In 1984, Toshio Ōdate wrote an extraordinary book, Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use — and it became an instant classic. Japanese Woodworking Tools was the first book to introduce to the English-speaking world the tools, craftsmanship, tradition, and philosophy of the shokunin, the traditional Japanese craftsman who worked strictly with hand tools.

Today, nearly 40 years later, the tradition of the shokunin is becoming a lost art in Japan, and Ōdate is determined that this precious tradition of craftsmanship be preserved for future generations. To fulfill Ōdate’s pledge, LindenPublishing is proud to present a special limited hardback edition of Japanese Woodworking Tools. We have spared no effort to make this special edition a permanent, long-lasting book that will last for decades to come. Printed on acid-free paper, hardbound, and protected by a handsome slipcase, this is an archive-quality heirloom edition that will last for more than a lifetime. To add to the distinction of Toshio Ōdate’s legacy, each copy of this limited edition is numbered, signed by Toshio Ōdate, and handstamped by the author with his family crest.

Ōdate shows how each tool works, how it should be cared for and how it is meant to be used. He also shares stories and reminiscences that help bring home the traditions and spirit associated with each tool.

Japanese Woodworking Tools remains the only English-language source on the traditions and training of the shokunin. Calling on his own apprenticeship as a tategu-shi (sliding-door maker) and a lifetime of woodworking experience, Toshio Ōdate here offers a complete guide to Japanese tools: thin saws that cut on the pull stroke, laminated chisels with hollowed backs, marking tools, waterstones, axes, hammers, and almost 50 different planes.

A classic book now beautifully preserved in a long-lasting format, this signed and handstamped limited edition of Japanese Woodworking Tools is the ultimate collector’s item or gift for the discerning woodworker.

Toshio Ōdate is a master woodworker, schooled in the Japanese woodcraft tradition. He is the author of Making Shoji and Japanese Woodworking Tools.

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