Tools of Japan

[M6erfan]

Interesting find at TJ Maxx. There were wood handle as well but didn’t look quite as sturdy. Felt sharp to the touch but it struggled with an avocado skin. My Zwilling/Henckels are definitely sharper. What do you expect for $15?! Made in Japan.

Have you tried to put an edge on it?

 

[noid]

Interesting find at TJ Maxx. There were wood handle as well but didn’t look quite as sturdy. Felt sharp to the touch but it struggled with an avocado skin. My Zwilling/Henckels are definitely sharper. What do you expect for $15?! Made in Japan.

These are pretty common in Korean supermarkets.

Its quite impractical to buy knives when another goes dull; a good sharpening system is a worthwhile investment over "good" knives.

You can take nearly any knife, of any grade and dull that sucker out in a couple seconds depending on what you're cutting.

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I've got the wicked edge system; sharpened every knife in the house last week (15 total). It seems expensive, but it pays back for itself quickly.

 

[Reed Prince]

I sharpen my ceramic kitchen knife with a cordless Kyocera sharpener. Alkaline AA batteries didn't provide enough current in my opinion, so I run it off a couple of lithium 18650s now.

 

[macgee]

These are pretty common in Korean supermarkets.

a good sharpening system is a worthwhile investment over "good" knives.

I've got the wicked edge system; sharpened every knife in the house last week (15 total). It seems expensive, but it pays back for itself quickly.

+1

Japan easily has some of the very best knives made in the world, I would take an excellent Japanese knife over an excellent German one (no offense).

Japan like most other countries also offer cheaply made super market knives and super hard high quality knives. Some knives are not sharp out of the box and need to be sharpened, I have found this to be the case with some of my new Japanese knives. Any knife can get a razor sharp edge on it, the good ones hold it for a long time. Cheap ones dull after one use.

Take it to your local farmers market, there's usually a knife sharpening dude at them that will spruce it up for $5; then see how well it works after a while, you might be surprised.


I really like Wicked Edge but they're very pricey. You might want to check out Worksharp, they have some new culinary sharpeners (manual & electric) that are getting rave reviews and not too pricey.

 

[Brando_Damo]

some tsunoda / king ttc, engineer, KTC, 3peaks, keiba

Nice collection you’ve got going!

 

[noid]

+1

Japan easily has some of the very best knives made in the world, I would take an excellent Japanese knife over an excellent German one (no offense).

Japan like most other countries also offer cheaply made super market knives and super hard high quality knives. Some knives are not sharp out of the box and need to be sharpened, I have found this to be the case with some of my new Japanese knives. Any knife can get a razor sharp edge on it, the good ones hold it for a long time. Cheap ones dull after one use.

Take it to your local farmers market, there's usually a knife sharpening dude at them that will spruce it up for $5; then see how well it works after a while, you might be surprised.


I really like Wicked Edge but they're very pricey. You might want to check out Worksharp, they have some new culinary sharpeners (manual & electric) that are getting rave reviews and not too pricey.

In general, Japanese knives are sharper because they are meant to be sharped to 15 degrees. The western world sharpens their chefs knives to 20 degrees. The trade off is longevity, a 15 degree edge will be much sharper but will need more frequent sharpening.

Most any knife can be reshaped with some elbow grease to any degree you desire.

I have a single bevel Japanese knife I got from the Tokyo Tsukiji fish market before they moved to Toyosu. Its a carbon knife and you have to oil it so it doesn't rust, but damn is it sharp and long lasting.

I remember when I got it, it sliced through 4 inches of steak like it was air.

 

[pizza]

using a soft cutting board makes a huge difference in edge retention.

either end grain wood or a soft synthetic.
the best i've ever used is tenryo hi-soft from korin (which is made in japan). i don't use anything else now.

 

[kanai]

I have been thinking about the Anex AOA-19 for a while,

I had never seen that offset adapter before so I went looking for a video.

ANEX　AOA-19　オフセットアダプター

Edit: looks like Anex has a full set too: AOA-19S3 with a ratcheting wrench and low profile sockets.

 

[macgee]

In general, Japanese knives are sharper because they are meant to be sharped to 15 degrees. The western world sharpens their chefs knives to 20 degrees. The trade off is longevity, a 15 degree edge will be much sharper but will need more frequent sharpening.

Most any knife can be reshaped with some elbow grease to any degree you desire.

I'm very jealous that you were able to buy knives at Tokyo Tsukiji fish market, I had only always wanted to that.

Yes, Japanese knives typically use 12-17 degrees for one side, 30+/- degree combined; German 20 deg. (40 combined). I use to sharpen all my knives at 15-17 degree's but switched to a euro angle of 20 degree so they last a little longer between sharpening. I now have my Misono ux10, Nenox, and Masamoto Sohonten Santoku at 20deg (I'm lazy)

What's so nice about Japanese knives is the their ability to have a very high HRC but not chip as easily making them more user friendly and lasting long even at 15 deg, especially with their no stain steel. Not to mention there lighter and more forward balance compared to euro knives.

I believe even german Henckels and Wusthof offer Japanese made high end steel and are some of their most expensive models.

On a side note, some of the very best Japanese knife makers are using Swedish no stain steel like Heiji Santoku's.

using a soft cutting board makes a huge difference in edge retention.

either end grain wood or a soft synthetic.
the best i've ever used is tenryo hi-soft from korin (which is made in japan). i don't use anything else now.

Good tip on those Korin boards and yes, self healing end grain boards are ideal.

 

[E.T.]

Have you tried to put an edge on it?

I have an Asian knife angle specific (15*) sharpener and ran the TJ Maxx knife through the fine setting a few times dry and wet. Feels about the same by touch but is sharper when cutting.

Surprisingly my Made in Spain Henckles Santoku must be made from **** steel as the edge is pitted/ lumpy. Still sharp as ever but the grain seems extraordinarily large as to not hold a straight edge. Quality of the knife is sub par in general. Back edge was so sharp it cut my thumb when using it. A little 400 wet sand paper smoothed the edges out enough to use.

This little guy is my favorite. Hasn’t needed sharpening in over 10 years of daily use. Was a hand me down from various Japanese friends/ roommates over the years.

 

[Trucky]

do we have a decent source of Keiba stuff stateside? Not having much luck with the usual sources.

 

[mr.lemons]

The anex drivers for damaged screws just came up on Factory gear tv. Looks like they may have redesigned the slotted tip.

I'm fascinated by all the different tools/designs for removing damaged screws.

 

[TjoFrasse]

I had never seen that offset adapter before so I went looking for a video.

Edit: looks like Anex has a full set too:

Yeah, it was buying one of the full sets I tried to avoid since they cost much more.

It was not the only items I bought from Japan though:

 

[GrantCee]

A shipment from Palmac arrived today...the tools are great, but I'm also excited to have more stickers. And how about that Ko-ken datebook??

 

[kanai]

The anex drivers for damaged screws just came up on Factory gear tv. Looks like they may have redesigned the slotted tip.

Apparently this new Anex driver works both as a normal driver for undamaged screws as well as an impact driver for damaged screws.

I was going to buy a set of Vessel Megadora drivers but these Anex look nice too...

 

[kanai]

It was not the only items I bought from Japan though:

What is the Ko-ken tool in the middle there?

 

[M6erfan]

Apparently this new Anex driver works both as a normal driver for undamaged screws as well as an impact driver for damaged screws.

I was going to buy a set of Vessel Megadora drivers but these Anex look nice too...

There is nothing to indicate that Anex is an "impact driver". Most likely it is a simple striking cap driver. Not the same as the Vessel Impacta.

 

[pizza]

* vessel megadora impacta

i was kinda thinking the same thing just from looking at the pics in the anex leaflet, but i can't read japanese.

 

[M6erfan]

* vessel megadora impacta

Thanks, corrected my post

 

[TjoFrasse]

What is the Ko-ken tool in the middle there?

A tap holder for 3/8" ratchets. Koken 3131A-2 takes M5 to M12 taps.

 

[kanai]

There is nothing to indicate that Anex is an "impact driver". Most likely it is a simple striking cap driver. Not the same as the Vessel Impacta.

Agreed- thank you for the clarification. The Anex has no internal impact mechanism afaik.

 

[Brando_Damo]

I have two young nephews who are getting older and more capable. I’m piecing together a little starter tool box with some basic tools for each of them. Of course I’m using only Japanese stuff! There’s two of each item and I kept it all affordable with tools that don’t break the bank. I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not to add a ratchet, but I don’t really want to get into sockets and all that. I’m looking for a small Japanese inch/metric tape measure, but I haven’t seen anything yet.

Here’s what I have so far.
Any ideas of something that I should add?

 

[jaceq]

Southkorean Komelon is producing good tapes, this Handy should be quite handy, not far from Japan

 

[BTJHP]

Southkorean Komelon is producing good tapes, this Handy should be quite handy, not far from Japan

Yeah but it doesn't look like it has freedom units so I guess it's more of a show piece.

 

[eas311]

A few recent arrivals from Amazon Japan. All are very low price
(~$1.50-$7.00). Made in Japan except for the scissors (China) and the red/black Tone wrench holders are not marked with a COO.

Thanks to all of you that post YouTube reviews and unboxing videos as that serves as my inspiration for future purchases!

 

[Reed Prince]

I’m looking for a small Japanese inch/metric tape measure, but I haven’t seen anything yet.

I have a Tajima GS-16/5MBW. They make some less expensive ones too.

 

[mr.lemons]

Covid proof screwdriver.

From translation... The handle has an antibacterial agent added to it and the bits have an electroless nickel plating finish that can be disinfected with alcohol without rusting.

https://www.vessel.co.jp/news/detai...3WioIXMnoQO1IPKka06cLZJvIaV0iGSjAuOSM_yFft1Tk

I did not know about electroless nickel plating. There is some easy to understand info here.

https://karas.co.uk/electroless-plating-vs-electrolytic-plating-a-beginners-guide/

 

[nbpt100]

I have two young nephews who are getting older and more capable. I’m piecing together a little starter tool box with some basic tools for each of them. Of course I’m using only Japanese stuff! There’s two of each item and I kept it all affordable with tools that don’t break the bank. I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not to add a ratchet, but I don’t really want to get into sockets and all that. I’m looking for a small Japanese inch/metric tape measure, but I haven’t seen anything yet.

Here’s what I have so far.
Any ideas of something that I should add?

Vampliers....this is by far my best purchase of a Japanese tool. Curious why you are limiting it to only Japanese tools when there are so many excellent tools from many other regions of the world?

Covid proof screwdriver.

From translation... The handle has an antibacterial agent added to it and the bits have an electroless nickel plating finish that can be disinfected with alcohol without rusting.

https://www.vessel.co.jp/news/detai...3WioIXMnoQO1IPKka06cLZJvIaV0iGSjAuOSM_yFft1Tk

I did not know about electroless nickel plating. There is some easy to understand info here.

https://karas.co.uk/electroless-plating-vs-electrolytic-plating-a-beginners-guide/

I dont read Japanese but it looks like a nice set. I see the 2 pozidrive bits. Safe to assume the other is JIS cross point? Or a standard philips?

 

[Dave455]

Covid proof screwdriver.

From translation... The handle has an antibacterial agent added to it and the bits have an electroless nickel plating finish that can be disinfected with alcohol without rusting.

I did not know about electroless nickel plating. There is some easy to understand info here.

Well I’m not sure about the advantages of it being “COVID proof”, but that is interesting.

Most of these Vessel “ball handled” drivers are made in Thailand I think, but this one actually seems to be made in Japan.

And I’m delighted to see these available in Pozidriv. I’ve seen the similar tool that Vessel already offer, but lack of Pozidriv makes it unsuitable for about 75% of the screws I encounter.

Electroless nickel is nice. It’s been used in the small arms and aerospace industries for some years. To a certain extent, stainless steel works almost as well, but electroless nickel allows you to use much better steels, and tends to enhance the wear characteristics.

Stainless steel tends to be prone to “galling” and parts that wear against each other need to be made of different alloys, or hardened differently, to prevent this.

 

[mr.lemons]

Yes, just thought 'interesting' + pretty colour.
Though, with the increasing measures we are having to go through at work now with sterilising everything every five mins, this may be the future.

The original black version also has pozi.

'Bessel'
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E55DL4I/?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[Dave455]

The original black version also has pozi.

You’re right!

For some reason I thought they were all Phillips.

I generally prefer colours though. Most of what I work on is black. I have some Williams screwdrivers with black handles, and I have to count ‘em up after every job as they’re just too easy to leave behind!

 

[mr.lemons]

Most of what I work on is black.

Do you work for Ninjas?



I won't tell anyone.

 

[Dave455]

Do you work for Ninjas?



I won't tell anyone.

Hahaha!

No, but I work in engine bays with loads of black plastic, and vehicle interiors which all seem to be grey and black, so if you put a black handled screwdriver down and don’t keep track of it you just don’t notice!

My father, who was an airline pilot for many years, always advised me never to take anything black into a cockpit for the same reason! All his torches and pens were bright colours.

Anyway, no risk of that today. I stopped for lunch and decided it was too effin’ cold to continue. I have a chainsaw to work on in the warm instead...!

 

[Qualitytools]

Thanks for sharing mr.lemons. I like Vessel screwdrivers and this one is indeed an interesting set.

 

[measuredtwice]

I have the regular black version of the driver and it is also made in Japan. Some of the fixed ball grip drivers are made in Thailand.

Antibacterial plastic additives are intended to stop growth of bacteria not the transfer of virus like covid-19. But it sounds good for marketing. The plating might be an improvement though.

 

[measuredtwice]

Saw a photo of someone swapping the Megadora multi component handle with a Mac hard handle. I might try something similar. I like the Megadora handles but it's not as grippy as a 4 sided Williams/Snap-On handle. The hard handles are also easier to keep clean.

Possible avatar photo!

That old 1930s ball grip driver is cool.

 

[Brando_Damo]

Vampliers....this is by far my best purchase of a Japanese tool. Curious why you are limiting it to only Japanese tools when there are so many excellent tools from many other regions of the world?

I’m limiting it to Japanese gear just for fun basically!

 

[macgee]

I’m limiting it to Japanese gear just for fun basically!

You should be able to find a couple of good condition or couple new old stock socket sets made in Japan to help round out the tool sets.

Like this (just an example), there's a ton to choose from with low prices:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deluxe-21-pc-Forged-Socket-Set/193880109662?hash=item2d2427b25e:g:d2AAAOSw9dteoc6Z

https://www.ebay.com/itm/21-piece-METRIC-SOCKET-SET-WITH-HOLDER-case-Chieftain-Automotive-products-Japan/333864673942?hash=item4dbbe2a296:gSYAAOSwOVZf~5dD

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Buffalo-Drive-Socket-Set-1-4-and-3-8-21-Piece-02-248/143684612417?hash=item2174453141:g:1ZoAAOSwg1FfOGle

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Drop-Forge-Standard-1-4-Ratchet-Socket-Set-with-case-and-original/154304364495?hash=item23ed41bfcf:g:eYMAAOSwiAJgDO0d


But I'll bet they would both be super stoked to have this set in each of your gifted tool boxes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ko-ken-titanium-alloy-socket-set-TI4261M-18-points-Japanese-industrial-tool-rare/164348433404?hash=item2643ee13fc:g:sVAAAOSwOylfQKpx

 

[Brando_Damo]

You should be able to find a couple of good condition or couple new old stock socket sets made in Japan to help round out the tool sets.

Like this (just an example), there's a ton to choose from with low prices:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deluxe-21-pc-Forged-Socket-Set/193880109662?hash=item2d2427b25e:g:d2AAAOSw9dteoc6Z

https://www.ebay.com/itm/21-piece-METRIC-SOCKET-SET-WITH-HOLDER-case-Chieftain-Automotive-products-Japan/333864673942?hash=item4dbbe2a296:gSYAAOSwOVZf~5dD

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Buffalo-Drive-Socket-Set-1-4-and-3-8-21-Piece-02-248/143684612417?hash=item2174453141:g:1ZoAAOSwg1FfOGle

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Drop-Forge-Standard-1-4-Ratchet-Socket-Set-with-case-and-original/154304364495?hash=item23ed41bfcf:g:eYMAAOSwiAJgDO0d


But I'll bet they would both be super stoked to have this set in each of your gifted tool boxes

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ko-ken-titanium-alloy-socket-set-TI4261M-18-points-Japanese-industrial-tool-rare/164348433404?hash=item2643ee13fc:g:sVAAAOSwOylfQKpx

Those are pretty cool. I didn’t even think to look at stuff like that. Thanks!

I might have to wait on the Titanium set for now

 

[mr.lemons]

Are vintage (70s?) Japanese sockets any good. Referring to the sets above and the sets that used to be sold in the UK. I was under the impression they were on the low end/ cheaper side. If they are good quality, it would be worth buying a little set just for the sockets.

Another example.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JPI-1970...380565?hash=item1d00acddd5:g:RVkAAOSwm2pf-SNB

edit. I'm sure they would be great for nephews either way. They have a very nice retro look to them.