Talking of Birthday presents, mine finally arrived from Japan.

Sigma Power Select II 13,000 Ceramic Waterstone +

Special order Tsunesaburo Spokeshave Blade,

42mm Blue Steel + Wrought Iron. 

 

 

I used my Japanese Global knife to open them...

I like the double signature - but I have seen cleaner Ashi before.

The poor photo has caught a reflection off the lacquer layer -

which I have since cleaned off.

 

Thinner than a kanna blade would be, but nicely tapered.

 

And sharp from the packet (again there is a lacquer mark which is now off)