Description
Power Grip Japanese Wood / Lino Carving Chisels — Set of 5
Forged by Mikisyo Hamono, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
What’s in the box
A compact grey travel case doubles as a bench-top stand and houses five razor-sharp carving tools:
| Width (approx.) | Shape (Japanese name) |
|---|---|
| 3 mm U-gouge (Maru-tō) | Cutting hair-thin furrows, fine stippling, tight curves |
| 6 mm U-gouge (Maru-tō) | Clearing small hollows, modelling mid-tone textures |
| 4.5 mm V-gouge (Sankaku-tō) | Engraving crisp outlines, cross-hatching, lettering |
| 7.5 mm skew knife (Hangitō) | Slicing clean edge cuts, trimming borders, plunge cuts |
| 8 mm flat chisel (Aisuki) | Levelling backgrounds, clearing waste, inlaying highlights |
Each blade is a 3 cm billet of double-laminated steel—hard high-carbon core for edge retention, cushioned by softer cladding to absorb shock. Mikisyo artisans hone every edge by hand to a mirror polish, so the tools arrive shave-ready.
We also sell 1.5 mm Fine Detail Cutting Tools.
Ergonomics & build quality
The Power Grip handle is shaped from red beech and measures 14.5 cm overall. Its hour-glass profile flares to 19 mm at the thumb web and narrows to 10 mm near the heel, letting you choke up for pencil-like finesse or drive from the base for power cuts. Use your spare palm as a “push cap” when extra force is needed—ideal for dense cherry or stubborn lino.
Versatility across media
- Woodblock printmakers can carve both kento registration notches and silk-fine feathers on the same block.
- Linocut artists will appreciate how the factory grind glides through soft vinyl without tearing.
- General woodworkers can refine dovetail shoulders, relief carvings and small furniture details with surgical accuracy.
- Mobile makers benefit from the compact case: toss it into a rucksack for plein-air block carving or workshops.
Care & longevity
Strop the edge lightly on compound-charged leather between sessions; a full resharpen is seldom needed thanks to the laminated construction. A dab of camellia oil prevents oxidation in humid studios.
Who it suits
Absolute beginners gain confidence because these lino cutting tools cut cleanly with minimal pressure, while experienced printmakers and wood-artists can push the steel hard without chipping. Teachers, too, value the set for classroom resilience and the protective case.
Dr Liz Royle –
quick. good quality tool – Ill be back
Mr MARK JACOBS –
Great products and good pricing with excellent customer service
Mrs Amanda Slinn –
Ordered a tool set , it was out of stock due to high demands. Luke kept me updated regularly. I said I’m prepared to wait . He constantly kept me informed of progress. I have now received tool set with two sheets of lino as a good will guesture. Excellent customer service. Well done!
Toni –
Fantastic products, great prices and a wonderful hands-on service – Luke stayed in touch regarding my delivery and offset any issues before they happened. Excellent company – highly recommend!
Chris –
Excellent products, good rapid service. What else could you ask for?