Anyone familiar with Fujikawa professional chisels?

[Lemwise]

So after using the Matsumura White Paper chisel I planned on ordering some more from fine-tools. Something went wrong and the order didn't get through so I now have the time to do some more research before buying more chisels. I've read on toolsfromjapan that the Fujikawa professional line of chisel is well regarded by carpenters in Japan and the price is very reasonable. Does anyone here have some experience with these chisels? They're supposed to be very hard (68RC) so I was wondering if they're a pain in the bottom to sharpen and how the cutting edge holds up?

 

[derekcohen]

I've no experience, but I know Stu at Tools from Japan. Ask his opinion. He is very reliable and trustworthy.

For bench chisels I use Koyamaichi, and have done so for about 15 years. They are extremely good, both in performance and value-for-money. I work with very hard woods, and they hold up really well. Stu sells these as well. Ask for a comparison.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Lemwise]

I've heard of this guy and his reputation. On his site he says the following about the professional chisels:

Next there are the professional grade chisels, made with specifically selected 'white' steel and made to meet a standard, these chisels are highly regarded by professional craftspersons of all kinds, from the instrument maker to the temple builder. They offer professional performance at a very reasonable price.

I can get these from Workshop Heaven. That means no VAT or other taxes since the UK is still in the EU. I think I'm going to order one from them to try out this maker.

 

[Lemwise]

I received the Fujikawa 30mm chisel today and it really is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. The steel in the Fujikawa chisel is very hard, harder than the Matsumura. And now I also know when my Sigma Select II 6000 stone performs at its best. It does a good job on Western steels but it really shines on this hard White Paper steel.