"Not a Tool Store" is a regular column on Paklan where I try to find better homes for my personal tools. Think of it as a living estate sale. Only subscribers can purchase these tools. The images in this post will look better in a browser.
July 29th 2026 – Not a Tool Store Entry #2 — Kiyohisa 54mm oire nomi bench chisel, slightly used
I’m selling this kiyohisa (previous generation) bench chisels in 54mm. A reputable smith, better than ok. A rare size, for sure. I haven’t seen many of this size, but they're even more rare from higher end smiths. As usual, this Kiyohisa blade’s distinct curve of the head as it dives into the neck parallel to the cutting edge is a hallmark.
In production, a wider chisel can make quick work of scoring or doing a final pass on a long grain wall. It’s also a good tool for tenon tuning. Or shoulder work, provided you are sharp enough and the cuts are thin enough. Kiyohisa is a good smith for paring and wide chisels, thanks to the quality of the finish work. The blade is also marked with a wholesaler, Naoyuki owned by Naohei, according to dealer Your Nokigiri. Likely, that means this chisel was made 20-40 years ago.
