Chiyozuru Korehide

Perhaps the most legendary toolsmith in Japanese history. Born into a swordsmith family, Korehide Chiyozuru (1874–1957) elevated carpentry tools to the level of fine art. His blades are now exceptionally rare collector's items — when they appear at auction, they attract global attention from tool collectors and museum curators alike. Known for balancing utilitarian function with extreme aesthetic beauty, and for his exclusive use of Swedish and Togo Reigo steels that he considered superior to any Japanese steel of his era.