McClain's Catalog
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Carving Tools

Professional Quality Tools

Futatsu Wari Moku Hanga To

Highest Quality Hand Forged Carving Tools

Moku Hanga Nomi

Large Hand Forged Chisels and Gouges

Superior Quality Tools

Josei Moku Hanga To

Hand Forged Carving Tools

Standard Quality Tools

Namisei Moku Hanga To

Machine Forged Carving Tools, best value

Aogami Moku Hanga To NEW!

Machine Forged Carving Tools from Michihamono

Tool Sets

Professional Tool Sets

Namisei Moku Hanga To Sets

Aogami Four Tool Set

Specialty Tools

NT Stencil Cutter

Also cuts paper, wood and linoleum

Moku Hanga Nomi

Moku Hanga Nomi - From left to right:
Fukagata Maru Nomi, Asagata Maru Nomi, Soai Nomi, Kento Nomi

Moku Hanga Nomi handles

Nomi are coming with a number of different handle styles now so do not be surprised if the tool you receive does not look like the one in the photo. The blades have not changed. Thank you for your understanding.

The blades on all the nomi are made of the highest quality steel, while the handles are lacquered kashi (Japanese oak), the strongest and most durable wood growing in Japan.

The Kento Nomi is used to make registration notches, and the handle on this tool is designed for use by hand, and not for use with a mallet. The length is about 6 inches.

The Maru Nomi and Soai Nomi have metal ferrules at the end of the handle, and are designed for use with a kizuchi, or wooden mallet. The metal rings prevent the wood handle from splitting when the nomi are tapped with a mallet. Many people also cut by hand with these tools. They are all around 8 inches long.

Maru and Soai Nomi are excellent for clearing large areas on the block with speed and efficiency. While they resemble carpentry tools in appearance, they have been modified to perform the exacting maneuvers necessary for cutting on a flat, horizontal surface.

For example, looking at the side of the Soai Nomi, notice that the blade and the shank gently taper in one long line towards the tip, a design that keeps the tool thin and light yet strong. The bevel is shallow, allowing the carver to comfortably push the tool through wood that is sitting flat on the table. The Soai Nomi has an arced tip or "bull nose" cutting edge unique to the Japanese chisel. In the course of creating this arc, the cutting edge is curved and the sharp corners that are found on Hira To or Western flat chisels are eliminated. The Soai Nomi cuts through wood easily without catching. It is a wonderful tool for clearing, and for taking off the tall, sharp ridges left by Komasuki, Maru To or Maru Nomi.