Nisaku Tools by Japanese Craftsmen
A visit to Tomita Cutlery in Tsubame begins a look at Japanese garden tools
In the world of Japanese gardens, many things are discussed, scrutinized and copied, but the tools used to create them often go overlooked.
Nisaku Tools by Japanese Craftsmen marks a beginning for Koi Waters Online Magazine as we set out to look at the well-crafted tools used by master gardeners in Japan and around the world.
Japanese Garden Tools From Nisaku in Tsubame
Our first stop is Nisaku Tools in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Tsubame neighbors Sanjo, a city well recognized for the craftsmen and craftswomen who make garden shears, pruners and knives.
Nisaku, a brand of Tomita Cutlery Co., Ltd., is well known for its digging knives, commonly called hori hori knives outside Japan. The Nisaku NJP650 or Nisaku No. 800 are the two most famous tools with the mirror-polished stainless steel No. 650 highly sought after.
A Family Commitment to Peace
Third Generation owner and President, Hiroshi Tomita told me how the company began life prior to World War II by his grandfather. According to Hiroshi San, after his grandfather’s death, the family learned that he wanted them to pursue only tools that promoted peace. It was a tall order, but one that Hiroshi-san took to heart. It was with this objective and love of the trade that the Tomita family began Tomita Cutlery and later established the Nisaku ‘brand’ under the Tomita Cutlery umbrella.
“My grandfather’s wish resonates deeply with me and guides the vision behind my work,” Hiroshi told me during a meeting at the company’s corporate headquarters in Tsubame. Hiroshi himself is an unassuming, joyful man who cares about the tools that he and his company make.
Inside the Nisaku Factory
Nisaku takes pride in its Japanese manufacturing. The company sources all materials from within Japan and manufacturing processes are entirely at their Japanese facility in Tsubame.
Checking steel hardness is a critical step at Nisaku Tools The polishing step for their mirror finish is important Filing the finished tool to proper sharpness at Nisaku Tools
Click photos to enlarge
During my visit to the Tsubame factory, I watched the team stamp steel into its initial form and heat-treat it in the onsite furnace to establish its hardness. This heating is the “quenching” process that reflects expertise Tomita Cutlery has developed over many years. I followed the manufacturing process through to polishing and packaging. At each station along the production line it was obvious that each individual tool was done right. Stopping in the middle of a process to check and start over if needed showed the care put into their work.
Nisaku isn’t a blacksmith shop; it’s a manufacturing facility.
From the Garden to the Kitchen
It would be wrong to think of Nisaku Tools as only Japanese Garden equipment. The Parent Company, Tomita Cutlery, is the giveaway. In addition to world-class Japanese Garden implements, the Nisaku Tools factory also makes a highly sought-after line of precision kitchen tools. Specifically, the Nisaku Namiba Wave Blade Bread Knife. There are also palette knives for icing that many bakeries use in Japan and the World.
Built with Pride
A small but dedicated team of men and women makes Nisaku’s tools both functional and beautiful, earning the company admiration and respect. If you are looking for a world-class tool for your garden or kitchen, Nisaku Tools in Tsubame, Niigata, Japan, is a great place to begin that journey.
can be found on Amazon.com for purchases outside Japan.
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