This report records a craftman’s technique of Mr. Yuji Funatsu, chisel blacksmith in Echigo-Yoita, Nigata prefecture, who is highly trusted by many excellent carpenters. His technique is based on not only traditional skills and methods in Yoita but also scientific research. In this paper, the reporter, also a blacksmith, tries to record Funatsu’s normal work process over the course of the 12 days in detail as if an apprentice tries to learn his master’s techniques. The result is following:
1 As a raw material, high-carbon steel of Yasuki Specialty Steel, White No.1 is used. In the process of fire polishing, forging and forge welding is carried out with a coke furnace and then forging is repeated 4 times with an electric furnace, which can adjust temperature gradually. Through this process, metallographic structure
is refined.
2 Modern machines such as grinders and paper files are used efficiently for metal forming. On the other hands, finishing process is done by traditional tools in a cross-legged position.
3 Hardening with pine charcoal is performed in the darkened room after sunset. Therefore, the quality of all the products including butt chisels is excellent with uniform heating and size. For tempering, oil heated by electricity is used.
4 The total number of the finished products during the 3 weeks of research is 52, which includes 43 butt chisels, 5 striking chisels, 1 small plane and 3 common planes.
5 Funatsu can take advantage of a variety of steel because of the scientific data accumulated by Mr. Kengo Usui, the master of Funatsu, and the experience of his own experiments. In spite of his age, 65 years old, his spirit of inquiry shows no sign of losing. Through continuous technical exchange with a master carpenters, he aims at a further progress as a blacksmith.
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