In the first of this series we will journey deep into the subtleties of sharpening by hand using Japanese water stones. We will discuss and experiment the use of Nagura stone, Blue stone, 4000, 8000 and finer stones as well as trying several grades of natural finish stones from Mokuchi’s private collection.
A sharp tool is a joy, an ultra sharp blade is a delight.
Sharpening with Japanese Waterstone
Required
– 1000/6000 sharpening stone
– Each student should bring one or more dull blades. Mokuchi also provides purchasing options for edge tool or knives from Japanese suppliers.
Contact Mokuchi to purchase tools. As a Japanese tool retailer Mokuchi provides guidance on selecting tools and a student discount.
4-6 maximum
Mokuchi Studio – Port Jervis
7 – 9pm
Kumiko patterns are the decorative geometric forms that traditionally accent Japanese shoji screens. More recently the patterns are used in furniture and lighting.
In class, you will learn the basics of making kumiko patterns. Including how to prepare material, make the jigumi grid that houses the pattern, and cut the many pieces that make up a pattern. We will also look at a variety of jigs used in the preparation of kumiko stock and cutting pattern pieces. Everyone will make a trivet based on the popular asa-no-ha pattern. A variety of other patterns will also be discussed.
In this one day class you will become familiar with the iconic Kanawa joint.
It is a popular scarf joint in the Japanese tradition and a great addition to your bag of tricks! The day will be spent going over the layout and cutting of this advanced joint.
A few variations will be covered and enough time set aside for you to have a go at cutting your first one!
Whether you are a chef, a foodie or enjoy cooking, a sharp knife is a thing of beauty and turns chopping into a joyous activity!
In this class you will learn how to redress an abused cutting edge as well as how to routinely maintain a good edge on your knifes using user friendly Japanese water stones.
A sharp knife is a safe knife!
You will gain a broad understanding of how Japanese woodworking distinguishes itself from Western approaches during this two hour talk and demonstration. The session will include an overview of traditional hand tools used in a range of work scale, from making small objects to full size timber frame building. This will be followed by a brief demonstration of the use of all basic tools: nomi (chisel), kanna (plane), nokogiri (saw) and marking tools including sashigane (square) and sumitsubo (ink line).
Everyone will be invited to pull a Japanese plane and make a thin wood shaving! A short history will be given along with key design element and aesthetic preferences. Lastly, of course, joinery will be discussed with samples to handle.