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
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!
Saw horses are an essential part of a flexible woodworking practice.
In this two day class we will layout (mark out) all the joinery for a pair of saw horses suited to support a bench. Final height and dimensions will be customized to the individual for maximum comfort and efficiency while working. Joinery will be a variety of advanced mortices and tenons, including wedged and pegged. The focus will then be on cutting and assembly of one saw horse. Leaving the second one to be finished at home if needed.
You sharpened and set up a Kanna (Japanese plane)! You made a pile of beautiful shavings! You resharpened a few times, made more shavings and now your plane needs some adjustment. Or, you want to expand your skills. This half day class focuses on the use and tweaking of the Kanna.
You will learn how to create a flat surface, how to square an edge, how to position your body and move while planing. You will also get plenty of time to practice and ask questions.
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.