Inlay Knife – Double Marking Knife

Inlay Knife – Double Marking Knife

In Toshio Odate’s book, Japanese Woodworking Tools(290426), he briefly mentions a double-bladed shirabiki or marking knife.This mysterious tool has generated much interest over the years, but has been nearly impossible to find in the States until now.

Primarily the shirabiki marks half-lap joints on kumiko (lattice) for shoji (Japanese paper screens). You will discover dozens of other applications for this graceful tool from laying out dadoes and bridle joints to marking for inlay and pattern work.Its pleasing subtle curves are comfortable to hold and to guide against a square.

Like most traditional Japanese tools, the maker laminates a hardened steel cutter to a milder steel backing for edge retention and toughness.By removing the thumbscrews, the sides of the knife spin open for sharpening. The blades spread apart with opposing thumbscrews from 3/32″ to 11/16″ wide. Overall length is 5-3/4″.