What you're doing is fantastic, you're basically documenting a side of Japanese culture most foreigners will never see.

I wish I could share a laugh with the old man because Bro was struggling without clamps. That old timer had to step in and show em how it was done. Soon as I got into wood working I didn’t know how much all these guys relied on clamps. I never clamped or vised anything for 15 years as an electrician and never used power tools. First off it makes your back strong… hence the phrase” put some back into it” really your whole body and second I could feel what the old timer was feeling while our young friend here was looking like a toddler trying to open juice box! As a young man of 37 I gotta message to put out there and that’s “put some back into it”😊

Japan is, and always will be, the country of true master craftsmanship. When you think you know everything in your craft, a Japanese master will show you, that your just starting to scratch the surface. Japanese craftsmanship will never stop amazing me. I have only respect for these masters. Thank you for the video

It's so satisfying seeing the teeth start to shine again as he files them.

this is the type of person in society that i admire

@26:15 Aoki-san casually demonstrating incredible technique. Makes it look effortless. Full, complete strokes using the full set of teeth with a two-handed, gently grasping grip. Grip is rooted in the middle, ring, and pinky finger’s grasp with index finger guiding. In many martial arts this same grip is understood to be best for directing your, or anothers’ force, especially in sword or staff techniques. The rest of the body mechanics are great also, stable, with minimal loss of energy or overworking. Usually only see this technique from those doing it a long time. Learned so much from this video.. thank you for letting us learn over your shoulder as you learn over Aoki-san’s shoulder. I am an apprentice for 2 years now in Corea and cannot thank you enough for sharing these videos of meeting with craftspeople and getting to hear and see their expertise and teachings~ Thank you! ❤

Thank you so much for sharing this gem of a document. Very few Westerners have ever laid hands on an antique Japanese saw. This is a mythical tool, so emblematic. However, being an old woodworker myself, I would like to draw your attention to a little error you committed @ 27:11. You started your cut ripping out the grain. If you had turned the log 180° you would be sawing DOWN the grain, not AGAINST it. The saw would not chatter so much. The same principal as planing, except sometimes we have to plane end grain. Also, I'm a bit of a maniac about securing and very tightly holding down wood so it cannot move. Hence all the energy goes into the cut, and is not lost in the "bounce". Now that I have dared to speak, I would like to express my very deep respect and love of Japanese culture, Art, and Craft. I bow down in humble recognition of your ancient culture. So is mine, I am from Egypt, and our Ancient People were Master too. A long tome ago. Greetings from France, sadly a dead culture, also once a very great nation, under kings, not presidents.

Thanks for doing this. It will age like fine wine.

He's essentially designing the teeth on the fly. It did not seem like there were many bevels to follow. Takes a long time to be able to do this by hand with such tiny teeth. I think sharpening is easy when it comes to a hatchet or an axe but sharpening 100s of little chisels like this, with complex angles, that all need to work together is extremely difficult. I've Sharpened a very small amount of a 4ft saw for green wood (big teeth) and I didn't finish. It's annoying work. You need patience. He touched on that a bit. He truly is a master.

That gentleman’s accent is freaking awesome! Thank you. And あけましておめでとうございます！！

I've done this for a Silky arborist saw blade. It's really time consuming, but I was able to get another three years out of the blade. The problem was trying to find a similar file as the one shown in this video. I found it off eBay from a Japanese seller who specializes in musical repair tools.

I like the vice he made to hold the blade.

I have never seen anything like that in the second hand shops here. Why are you making me want to go shopping....lol. Thank you for such a wonderful and educational video. I have wanted to try to sharpen my own saws but it all seems so confusing (crosscut). Keep the videos coming, I love them. :))

The first thing he did was level the teeth, then he hits the teeth until the flat spot is gone, then the saw is sharp and each tooth is cutting the same. I agree with the old man - I'm an old man myself - sharpening is never fun, but it is necessary. (the first files cut on both sides, the finish files only cut on one side - one side of the file is smooth, with no riffles) @ 14:24 , that is the sound of a sharp saw - I love that sound! (use the whole saw; long strokes, to wear all the teeth evenly. Don't grip too tight, let the saw 'float' in your hand.) Since you're cutting outdoors, with the Sun, position the Sun over your shoulder, right shoulder in this case. Once you cut 'with the Sun' you will never be as happy cutting under artificial light! The reason you start a cut with the heel of the saw is due to harmonics - the heel is 'stiffer'. In saw sharpening, the amount and direction of light is important. Too much light is no good. Experimentation is important. I love how the old man warmed up to the task! He started a little unwilling and cold. He finished as the Master he still is. Note the sawdust. The dust tells you when to resharpen.

I am so glad I watched this in 4k on a big screen not my mobile, such good camera work capturing the master. I enjoyed listening to his unromantic views on his job.

this artisan is a "museum piece" that tell us about an era in which tools and things were repaired and not trowed away

what a beautiful technique, the love and effort japanese craftsman put in every work is unbelievable

This is part of the Japanese culture I love so much. We should all aspire to this level of creativity.

Love the attention to detail japanese craftsman seem to have when practicing their craft

I feel you and your wife are a great team. Truly enjoy the way you bring Japanese carpentry culture to video.

thanks for the demonstration Mr. Aoki! I learned some new useful things.

Beautiful work! This old man is a true Master.

I saw your earlier video and you had a Hawaiian shirt on, so you are becoming bilingual? Wonderful stuff you are sharing, I have a fairly comprehensive share of western planes and chisels, but have learned the oriental origins and its fascinating. Great work!

It is interesting to see skilled craftsmen. Unfortunately, everyone seems to be old and no one young wants to learn the different types of crafts.

Based on his own explanations and way of working, I observe that he uses sound, and visual + direct light to know how many strokes are enough for a teeth. Of course a lot more things enable him the mastery to his craft, and those would be gathered knowledge & experience plus his tools which are also probably master made else where.

This is fantastic! I'd been searching for years for a video about the japanese saw sharpening process for crosscut. Thank you so much for this! First time I ever saw how it's done.

I'm not even a hands on person but I love watching these videos

Thank you for all this wonderful information! I've been working on sharpening Japanese saws, this helps a lot!

Thank you for share… I used to use Stanley saws until I meet Japanese saws, now I have 3 comercial saws but, for me , they are awesome, I can’t imagine how are the finest Japanese saws.

Bud you've got something going good for you stay around the old times this is where Knowledge and wisdom is made.you will go far this way my new friend

This was fantastic, thank you!!!

Files have 'Cut numbers' #00 > #8. There are 'German Cut Numbers' and Swiss'..

Now it is plainly clear to me that if I wish to use these types of traditional Japanese tools here in the States I must learn how to sharpen and maintain them myself. Thank you. I use Tulip Poplar (Yellow Poplar) in my timber framing a lot. It takes this type of traditional joinery very well, and it is plentiful where I am. It's just a little tricky to dry and needs special care in the kiln to keep it straight and true.

Thank you for sharing your work with us, Aoki-san! This is very helpful.

Thank you. These videos are amazing. Please keep sharing.

i bought several japanese files and a diamond file. sharpened 15 saws this last 30 days and i found out that the Yamaguchi diamond file does the best job for me

Fascinating... Thank you for sharing this.

What a beautiful experience and a beautiful thanks for sharing. This was very refreshing in the mix of overhyped KZfaq videos.

Do you prefer the older stock ryoba in your daily use? What advantages do you think the older stock ryoba has over the newer ones with the impulse hardened teeth? I recently got a Kakuri 270 mm saw, but not long after I happened to win an auction of 3 old stock unused 270 mm ryoba. I'm trying to decide if I want one or the other if I should keep both. I happened to find videos showing that the new ryoba can be sharpened with a diamond feather file. Your opinions on this topic will help me further determine what to do. Sorry for the mouth full and thanks for your time and dedication! You're great!

Great video. Well done.

What a wonderful video, thanks for sharing it. Also, Happy New Year !

If there were metate scattered around the US, I would replace my (mostly frame) saws with this style in a second. Evidence over argument, I really appreciate the existence of local saw shop for circ saw blades. Even they are underpaid and understaffed. It's a difficult field to be in.

I'm always fascinated with people who are experts in their craft, especially if I know nothing about it.

Nice! I believe the first I’ve found with the entire “metate” process and fine tuning tapping with explanatory comments. really helpful 👍👍

Thank you for another great video by an expert craftsperson

It ist fantastic to listen the Master! To hear the voice when he files the saw. It seems he listens the voice of the metal - the saw or the file!! My question is if he files the right teeth in the right direction and vice versa the left teeth in the left direction on the saw for in-grain- cut? Best wishes to you and especially the old Master!

First video I see this year, thank you for uploading this a few hours before midnight. Happy new year

A lot of rispects for this older man! Very fine job! Thank you for good content videos what you make!! I lovet carpenter works!! Everything what made with hand's!

Very very nice. Thank you for sharing this information and culture. Greetings from Germany

Your ryoba saw is big size 👍👍. I like it ❤️❤️

Thank you Happy New Year

That saw is a sharp!! Go's like knife in butter!!👌👍☺️✌️

I have just found you channel its amazing will be sharing with all my friends

Hey I absolutely love your videos, I just found you while looking for something to watch while sharpening my tools, perfect! This is off topic but would you guys document the process of making hoshigaki? If it's too late this year next year would be awesome. Love your channel!

Thank you so much for documenting this. Even if most of the saws I own are western type, most of these sharpening principles are the same. I am trying to find more information about how to correct saws veering to one side and this was quite helpful.

You are very generous, Metate is not very shared... Thank you so much!

camillio oil is fantastic! I buy it from a german retailer which obviously imports it from Japan. Very good to take care of your precious tools. For something that you don't use much I recommend also wrapping it in paper.

We'll be looking forward to seeing an episode checking out those second hand stores for tools. 😅

I have sharpened western saw. It's a long process to do it right. The same steps are used. I like his saw vice. Way less expensive than the one I purchased.

Thanks!

Спасибо! Твоя подача материала очень скрупулезно, это ценно.

良く切れている音して、思い通りに使えそうですね！骨董市にも足を運んでみてください！

Just discover and am binging my way through your videos. I will be in Tokyo, next month, and am wondering if you can recommend any shops that sell second hand hand tools.

This is careful camera work that really helps. Thank you. BTW, are you ever open to meeting other KZfaqrs in Japan, who either like or are doing carpentry?

Please review rhe saw clamp at minute 4:31 What is name on japanese language

the Japanese trapezium files sweet , fine or other names ? hardened saws can you sharpening or not ?

Good isn't he, so patient

Hello, great job, congratulations, do not help if the sharpened file was a little longer? Thank you

I sharpen my Disston saws, interestingbthst he has the saw at 30° to sharpen. That one stroke push is important. That double sided in the same saw is interesting..oh my he set the saw teeth with a hammer on each tooth....

Giữ gìn truyền thống là việc làm rất có ý nghĩa. Trên thực tế tôi vẫn thích dùng cưa tay truyền thống

O véio faz isso a “só” 40 anos 😮 Será que manja ou não?! 😅

I've also bought a old ryoba from a second hand shop and it seems to be made by a blacksmith that no longer makes tool but apparently was a gunsmith? And still makes knives. I'm still trying to collect feather files for its sharpening and repair.

うちの親父も鋸研いでたなぁ。私も最近研いでみました。切れるかどうかはわからん。

Cette vidéo m’a beaucoup appris. Malheureusement, ici au Québec (Canada), en Amérique devrais-je dire, il y a peu d’endroits où acheté ces types de limes. Je vais quand même tenter ma chance dans un endroit spécialisé offrant quatre types de ces limes.

Can they actually be sharpened? Since most Japanese saw are impulse hardened and therefore consumable or disposable.

Saya suka semua tentang jepang andai bisa ingin datang langsung 😔😔

thx for the video. i have severals saws to sharpen soon next comming year on my job :) i have a qeustion those feather files i saw some on the website of the tool shop (kurashige) you showed in another video tough they only sell 75mm and 100mm files for low price i wonder do you know where i can get longer files? for around the same price as they where offering it?

i could use some of those featherfiles for my own saws

Finally! The info I've been looking for. I have all my old saws from when I was there for a decade in the nineties. I worked like you are now. With some Miae Daiku San, in Utsunomya for a few years. Buildibg traditional homes. They gave me as a gift. my first saws. and i still have them. along with all my planes and chisels. My prized possessions! Any ideas of how i can find those files?

I think that when the saw "sings" it has been flexed away from the straight line. There should be only two sounds: pull and push. These should be in a regular rhythm and at a steady volume. I am also a musician by the way, so sound is my world. It's the same with all tools: planes whistle, files and rasps (push and pull too) tend to "bark". Japanese tool: pull, lift, push (sail), pull. Western tool: push, lift, pull (sail), push. You have to breathe with your tool, and show it Love. You must work together, not one against the other. The tool is your friend, show him love and respect.

Weird question, but what pants are you wearing btw? I love the look of them and would like to try a pair.

5 dollars for a saw of beuty and history damn

Okisan didnt like the sound? How did he know😮

May I know what is the name of the clamp he is using to hold the saw in place?

Does this mean in those 'Interchangeable blades' we pay for the work of sharpening? 😢

Does anyone happen to know any sharpeners that will accept a saw from the US and send it back? Or is there a person stateside? Thank you anyone who answers.

27:10 If I were cutting with a European saw, this is exactly what I would do. A Japanese saw cannot be cut in this way; it works in a “pull” motion and at the moment it encounters fibers sticking up and jams. It's strange to see a Japanese person not knowing how to saw with a Japanese saw.

So if the saw cost you 500Y, how much did you pay for sharpening?

လွှတွေးတဲ့သဇင်လေးကောင်းတယ် ရခြင်ပါတယ်

excues me where japan?

I love this, but I'd love to see you cutting wood and making joints again. In particular, I'd love to see you expand on the explanation in kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o5ehh9KeuLzKiGw.html and show / explain how the joints of those curved trunk-beams are cut. I did not understand what the 70% and 30% mentioned referred too. Could you perhaps make a scale model to demonstrate the process?

How much is for the sharpening fee?

I'm a craftsman in my free time. For many years in the west I would stop buy yardsales, and overpay for vintage and antique tooling, that I'd then restore. Idk why I enjoy it, but I do. Lots of 100yr old hand planes, saws, and axes. Im a smithy in my free time as well, and build alot of my own tooling. I moved to Tokyo a few years back; Roppongi, and sadly there are no yardsales, and thrift shops are few and far between. I've purchased an obscene amount of old tools whenever I stumble across them in thrift shops around Japan, and now have an obscene collection. Japanese tooling is only finish work tooling. It makes no sense to me. You will never find a saw with an actual kurf, and you'll encounter the same when it comes to restoration of tooling as well. Lots of fine files and stones, lots of straight kurfed saws, but nothing that's really meant to removed mass amounts of material. It's hard to explain, but everything I encounter is finished work tooling. I've sharpened alot of saws, and restored an obscene amount of tooling throughout my life, pounded alot of hammers, axes, quenched alot of metal. Though I really enjoy this artisan approach to tooling, the quality isn't representative of master craftsman, like this channel portrays. I mean I'm sure there are plenty, but if you're in the west and you purchase a 100yr old tooling, I can almost guarantee the quality will be infinitely superior to anything you'll encounter in Japan, from any era. Idk if it's because of the difference in heat treat, and metal urgy, but anything 100 yr is hand crafted; whether it be in the west or Japan. I think that in the west we really take for granted the quality of our vintage tooling. I think alot of this master artaisin and craftsman approach, this dedication to a craft is nothing more than a portrayal of Japan, that's massively overhyped; it's a stigma. It's really just perception. I had this perception when I moved to Japan all of my coworkers would be hard working, dedicated, when in reality they're all lazy af, do the bare minimum, and I'm consistently having to hold people's hand. I think most of it is just this glamorized, western perception we have of Japan. It's a vastly different country, when you're here in person, and feels more synonymous with WISH, than it does with master craftsman, espousing generations of trade secrets. If you're a Westerner that purchases old Japanese tooling from Ebay, I think your heart will be broken, and the entirety of your presuppositions will be shattered. They're not bad, but I can guarantee the saw in your dad's or grandpa's garage is equal to, or superior than, Japanese, vintage tooling. We see the same thing with optics. Japanese glass isn't bad, some is really, really good. High-end European glass, there's no comparison though. I'd take my ZC to my Razor any day. If you know, we'd probably be friends. Regardless, I enjoy it all, and I'm glad I stumbled across this channel. When I Moved to Tokyo I envisioned myself spending time with these blacksmiths, learning old Japanese trade secrets. Sadly nothing yet, but someday I'll travel around Hokkaido, paying old men to teach me their secrets, lol.

The Master sharpener is a truly master. But most japanese couldnt read Kanji.