled through the wood. The smaller teeth helps you start the cut. There are 5-6 missing teeth tips. The blade is straight as an arrow. At its widest point the blade is 5-3/4"W. No cracks, breaks or repairs. Not sure if the few missing tips would affect the cut but either way, this vintage original, signed saw, is a great piece and if not used would make a great statement piece in your collection !! Big 38" overall length.
'Apologies' - the few missing teeth tips.
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I will gladly reciprocate. :-)