Understanding Japanese Chisels (Nomi)
Japanese nomi traditional Japanese chisels are celebrated by woodworkers around the world for their exceptional steel, refined craftsmanship and reliable performance. Built very differently from most Western chisels, a nomi uses a laminated construction called awase, where a hard high-carbon steel cutting layer is forge-welded onto a softer iron backing. The cutting steels most commonly used are shirogami (“white paper steel”) and aogami (“blue paper steel”), both renowned for their ability to take a razor-sharp edge that lasts longer between sharpenings.
Kikuhiro Maru 10-Piece Japanese Chisel (Nomi) Set
A defining feature of the nomi is its hollow-ground back, known as the ura. This carefully forged concave hollow reduces the surface area that must be flattened, making sharpening faster and more precise. The ura also helps the chisel register consistently on the timber, reducing chatter and improving accuracy in fine joinery. Preserving this hollow is essential to maintaining the chisel’s long-term cutting performance.
Handles are typically crafted from Japanese red oak (aka-gashi) or white oak (shiro-gashi), chosen for their toughness and shock resistance. A steel hoop, called the katsura, is fitted to the end of the handle. When properly set and seated, it prevents splitting during mallet work and allows the chisel to deliver controlled force without damaging the handle.
Japanese nomi come in a wide range of specialised forms, each designed for a particular task. Oire-nomi are the all-purpose bench chisels found in most toolkits. Shinogi-nomi are mortise chisels built for heavier chopping. Usu-nomi are long, slender paring chisels ideal for delicate trimming, while mentori-nomi are shaped for chamfering and edge refinement. These variations reflect centuries of joinery tradition and an uncompromising approach to craftsmanship.
Standard sizes are 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 24mm, 30mm, 36mm, and 42mm.
For woodworkers who value precision, feedback and a truly refined edge, a well-sharpened nomi is more than a tool — it is a direct connection to Japan’s deep woodworking heritage and a joy to use at the bench.
