What you’ll learn
You picked up that beautiful Japanese chisel, or that sleek pull saw… but don’t know how to use them. Struggling with your Japanese tools? Can’t get clean cuts? Confused by sharpening techniques?
With this course learn to confidently tune and sharpen kanna and chisels.
I created this Japanese woodworking course because, when I first started, I was overwhelmed by the tools, confused by the techniques, spent time and resources on the wrong tools and methods. This is why I created this step-by-step path to understanding the tools, the philosophy, and the joy of Japanese woodworking, so others can start their journey with clarity and confidence.
Together, we’ll ease into the basics, starting with the philosophy behind woodworking in Japan and the simple beauty of its core techniques. Along the way, we’ll explore:
How to use a Japanese pull saw with intention and care
Setting up, sharpening, and using a Japanese hand plane—plus how to read the shavings and understand what they’re telling you
Sharpening and preparing a Japanese chisel for clean, precise cuts
And finally, bringing all of it together to cut the mortise and tenon—the foundational joint of Japanese joinery
This is what you will learn inside this course.
The essential tools for beginners — and what to avoid
Sharpening basics using traditional waterstones
How to read grain and make precise pull cuts
Intro to joinery: fit without glue, nails, or screws
You’ll receive a complete list of tools and materials needed for the course, including accessible alternatives for any specialized items.
For where to buy tools, refer to buyer's guide available for purchase here.
Requirements:
This course requires participants to have a piece of wood that is milled square for the joinery section. The piece I will be using is 1 1/2" x 2" x 36." However, these dimensions can be modified according to your needs.
A flat surface or a workbench is essential for the course, though instruction on building a workbench is not provided. However, a PDF with work surface options is included. Additionally, a workbench plan is available for purchase on my website here.
This is a space to slow down, work with your hands, and learn at your own pace. Let’s get started!
Introduce your course
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.
Testimonials
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
A QUIET FORM OF WORK
This way of working requires a quiet mind, allowing your hands to do all the thinking.
When everything else in our lives is chaotic, it’s important to have something to enrich your soul and still your busy thoughts. This craft has been that for me. Nothing else matters other than the tenon I have to cut in front of me. I hope you can experience this too.
Launch Sale
Learn the foundations to setting up and using the three basic Japanese tools: saw, chisel, and Hand plane. (nokogiri, nomi, and kanna) as well as a foundation to joinery: the mortise and tenon.
Meet your instructor
Nolan Hatfield
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
*Disclaimer:
Please note that this course involves the use of sharp tools common in traditional Japanese woodworking. Participants are advised to exercise caution and prioritize safety at all times while working with these tools. By participating in this course, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and agree to take all necessary precautions when handling sharp tools. The course provider is not liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur during the course. Always thoughtfully work within your comfort level.
Return Policy:
No refunds on digital products
