In reading this, it made me think of a conversation I was having last night with a friends. That being that many of the Japanese toolmakers have and did build temples/shrines in Japan. During the 5 years I lived there, the shrines were one of the peaceful and pleasant places to visit, especially in Tokyo (i.e., Meiji Shrine between Yoyogi and Harajaku).

I can’t help but wonder if the name is somehow tied into that tradition, or if it’s believed and/or meant that there’s truely a GOD (or being) within the tool. Shinto is an interesting way of belief, and most of my in-laws are Shinto. The Shinto have a spiritual belief which I tend to favor over western religions, although I’m not religious by any means. It is no surprise that there is such a spiritual following to woodworking in Japan, or that such a name would be tied to a tool, but it makes sense.

It is most interesting that there is little to do with woodworking tools from this company, and would be most interesting to know how it evolved. Please let the rest of us know if you find out!;-)

Thaks. I tweaked the text above to include links to the other Shinto rasp forms.

Chris

Bill.

It came in handy lately when I was getting rid of some nicks in my jointer blades. In the past, I would have worked away for a long time with fine grit and then, once I was both exhausted and frustrated enough, I’d reluctantly go back to something a little more coarse and work my way back to the finest grit. I know, sounds ridiculous but it’s true. Keeping your "coarse, medium, fine classification system" in mind has saved me a lot of work. Thanks for pointing it out!