Kiri

Gimlet / Awl

Hand-drilling tool. Types like Mitsume-kiri (three-point) and Yotsume-kiri (four-point) are used to cleanly bore starter holes for nails (kugi) without splitting the wood. The twisted body of a Mitsume-kiri cuts and clears chips simultaneously. Indispensable in Japanese woodworking where pre-boring for nails and screws prevents splitting in delicate joinery.

Stamp image pending — contribute one
CategoryDrilling
RegionsMiki, Hyogo · Sanjo, Niigata

This tool category is traditionally forged from the following steels. Click any to read its full metallurgical profile.

SoftwoodsHardwoods

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