Chisels

[Shuko]

Did the swordsmiths make their own chisels or were they usually made by a blacksmith?

 

What method was used in the Koto period to make the mekugi-ana?  e.g. the tapered style usually found on an old nakago 

 

Thanks in advance for any information.

[John C]

51 minutes ago, Shuko said:

What method was used in the Koto period to make the mekugi-ana

Clive:

My guess on this part of the question would be a "drift", which is a hardened steel punch of sorts. Usually a drift is tapered while a punch would be straight. The drift could easily be hammered through the hot, soft steel prior to quenching. Some of the swordsmiths and blacksmiths on the forum could tell you much more about it. 

John C.

[ROKUJURO]

Clive,

a swordsmith is certainly specialized in his field, but he can make all his tools by himself, tongs and hammers included!

As John explained, a conical drift will produce a conical (" tapered") hole in the NAKAGO, a much better feature than a drilled one!

[Larason2]

Jean is absolutely right. If you're interested, there's a Canadian who studied knife blade smithing in Japan, then returned to set up his own forge in Canada. He has videos showing how he made many of his own tools (similar process to his knives!).