Chiyotsuru Korehide・千代鶴是秀

In the history of Japanese carpentry tools, **Chiyozuru Korehide (1874–1957)** is a legendary blacksmith often referred to as a “god” who transcended the status of a mere “master craftsman.”

He is known not only for creating “sharp tools,” but also for infusing them with artistic beauty and philosophy, thereby elevating the status of Japanese forged blades to the realm of fine craftsmanship.

1. The Pursuit of Beauty Beyond Sharpness
For Korehide, the fact that a tool was as sharp as a razor was merely a “prerequisite” and by no means the ultimate goal.

The pinnacle of functional beauty: He pursued artistry in every detail, from the curves of the blade to the boundary between the soft iron core and the hard steel.

Spirituality: He upheld the philosophy that “tools are not meant to cut, carve, or destroy wood, but rather to bring the life of the wood to the surface.”

2. The Bloodline of a Swordsmith and Superhuman Techniques
Korehide was a rare master blacksmith born amidst the turmoil of the Meiji era and the social upheaval of the ban on swords.

Lineage: Born into a family of renowned swordsmiths (the grandson of Chosai and Tsunetoshi), he infused the secret techniques of sword making into his woodworking tools.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship: The beauty of the “ura” (back) and the overall balance seen in his files and chisels are of such extreme precision that they are said to be impossible to reproduce even with modern technology.

3. The Overwhelming Rarity of the “Chiyotsuru” Signature
Due to his uncompromising perfectionism, very few of his works survive today.

Carefully Selected Signatures: He inscribed the “Chiyotsuru” signature only on pieces with which he was 100% satisfied.

Worth a House: Due to this rarity, his tools are treated not merely as tools, but as works of art. Many are housed in museums, and on the market, they can fetch prices high enough to purchase an entire house.

In a Nutshell
By elevating traditional sword-smithing techniques to the realm of woodworking tools and raising Japanese craftsmanship to the level of art, he is the most significant blacksmith in history.

Even today, he remains a “sacred” figure to blacksmiths in regions such as Sanjo and Miki, revered as a master whose works represent the ultimate standard to which they aspire.